bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intranuclear Aggregates Precede Clinical Onset in Oculopharyngeal Muscular Dystrophy
Authors: van der Sluijs B.M. , Raz V. , Lammens M. , van den Heuvel L.P. , Voermans N.C. , van Engelen B.G.M. 
Published: March 2016

Background: Oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy (OPMD) has long been characterized by a combination of bilateral ptosis and dysphagia and subsequent limb girdle weakness. The role of the typical intranuclear inclusion in the pathophysiology is unresolved. Objective: The aim of this study was to describe the clinical and histopathological features of oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy (OPMD). We examined this in a Dutch cohort including presymptomatic Ala-expanded- PABPN1 carriers and late symptomatic patients. Methods: We performed a prospective, observational study in OPMD patients and adult children of genetically confirmed OPMD patients. The study includes a structured history, a detailed neurological examination, muscle histology and biochemical analysis. Forty patients and 18 adult children participated in this study, among whom were six presymptomatic mutation carriers. One patient died during the study and had given permission to autopsy. Results: In addition to the characteristic OPMD symptoms including ptosis and dysphagia, other symptoms such as limb girdle and axial weakness, and external ophthalmoplegia were frequently observed. Intranuclear aggregates were observed in the biopsies of presymptomatic carriers. Biochemical analysis of the biopsies of the presymptomatic carriers showed no mitochondrial dysfunction. The autopsy showed that muscle weakness correlated with histopathological findings in five different muscles in an individual patient. Conclusions: The main findings of this nationwide study are the presence of intranuclear aggregates before clinical onset and the absence of mitochondrial changes in Ala-expanded- PABPN1 carriers. This indicates that the expression of Ala-expanded- PABPN1 causes the formation of nuclear aggregates before the onset of muscle weakness. Normal results of biochemical analysis in presymptomatic carriers suggest that possible mitochondrial dysfunction occurs later. Furthermore we confirmed that limb girdle weakness occurs frequently in Dutch OPMD patients. This study thus expands the OPMD research towards characterization of presymptomatic carriers.
Non-destructive evaluation of teeth restored with different composite resins using synchrotron based micro-imaging
Authors: Fatima A. , Kulkarni V.K. , Banda N.R. , Agrawal A.K. , Singh B. , Sarkar P.S. , Tripathi S. , Shripathi T. , Kashyap Y. , Sinha A. 
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND: Application of high resolution synchrotron micro-imaging in microdefects studies of restored dental samples. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to identify and compare the defects in restorations done by two different resin systems on teeth samples using synchrotron based micro-imaging techniques namely Phase Contrast Imaging (PCI) and micro-computed tomography (MCT). With this aim acquired image quality was also compared with routinely used RVG (Radiovisiograph). METHODS: Crowns of human teeth samples were fractured mechanically involving only enamel and dentin, without exposure of pulp chamber and were divided into two groups depending on the restorative composite materials used. Group A samples were restored using a submicron Hybrid composite material and Group B samples were restored using a Nano-Hybrid restorative composite material. Synchrotron based PCI and MCT was performed with the aim of visualization of tooth structure, composite resin and their interface. RESULTS: The quantitative and qualitative comparison of phase contrast and absorption contrast images along with MCT on the restored teeth samples shows comparatively large number of voids in Group A samples. CONCLUSIONS: Quality assessment of dental restorations using synchrotron based micro-imaging suggests Nano-Hybrid resin restorations (Group B) are better than Group A.
Valx: A System for Extracting and Structuring Numeric Lab Test Comparison Statements from Text
Authors: Hao Tianyong , Liu Hongfang , Weng Chunhua 
Published: March 2016

SummaryObjectives: To develop an automated method for extracting and structuring numeric lab test comparison statements from text and evaluate the method using clinical trial eligibility criteria text.Methods: Leveraging semantic knowledge from the Unified Medical Language System (UMLS) and domain knowledge acquired from the Internet, Valx takes seven steps to extract and normalize numeric lab test expressions: 1) text preprocessing, 2) numeric, unit, and comparison operator extraction, 3) variable identification using hybrid knowledge, 4) variable – numeric association, 5) context-based association filtering, 6) measurement unit normalization, and 7) heuristic rule-based comparison statements verification. Our reference standard was the consensus-based annotation among three raters for all comparison statements for two variables, i.e., HbA1c and glucose, identi -fied from all of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes trials in ClinicalTrials.gov.Results: The precision, recall, and F-measure for structuring HbA1c comparison statements were 99.6%, 98.1%, 98.8% for Type 1 diabetes trials, and 98.8%, 96.9%, 97.8% for Type 2 diabetes trials, respectively. The pre -cision, recall, and F-measure for structuring glucose comparison statements were 97.3%, 94.8%, 96.1% for Type 1 diabetes trials, and 92.3%, 92.3%, 92.3% for Type 2 diabetes trials, respectively.Conclusions: Valx is effective at extracting and structuring free-text lab test comparison statements in clinical trial summaries. Future studies are warranted to test its generaliz-ability beyond eligibility criteria text. The open-source Valx enables its further evaluation and continued improvement among the collaborative scientific community.
STANDING SHOCK INSTABILITY IN ADVECTION-DOMINATED ACCRETION FLOWS
Authors: Le Truong , Wood Kent S. , Wolff Michael T. , Becker Peter A. , Putney Joy 
Published: March 2016

ABSTRACT
Depending on the values of the energy and angular momentum per unit mass in the gas supplied at large radii, inviscid advection-dominated accretion flows can display velocity profiles with either preshock deceleration or preshock acceleration. Nakayama has shown that these two types of flow configurations are expected to have different stability properties. By employing the Chevalier & Imamura linearization method and the Nakayama instability boundary conditions, we discover that there are regions of parameter space where disks/shocks with outflows can be stable or unstable. In regions of instability, we find that preshock deceleration is always unstable to the zeroth mode with zero frequency of oscillation, but is always stable to the fundamental mode and overtones. Furthermore, we also find that preshock acceleration is always unstable to the zeroth mode and that the fundamental mode and overtones become increasingly less stable as the shock location moves away from the horizon when the disk half-height expands above ∼12 gravitational radii at the shock radius. In regions of stability, we demonstrate the zeroth mode to be stable for the velocity profiles that exhibit preshock acceleration and deceleration. Moreover, for models that are linearly unstable, our model suggests the possible existence of quasi-periodic oscillations (QPOs) with ratios 2:3 and 3:5. These ratios are believed to occur in stellar and supermassive black hole candidates, for example, in GRS 1915+105 and Sgr A*, respectively. We expect that similar QPO ratios also exist in regions of stable shocks.
Addressing numerical challenges in introducing a reactive transport code into a land surface model: a biogeochemical modeling proof-of-concept with CLM–PFLOTRAN 1.0
Authors: Tang Guoping , Yuan Fengming , Bisht Gautam , Hammond Glenn E. , Lichtner Peter C. , Kumar Jitendra , Mills Richard T. , Xu Xiaofeng , Andre Ben , Hoffman Forrest M. , Painter Scott L. , Thornton Peter E. 
Published: March 2016

Abstract. We explore coupling to a configurable subsurface reactive transport code as a flexible and extensible approach to biogeochemistry in land surface models. A reaction network with the Community Land Model carbon–nitrogen (CLM-CN) decomposition, nitrification, denitrification, and plant uptake is used as an example. We implement the reactions in the open-source PFLOTRAN (massively parallel subsurface flow and reactive transport) code and couple it with the CLM. To make the rate formulae designed for use in explicit time stepping in CLMs compatible with the implicit time stepping used in PFLOTRAN, the Monod substrate rate-limiting function with a residual concentration is used to represent the limitation of nitrogen availability on plant uptake and immobilization. We demonstrate that CLM–PFLOTRAN predictions (without invoking PFLOTRAN transport) are consistent with CLM4.5 for Arctic, temperate, and tropical sites.Switching from explicit to implicit method increases rigor but introduces numerical challenges. Care needs to be taken to use scaling, clipping, or log transformation to avoid negative concentrations during the Newton iterations. With a tight relative update tolerance (STOL) to avoid false convergence, an accurate solution can be achieved with about 50 % more computing time than CLM in point mode site simulations using either the scaling or clipping methods. The log transformation method takes 60–100 % more computing time than CLM. The computing time increases slightly for clipping and scaling; it increases substantially for log transformation for half saturation decrease from 10−3 to 10−9 mol m−3, which normally results in decreasing nitrogen concentrations. The frequent occurrence of very low concentrations (e.g. below nanomolar) can increase the computing time for clipping or scaling by about 20 %, double for log transformation. Overall, the log transformation method is accurate and robust, and the clipping and scaling methods are efficient. When the reaction network is highly nonlinear or the half saturation or residual concentration is very low, the allowable time-step cuts may need to be increased for robustness for the log transformation method, or STOL may need to be tightened for the clipping and scaling methods to avoid false convergence.As some biogeochemical processes (e.g., methane and nitrous oxide reactions) involve very low half saturation and thresholds, this work provides insights for addressing nonphysical negativity issues and facilitates the representation of a mechanistic biogeochemical description in Earth system models to reduce climate prediction uncertainty.
Silicon rib waveguide electro-absorption optical modulator using transparent conductive oxide bilayer
Authors: Ayata Masafumi , Nakano Yoshiaki , Tanemura Takuo 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
We propose a novel ultra compact electro-absorption optical modulator based on a silicon rib waveguide and numerically demonstrate its performance. The proposed design employs two types of transparent conductive oxide (TCO) layers with different carrier densities to achieve both high modulation efficiency and low optical insertion loss. The thin TCO layer with high carrier density enables efficient modulation through the metal–oxide–semiconductor structure. On the other hand, the upper TCO layer with low carrier density allows low-resistance electrical contact for the top electrode without large optical loss. Using an indium tin oxide bilayer with optimized carrier densities, we numerically demonstrate a 4.3 dB extinction ratio and a 2.6 dB optical insertion loss with 1 µm device length. We estimate that the modulator operates under a low driving voltage of 1.3 V, exhibiting an ultra low energy consumption of 22.5 fJ/bit and a broad RC modulation bandwidth of over 40 GHz.
Verification of EB3 specifications using CADP
Authors: Vekris Dimitris , Lang Frédéric , Dima Catalin , Mateescu Radu 
Published: March 2016

Abstract

E
B

3

is a specification language for information systems. The core of the

E
B

3

language consists of process algebraic specifications describing the behaviour of the entities in a system, and attribute function definitions describing the entity attributes. The verification of

E
B

3

specifications against temporal properties is of great interest to users of

E
B

3

. In this paper, we propose a translation from

E
B

3

to LOTOS NT (LNT for short), a value-passing concurrent language with classical process algebra features. Our translation ensures the one-to-one correspondence between states and transitions of the labelled transition systems corresponding to the

E
B

3

and LNT specifications. We automated this translation with the

E
B

3

2

L
N
T

tool, thus equipping the

E
B

3

method with the functional verification features available in the CADP toolbox.
Intra‐Operative Indocyanine Green Angiography of the Parathyroid Gland
Authors: Vidal Fortuny Jordi , Karenovics Wolfram , Triponez Frederic , Sadowski Samira M. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractMajor complications of thyroid and parathyroid surgery are recurrent laryngeal nerve injuries and definitive hypoparathyroidism. The use of intra‐operative Indocyanine Green Angiography for confirmation of vascular status of the parathyroid gland is reported here.
Benefits of group cognitive remediation therapy in anorexia nervosa: case series
Authors: Tchanturia Kate , Larsson Emma , Brown Amy 
Published: March 2016

Summary

Background
Cognitive remediation therapy (CRT) is a treatment targeting cognitive difficulties in psychiatric disorders. CRT has been used with patients with severe anorexia nervosa (AN) in individual and group formats. Research of group CRT in AN is limited.

Methods
Evaluation of a series of CRT groups delivered in inpatient and intensive daycare services was performed. Participants’ self-reported cognitive flexibility and central coherence, as well as motivation to change were assessed pre- and post-group. Additionally, patients’ evaluative feedback was collected after completion of the group.

Results
There was a significant improvement in the patients’ self-reported cognitive flexibility and bigger picture thinking, as well as in their self-efficacy to change. The feedback questionnaires highlighted that patients found the sessions useful and reported confidence in using some of the skills and strategies they learnt in the group.

Conclusion
In line with evidence from small-scale reports, this larger scale case series study indicates that group CRT leads to increased flexibility and bigger picture thinking, as well as improved confidence in the ability to change for participants. CRT in a group format seems to be a practical and helpful intervention for patients with AN in intensive treatment programmes.
Intrauterine Transfusion
Authors: Deka Dipika 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThe mainstay of management of an Rh isoimmunized pregnancy is the early identification of fetal anemia. Ultrasound middle cerebral artery-peak systolic velocity (MCA-PSV) Doppler measurements are very useful to diagnose severe disease, to time delivery/serial intrauterine transfusions, and eliminate need of amniocentesis/cordocentesis. Fetal blood sampling is done if the fetus is hydropic or MCA-PSV is >1.5 MoM. Blood is kept ready for transfusion if fetal anemia is detected (hematocrit <30 %). Intravascular transfusion is preferred, especially in hydropic fetuses. Rarely, intraperitoneal transfusion is performed in certain situations when the approach to cord is difficult—posterior placenta, obesity, and very early gestation. Blood is absorbed through the lymphatics. Ultrasound and color Doppler is done for fetal heart activity, placental site, cord insertion, and accessible site. The needle path is mapped and decision is taken on where to enter the cord—cord insertion/free loop/intrahepatic portion site. A 20 gauge long needle is inserted under continuous ultrasound guidance into the umbilical vein, 2–3 mL blood aspirated for hemoglobin, packed cell volume, and blood group. Necessary volume of packed O-ve, irradiated red blood cell (hematocrit of 75–80 %) is then transfused. Fetal monitoring is done by serial ultrasound for anemia, MCA-PSV to time next transfusion, and fetal wellbeing—daily kick counts, ultrasound, and electronic biophysical profile. Neonatal management is by intensive fetal anemia and jaundice monitoring, use of intravenous immunoglobulin, exchange transfusion, and phototherapy. The improvement in outcome of Rh immunized fetuses is primarily due to improved expertise, better ultrasound machines, intrauterine blood transfusion, and improved neonatal care. From July 1997 to September 2015, there were 1022 transfusions performed in one Unit at AIIMS, with an overall successful outcome of 90–94 %. Fetal survival is low if hydropic or with first transfusion at 20 weeks or less. Care during the procedure will help to further improve safety. In conclusion, treatment of fetal anemia in Rh isoimmunization by ultrasound-guided fetal blood transfusions is relatively safe in experienced hands, permits a near-term delivery in majority of cases of this potentially life-threatening fetal disease.
Transmission Clusters of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus in Long-Term Care Facilities Based on Whole-Genome Sequencing
Authors: Stine O. Colin , Burrowes Shana , David Sophia , Johnson J. Kristie , Roghmann Mary-Claire 
Published: March 2016

OBJECTIVETo define how often methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is spread from resident to resident in long-term care facilities using whole-genome sequencingDESIGNProspective cohort studySETTINGA long-term care facilityPARTICIPANTSElderly residents in a long-term care facilityMETHODSCultures for MRSA were obtained weekly from multiple body sites from residents with known MRSA colonization over 12-week study periods. Simultaneously, cultures to detect MRSA acquisition were obtained weekly from 2 body sites in residents without known MRSA colonization. During the first 12-week cycle on a single unit, we sequenced 8 MRSA isolates per swab for 2 body sites from each of 6 residents. During the second 12-week cycle, we sequenced 30 MRSA isolates from 13 residents with known MRSA colonization and 3 residents who had acquired MRSA colonization.RESULTSMRSA isolates from the same swab showed little genetic variation between isolates with the exception of isolates from wounds. The genetic variation of isolates between body sites on an individual was greater than that within a single body site with the exception of 1 sample, which had 2 unrelated strains among the 8 isolates. In the second cycle, 10 of 16 residents colonized with MRSA (63%) shared 1 of 3 closely related strains. Of the 3 residents with newly acquired MRSA, 2 residents harbored isolates that were members of these clusters.CONCLUSIONSPoint prevalence surveys with whole-genome sequencing of MRSA isolates may detect resident-to-resident transmission more accurately than routine surveillance cultures for MRSA in long-term care facilities.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2016;37:685–691
Note de recherche. L’effet Westminster : les cibles et les stratégies de lobbying dans le système parlementaire canadien
Authors: Boucher Maxime 
Published: March 2016

RésuméCette note de recherche examine l'hypothèse selon laquelle les lobbies canadiens s'adressent principalement aux membres des institutions exécutives en raison des particularités du système parlementaire. Elle propose un examen du registre des lobbyistes qui mesure la fréquence des entretiens entre les lobbies et les fonctionnaires et politiciens canadiens entre l'été 2008 et l'été 2013. Cet exercice d'analyse systématique apporte une connaissance plus précise des cibles de lobbying au Canada. Les résultats indiquent que la majorité des activités de lobbying sont dirigées vers l'administration publique, mais que la Chambre des communes demeure tout de même l'une des institutions les plus sollicitées par les lobbyistes. En conclusion, il apparaît que les approches qui insistent trop fortement sur le rôle structurant des institutions parlementaires traduisent mal la réalité du lobbying. Les preuves empiriques montrent que de nombreux lobbies canadiens optent pour des stratégies intégrées axées sur l'intervention auprès des membres des branches exécutive et législative.
THE LIMITATIONS OF A HUMAN RIGHTS APPROACH TO CORRUPTION
Authors: Rose Cecily 
Published: March 2016

AbstractInternational human rights law may serve as a language through which lawyers and others describe the harms resulting from corruption, but this approach has significant limitations as a legal framework. Despite a growing emphasis among scholars and practitioners on a human rights approach to the problem of corruption, this body of law does not provide a strong basis for addressing such conduct. International human rights treaties make no mention of corruption, and human rights treaty bodies have not brought conceptual clarity to the question of how corruption violates or undermines human rights. Given that human rights law binds States alone, it is also ill-suited to a phenomenon that typically occurs at the intersection of the public and private sectors. Even as a language for describing how corruption harms social and economic rights, human rights law has its limitations, some of which come into relief when compared with the field of development economics.
TREATY SUCCESSION IN ANNEXED TERRITORY
Authors: Costelloe Daniel 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThis article explores the question whether the territorial application of a treaty extends to unlawfully annexed territory. In this context, it examines State succession and the territorial application of treaties under general international law, as well as the moving treaty-frontiers rule and the extraterritorial application of certain treaties, specifically with respect to annexed territory. The article concludes that, while in some cases there is scope to find that a treaty applies extraterritorially in annexed territory, notably as a result of its object and purpose or its provisions, there may also be room, subject to the provisions of the treaty, for a limited form of treaty succession in such territory. Limitations to the obligation of collective non-recognition offer theoretical and practical support for this position.
Utility of algorithms for the analysis of integratedSalmonellasurveillance data
Authors: VRBOVA L. , PATRICK D. M. , STEPHEN C. , ROBERTSON C. , KOEHOORN M. , PARMLEY E. J. , DE WITH N. I. , GALANIS E. 
Published: March 2016

SUMMARYThe objective of this study was to assess the use of statistical algorithms in identifying significant clusters ofSalmonellaspp. across different sectors of the food chain within an integrated surveillance programme. Three years of weeklySalmonellaserotype data from farm animals, meat, and humans were used to create baseline models (first two years) and identify weeks with counts higher than expected using surveillance algorithms in the third (test) year. During the test year, an expert working group identified events of interest reviewing descriptive analyses of same data. The algorithms did not identifySalmonellaevents presenting as gradual increases or seasonal patterns as identified by the working group. However, the algorithms did identify clusters for further investigation, suggesting they could be a valuable complementary tool within an integrated surveillance system.