bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long-Acting C-Peptide and Neuropathy in Type 1 Diabetes: A 12-Month Clinical Trial
Authors: Wahren John , Foyt Howard , Daniels Mark , Arezzo Joseph C. 
Published: February 2016

OBJECTIVE
Lack of C-peptide in type 1 diabetes may be an important contributing factor in the development of microvascular complications. Replacement of native C-peptide has been shown to exert a beneficial influence on peripheral nerve function in type 1 diabetes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a long-acting C-peptide in subjects with type 1 diabetes and mild to moderate peripheral neuropathy.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
A total of 250 patients with type 1 diabetes and peripheral neuropathy received long-acting (pegylated) C-peptide in weekly dosages of 0.8 mg (n = 71) or 2.4 mg (n = 73) or placebo (n = 106) for 52 weeks. Bilateral sural nerve conduction velocity (SNCV) and vibration perception threshold (VPT) on the great toe were measured on two occasions at baseline, at 26 weeks, and at 52 weeks. The modified Toronto Clinical Neuropathy Score (mTCNS) was used to grade the peripheral neuropathy.

RESULTS
Plasma C-peptide rose during the study to 1.8–2.2 nmol/L (low dose) and to 5.6–6.8 nmol/L (high dose). After 52 weeks, SNCV had increased by 1.0 ± 0.24 m/s (P &lt; 0.001 within group) in patients receiving C-peptide (combined groups), but the corresponding value for the placebo group was 1.2 ± 0.29 m/s. Compared with basal, VPT had improved by 25% after 52 weeks of C-peptide therapy (Δ for combined C-peptide groups: −4.5 ± 1.0 μm, placebo group: −0.1 ± 0.9 μm; P &lt; 0.001). mTCNS was unchanged during the study.

CONCLUSIONS
Once-weekly subcutaneous administration of long-acting C-peptide for 52 weeks did not improve SNCV, other electrophysiological variables, or mTCNS but resulted in marked improvement of VPT compared with placebo.
Type 2 Diabetes Genetic Predisposition, Obesity, and All-Cause Mortality Risk in the U.S.: A Multiethnic Analysis
Authors: Leong Aaron , Porneala Bianca , Dupuis Josée , Florez Jose C. , Meigs James B. 
Published: February 2016

OBJECTIVE
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is associated with increased mortality in ethnically diverse populations, although the extent to which this association is genetically determined is unknown. We sought to determine whether T2D-related genetic variants predicted all-cause mortality, even after accounting for BMI, in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
We modeled mortality risk using a genetic risk score (GRS) from a weighted sum of risk alleles at 38 T2D-related single nucleotide polymorphisms. In age-, sex-, and BMI-adjusted logistic regression models, accounting for the complex survey design, we tested the association with mortality in 6,501 participants. We repeated the analysis within ethnicities (2,528 non-Hispanic white [NHW], 1,979 non-Hispanic black [NHB], and 1,994 Mexican American [MA]) and within BMI categories (&lt;25, 25–30, and ≥30 kg/m2). Significance was set at P &lt; 0.05.

RESULTS
Over 17 years, 1,556 participants died. GRS was associated with mortality risk (OR 1.04 [95% CI 1.00–1.07] per T2D-associated risk allele, P = 0.05). Within ethnicities, GRS was positively associated with mortality risk in NHW and NHB, but not in MA (0.95 [0.90–1.01], P = 0.07). The negative trend in MA was largely driven by those with BMI &lt;25 kg/m2 (0.91 [0.82–1.00]). In NHW, the positive association was strongest among those with BMI ≥30 kg/m2 (1.07 [1.02–1.12]).

CONCLUSIONS
In the U.S., a higher T2D genetic risk was associated with increased mortality risk, especially among obese NHW. The underlying genetic basis for mortality likely involves complex interactions with factors related to ethnicity, T2D, and body weight.
Use of endoscopic-assisted argon plasma coagulation for the treatment of colonic vascular ectasia (angiodysplasia) in an adult dog
Authors: Harris Autumn N. , Armentano Robert A. , Torres Ahmira R. , Gallagher Alexander E. 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
CASE DESCRIPTION A 10-year-old neutered male mixed-breed dog was evaluated for a 5-year history of intermittent hematochezia and chronic anemia that were unresponsive to medical treatment.
CLINICAL FINDINGS Colonoscopy revealed multifocal areas of coalescing tortuous mucosal blood vessels throughout the colon and rectum. Colonic vascular ectasia (angiodysplasia) was diagnosed on the basis of the endoscopic appearance of the lesions.
TREATMENT AND OUTCOME The dog failed to respond to traditional medical treatments for colonic vascular ectasia and required multiple plasma and blood transfusions. The dog received 4 endoscopic-assisted argon plasma coagulation treatments, which resulted in long-term resolution of gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Colonic perforation occurred during the third argon plasma coagulation treatment. The perforation was surgically repaired. The dog remained free from clinical signs of colonic vascular ectasia for > 1 year after the third argon plasma coagulation treatment and was euthanized because of clinical deterioration associated with progressive heart disease.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE Endoscopic-assisted argon plasma coagulation treatment is a novel treatment for dogs with colonic vascular ectasia and provided long-term resolution of clinical signs for the dog of this report. In human patients, complications associated with endoscopic-assisted argon plasma coagulation treatment include colonic perforation, which also occurred in the dog of this report.
THE CATALOG OF EARTH-LIKE EXOPLANET SURVEY TARGETS (CELESTA): A DATABASE OF HABITABLE ZONES AROUND NEARBY STARS
Authors: Chandler Colin Orion , McDonald Iain , Kane Stephen R. 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACT
Locating planets in circumstellar habitable zones (HZs) is a priority for many exoplanet surveys. Space-based and ground-based surveys alike require robust toolsets to aid in target selection and mission planning. We present the Catalog of Earth-Like Exoplanet Survey Targets (CELESTA), a database of HZs around 37,000 nearby stars. We calculated stellar parameters, including effective temperatures, masses, and radii, and we quantified the orbital distances and periods corresponding to the circumstellar HZs. We gauged the accuracy of our predictions by contrasting CELESTA’s computed parameters to observational data. We ascertain a potential return on investment by computing the number of HZs probed for a given survey duration. A versatile framework for extending the functionality of CELESTA into the future enables ongoing comparisons to new observations, and recalculations when updates to HZ models, stellar temperatures, or parallax data become available. We expect to upgrade and expand CELESTA using data from the Gaia mission as the data become available.
User Interface Problems of a Nationwide Inpatient Information System: A Heuristic Evaluation
Authors: Atashi Alireza , Azizi Amirabbas , Dadashi Ali , Khajouei Reza 
Published: February 2016

SummaryWhile studies have shown that usability evaluation could uncover many design problems of health information systems, the usability of health information systems in developing countries using their native language is poorly studied. The objective of this study was to evaluate the usability of a nationwide inpatient information system used in many academic hospitals in Iran.Three trained usability evaluators independently evaluated the system using Nielsen’s 10 usability heuristics. The evaluators combined identified problems in a single list and independently rated the severity of the problems. We statistically compared the number and severity of problems identified by HIS experienced and non-experienced evaluators.A total of 158 usability problems were identified. After removing duplications 99 unique problems were left. The highest mismatch with usability principles was related to “Consistency and standards” heuristic (25%) and the lowest related to “Flexibility and efficiency of use” (4%). The average severity of problems ranged from 2.4 (Major problem) to 3.3 (Catastrophe problem). The experienced evaluator with HIS identified significantly more problems and gave higher severities to problems (p<0.02).Heuristic Evaluation identified a high number of usability problems in a widely used inpatient information system in many academic hospitals. These problems, if remain unsolved, may waste users’ and patients’ time, increase errors and finally threaten patient’s safety. Many of them can be fixed with simple redesign solutions such as using clear labels and better layouts. This study suggests conducting further studies to confirm the findings concerning effect of evaluator experience on the results of Heuristic Evaluation.
Cultural Diversity and African Language Education: The Role of Urbanization and Globalization
Authors: Nyati-Saleshando Lydia 
Published: February 2016

<p>The African Union has been committed to the development and promotion of African languages for a long time. This is in cognizance of the fact that, language is the DNA of culture and its vehicle of expression. The Languages Plan of Action which was first adopted in 1986 and reviewed in 2006 outlines clear goals to be achieved by member states in the promotion and recognition of African languages. The Plan for all its intents and purposes has good will for the development and use of African languages in critical social domains such as education, trade, government and media. The Policy Guide on the Integration of African Languages and Cultures into the Education systems adopted in 2010 and Aspirations 3 and 5 on Agenda 2063 are clear examples of such good intentions. On the other hand, practice continues to show very little, if any, improvement in the development and use of African languages in these critical domains. Scholars have explored several reasons why African languages continue to have low socio-economic status (Bamgbose (2011), Batibo (2013), Nyati-Ramahobo (2011), Chebanne, 2010). Globalization and urbanization have been described to be among the many factors responsible for this state of affairs. This paper aims to explore these two factors to see how they contribute to language under-utilization and the inherent loss of African languages. Are globalization and urbanization by nature detrimental to language diversity resulting in language loss? The paper concludes that urbanization and globalization are facilitators of language and cultural diversity. However, it is policy frameworks operating on and in Africa which shape values and attitudes against the use of African languages. These policy frameworks are politically driven by multi-national corporations for economic exploitation of Africa.</p>
A Benefits Assessment Model of Information Systems for Small Organizations in Developing Countries
Authors: Alshardan Amal , Goodwin Robert , Rampersad Giselle 
Published: February 2016

<p>The influence of information systems (IS) on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) has enjoyed much attention by managers and policy makers. Despite the hype and eagerness to commit extensive levels of investment, very little research has focuses on assessing the benefits of IS for SMEs in developing counties. Existing literature has been skewed towards developed countries and large organizations. Consequently, the purpose of this paper is to develop a model for evaluating the benefits of IS for SMEs in Saudi Arabia as a case of a developing country. In order to achieve this, the study builds on and extends past IS-impact literature. Based on quantitative results of 365 responses from SMEs, the model comprises 44 measures across five dimensions: ‘Individual impact’, ‘Organisational impact’, ‘System quality’, ‘Information quality’ and ‘Vendor quality’. Applying confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation model, the validated model contributes to theory development of IS impact within the context of SMEs in developing counties. Additionally, it provides critical insights to policy makers and managers on assessing the benefits of IS for SMEs in developing countries.</p>
A Simplified Model of Bit Error Rate Calculation
Authors: Thuneibat Saed Ali , Al_Issa Huthaifa , Ijjeh Abdallah 
Published: February 2016

<p>The Bit Error Rate (BER) is a key parameter of the Quality of Service (QoS) for engineers and designers of digital communication systems and networks. At the present time, a set of models and methods are exist for calculating the BER. But these methods are complex and require large computing cost.</p><p>In this paper, we provide a new model for calculating the BER. This model simplifies the procedures in the existing models and reduces the computing time. In the same time, the proposed model save the accuracy and the state consideration of existing models.</p>
El viaje triunfal de Carlos V por Sicilia tras la victoria de Túnez
Authors: Morales Folguera José Miguel 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACT: In 1535 Emperor Charles V made a triumphant journey to the north of Sicily after the victory of Tunisia. The triumphal entries made in the Sicilian cities featured ceremonial elements which would later be imitated by the other Italian cities that received the Emperor. The Roman-style triumph and the chivalric romances are the main models used in the ephemeral decorations, which would have important consequences in European art of the period. KEYWORDS: Charles V, Sicily, Tunisia, Triumphal Entries, Renaissance, Santa Cruz. RESUMEN: En el año 1535 el emperador Carlos V realiza un viaje triunfal por el norte de Sicilia tras la victoria de Túnez. En las entradas realizadas en las ciudades sicilianas van a aparecer los elementos ceremoniales, que después van a imitar las restantes ciudades italianas, que van a recibir al emperador. El triunfo a la romana y las novelas de caballería son los principales modelos utilizados en las decoraciones efímeras, que van a tener importantes consecuencias artísticas en el arte Europeo de la época. PALABRAS CLAVES: Carlos V, Sicilia, Túnez, entradas triunfales, Renacimiento, Santa Cruz.
Omnia mortis. Presagios de muerte. Cuando los dioses abandonan al emperador romano. Madrid, Abada Editores
Authors: Doménech García Sergi 
Published: February 2016

Recensión del libro:REQUENA JIMÉNEZ, Miguel [2014]. Omnia mortis. Presagios de muerte. Cuando los dioses abandonan al emperador romano. Madrid, Abada Editores, 2014, 326 pp.
El martirio de los diez mil. Dante en la pintura de Vittore Carpaccio
Authors: González de Zárate Jesús María 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACT: Vittore Carpaccio, around 1515, offered us the visual chronicle of the torture suffered by the ten thousand martyrs on Mount Ararat that had been previously related in Carolingian martyrologies. In some, such as that by Usuard, printed in Venice by the date of the painting, we can find the literry source of its composition. The tale focuses on the battle, the victory, and the martyrdom to which the soldiers were condemned, as well as on the divine promise of resurrection. This latter aspect is not found in other depictions of the theme, and Carpaccio offers it to us following the same cosmic architecture that Dante proposes in his Comedia. KEYWORDS: Carpaccio, Martyrs of Mount Ararat, Usuard, Martyrology, Dante, Iconography. RESUMEN: Vittore Carpaccio, hacia 1515, nos ofrece la crónica visual del suplicio de los diez mil mártires en el monte Ararat que ya quedó relatada en martirologios carolingios. En alguno, como el de Usuardo, impreso en Venecia para esta fecha podemos encontrar la fuente literaria de la composición. El relato repara en la batalla, en la victoria y en el martirio al que fueron condenados, también en la divina promesa de la resurrección, aspecto este último que no encontramos en otras representaciones del tema, y que Carpaccio nos ofrece siguiendo la arquitectura cósmica que propone Dante en su Comedia. PALABRAS CLAVES: Carpaccio, mártires del monte Ararat, Usuardo, martirologio, Dante, Iconografía.
International Accounting Normalization and Harmonization Processes across the World: History and Overview
Authors: Trabelsi Raoudha 
Published: February 2016

AbstractBased on a literature review, the paper traces the history of the International Accounting normalization, and presents an overview of the harmonization process across different regions of the world.In a first part we present the circumstances that led to the genesis of the International Accounting Standards Committee (IASC) in 1973, by returning to the evolution of its notoriety, and to the production of its first international accounting standards (IAS). After discussing the replacement of the IASC in 2001 by the International Accounting Standards Committee Foundation (IASCF) and the International Accounting standards Board (IASB), we give details on how the international standards were henceforth called International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), due to their new dominating financial aspect.In the second part of the paper, we discuss the existing differences between developed and developing countries regarding the international accounting harmonization process. After discussing the limits and the advantages of the international accounting harmonization, we raise the issue of financial security in relation to the process of international accounting harmonization.
A Case-Referent Study of Extrapyramidal Signs (Preparkinsonism) in Rural Communities of Israel
Authors: Herishanu Y.O. , Kordysh E. , Goldsmith J.R. 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACT:Background:In previous studies we reported an increased prevalence of Parkinson's disease in several kibbutzim of Southern Israel (cluster kibbutzim). Subsequent studies revealed a significant prevalence of subjects presenting extrapyramidal signs (preparkinsonism) in the same kibbutzim. On follow-up worsening of these signs was observed in some of the older subjects, some of them actually being diagnosed as suffering from I-Dopa responsive Parkinson's disease. The current study was designed to evaluate possible etiologic factors for the development of preparkinsonism.Methods:317 subjects over the age of 40, living in five kibbutzim were examined and interviewed. 95 subjects presenting extrapyramidal signs were compared with 95 control subjects. They were matched for age, sex and length of residence in the kibbutz. Odds ratios were computed to identify exposure variables for logistic regression analyses. Detectors for carbamates and organic phosphates were applied at different sites of these kibbutzim.Results:The severity and frequency of the extrapyramidal signs were higher in the older age groups, more in the “cluster”, than in other kibbutzim. A very strong association was found between field crop work exposure, particularly cotton, and preparkinsonism (p = 0.0007) and a slightly weaker association for landscape work. The detectors picked up abundant pesticide traces (carbamates and organic phosphates) in the residential areas fairly distant from sites of aerial spray.Conclusion:We assume a chronic passive exposure of the residents in these kibbutzim to pesticides, in addition to any occupational exposures.
Conservative Treatment of Acute Spontaneous Spinal Epidural Hematoma
Authors: Pahapill Peter A. , Lownie Stephen P. 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACT:Background:In cases of acute spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma producing neurological deficits, emergency surgical evacuation is the standard treatment.Methods:Such a case is presented in which complete resolution of neurological deficits occurred without surgical intervention.Results:This is the fifth reported case of complete recovery in a patient managed conservatively. In most reports, significant and sustained neurological recovery had occurred within 12 hours of impairment of walking.Conclusion:In cases of acute spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma in which neurological deterioration is followed by early and sustained recovery, non-operative therapy may be considered.
Pallidal Stimulation in Parkinson's Disease Patients with a Prior Unilateral Pallidotomy
Authors: Gálvez-Jiménez Nestor , Lozano Andres , Tasker Ronald , Duff Janice , Hutchison William , Lang Anthony E. 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACT:Objective:To evaluate, in a double-blind fashion, the efficacy of deep brain stimulation of the internal segment of the globus pallidus (GPi) contralateral to a previous unilateral medial pallidotomy (MP).Methods:This pilot study involved 4 patients with a previous MP and one previously unoperated patient unable to tolerate any antiparkinsonian drugs. One of the patients with a prior unilateral MP had two electrodes implanted in the contralateral side, one in GPi and one in Vim thalamus. Detailed neurologic assessments were performed after overnight drug withdrawal and in the drug “on” state at baseline, 1 week and 3 months (in all), and 9 and 12 months (one) with patients and evaluators blinded to the status of stimulation.Results:GPi stimulation resulted in improvements in “off-period” contralateral bradykinesia, rigidity and tremor in all patients. Dyskinesias and freezing episodes were ameliorated in one patient each but dyskinesias were transiently induced in another. The patient with GPi+Vim electrodes had complete resolution of contralateral tremor with thalamic stimulation but less benefit from acute GPi stimulation. One patient experienced a single seizure one week post-op and no other surgical complications were observed.Conclusions:Deep brain stimulation can be applied safely and effectively in patients who have already had a pallidotomy on the contralateral side. The effect of stimulation at different sites on different symptom profiles and levodopa-induced dyskinesias requires further evaluation.
Selective Sparing of Human Nucleus Accumbens in Aging and Anoxia
Authors: Huang Ke-Wei , Zhao Yan 
Published: February 2016

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the effects of aging and anoxia on the nucleus accumbens.MethodsThe number of neurons in nucleus accumbens and caudate neucleus in 35 patients over 65 and 35 under 65 years, all without neurological or psychiatric diseases were counted.ResultsThere was no statistically significant difference between the number of neurons in the accumbens in the two groups, but there was a decrease in the number of neurons in the elderly group. There was no reduction in volume of the neuronal nucleoli of the accumbens measured in 12 elderly patients compared to controls. These data suggest a sparing of the accumbens from changes associated with aging. There was relative preservation of the nucleus accumbens in 3 patients with anoxic encephalopathy.ConclusionsThese results show that accumbens was resistant to both aging and anoxia, the mechanism of which is discussed.