bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Visual response of neurons in the lateral intraparietal area and saccadic reaction time during a visual detection task
Authors: Tanaka Tomohiro , Nishida Satoshi , Aso Toshihiko , Ogawa Tadashi 
Published: December 2012

AbstractDuring visual detection with saccades, a target with higher luminance is detected with reduced reaction times. In such visual detection behaviors, luminance‐related sensory signals should be converted into movement‐related signals for saccade initiation. At the site where the visuomotor transformation takes place, there is the possibility that visual activity not only encodes the target luminance but also affects the generation of an upcoming saccade. To assess this possibility, we recorded single‐cell activity from visually responsive neurons in the lateral intraparietal area (LIP) when monkeys made a saccade to an isolated target over five luminance levels. We found that as stimulus luminance increased, visual response strength increased, and response onset latency decreased. These luminance‐related changes in activity were significantly correlated with changes in reaction time. In particular, changes in response onset latency accounted for a substantial part of the observed changes in reaction time, suggesting that luminance‐related changes in response onset latency may propagate to the saccade generation process. However, the length of time from response onset to saccade onset was not constant but increased as luminance was reduced, suggesting the existence of other luminance‐dependent processing in downstream and/or parallel pathways before saccade generation. Additionally, we failed to find strong covariance between response strength or latency and reaction time when the effect of luminance changes was removed. Thus, the present results reveal how visually responsive LIP neurons contribute to saccade generation in visual detection.
Interictal and periictal headache in patients with epilepsy
Authors: Duchaczek B. , Ghaeni L. , Matzen J. , Holtkamp M. 
Published: December 2012

Background and purposeInterictal headache (IIH), and in particular migraine, is considered a relevant co‐morbidity in epilepsy; however, available data are ambiguous. Periictal headache (PIH) displays a frequent ancillary burden to seizures, but identification of unequivocal predictors is still elusive.MethodsAll patients (≥ 18 years) with epilepsy or unprovoked seizures seen in a tertiary epilepsy outpatient clinic underwent a semi‐structured interview regarding occurrence and characteristics of IIH and PIH. Clinical variables in patients with and without IIH and PIH and seizure types with and without PIH were compared.ResultsOut of 201 patients, 56.2% reported headache, IIH occurred in 34.3% and 10.9% suffered from migraine. PIH was reported by 35.3%, occurring preictally in 16 and postictally in 61 cases. PIH character was migrainous in 26.8% and tension‐type headache‐like in 62%, mean severity was 6.1 ± 2.2 cm. PIH was treated analgetically by less than 40% of patients, only 11% sought specific medical advice. Predictors were low age at epilepsy onset (OR 0.963, 95% CI 0.945–0.981, P < 0.0001), antiepileptic drug (AED) polytherapy (OR 1.943, 95% CI 1.046–3.612, P = 0.036) and generalized tonic‐clonic seizures (P < 0.0001).ConclusionsIn patients with epilepsy, IIH, and particularly migraine, is less common than expected, challenging the widely held concept of co‐morbidity of the two conditions. PIH is frequent, severe and undertreated. Predictors include low age at epilepsy onset, AED polytherapy and tonic‐clonic generalized seizures. Physicians should ask for PIH and offer specific analgesic treatment. To confirm these findings, future studies with a prospective approach implementing a headache and seizure diary should be performed.
16th IHIW: Immunogenomic Data‐Management Methods. Report from the Immunogenomic Data Analysis Working Group (IDAWG)
Authors: Hollenbach J. A. , Holcomb C. , Hurley C. K. , Mabdouly A. , Maiers M. , Noble J. A. , Robinson J. , Schmidt A. H. , Shi L. , Turner V. , Yao Y. , Mack S. J. 
Published: December 2012

SummaryThe goal of the immunogenomic data analysis working group (IDAWG) is to facilitate the consistent analysis of HLA and KIR data, and the sharing of those data among the immunogenomic and larger genomic communities. However, the data management approaches currently applied by immunogenomic researchers are not widely discussed or reported in the literature, and the effect of different approaches on data analyses is not known. With ASHI's support, the IDAWG developed a 45 question survey on HLA and KIR data generation, data management and data analysis practices. Survey questions detailed the loci genotyped, typing systems used, nomenclature versions reported, computer operating systems and software used to manage and transmit data, the approaches applied to resolve HLA ambiguity and the methods used for basic population‐level analyses. Respondents were invited to demonstrate their HLA ambiguity resolution approaches in simulated data sets. By May 2012, 156 respondents from 35 nations had completed the survey. These survey respondents represent a broad sampling of the Immunogenomic community; 52% were European, 30% North American, 10% Asian, 4% South American and 4% from the Pacific. The project will continue in conjunction with the 17th Workshop, with the aim of developing community data sharing standards, ambiguity resolution documentation formats, single‐task data Management tools and novel data analysis methods and applications. While additional project details and plans for the 17th IHIW will be forthcoming, we welcome the input and participation in these projects from the histocompatibility and immunogenetics community.
16th IHIW: Population Global Distribution of Killer Immunoglobulin‐like Receptor (KIR) and Ligands
Authors: Hollenbach J. A. , Augusto D. G. , Alaez C. , Bubnova L. , Fae I. , Fischer G. , Gonzalez‐Galarza F. F. , Gorodezky C. , Karabon L. , Kusnierczyk P. , Noble J. , Rickards O. , Roberts C. , Schaffer M. , Shi L. , Tavoularis S. , Trachtenberg E. , Yao Y. , Middleton D. 
Published: December 2012

SummaryIn the last fifteen years, published reports have described KIR gene‐content frequency distributions in more than 120 populations worldwide. However, there have been limited studies examining these data in aggregate to detect overall patterns of variation at regional and global levels. Here, we present a summary of the collection of KIR gene‐content data for 105 worldwide populations collected as part of the 15th and 16th International Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics Workshops, and preliminary results for data analysis.
Surveillance for antiviral resistance
Authors: Zambon Maria C. 
Published: December 2012

Please cite this paper as: Zambon. (2012) Surveillance for antiviral resistance. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses 7(Suppl. 1), 37–43.In the 10 years since licensure of neuraminidase inhibitor drugs, their use has steadily increased, especially during the pandemic of 2009. Experience now indicates that factors which influence the emergence of high level resistance include the nature of drug binding to target, viral subtype, the use of post exposure prophylaxis and a lack of immunity in the host as seen in children and immunocompromised individuals. These factors point towards targetted surveillance programmes for the early identification of transmissible drug resistance.
A retrospective review of methotrexate‐induced hepatotoxicity among patients with psoriasis in a tertiary dermatology center in Malaysia
Authors: Ng Lim Chui , Lee Yin Yin , Lee Chew Kek , Wong Su‐ming 
Published: December 2012

AbstractBackground  Methotrexate (MTX) is a common and efficacious systemic agent used for the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis. Nevertheless, its use is associated with the risk of hepatotoxicity. This study was performed to study the association of MTX dose with regards to hepatotoxicity as evidenced by deranged transaminases.Methods  This was a retrospective review of patients with psoriasis on MTX from 2000 to 2009 at the outpatient dermatology clinic, University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC). We analyzed patients’ demography, serial laboratory investigations, liver ultrasounds, and liver biopsies of patients on MTX.Results  Sixty‐six of 710 (9.30%) patients with psoriasis were prescribed MTX throughout the 10‐year period. Among them 57.6% developed deranged transaminases, with six requiring MTX withdrawal due to hepatotoxicity. The mean cumulative dose of MTX at the detection of liver enzyme derangement was 552.3 ± 596.1 mg.Conclusion  A high proportion of patients on MTX had deranged transaminases. However, the number of serious events was low. We concluded from this study that the use of MTX is relatively safe in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis.
Dermatology life quality index scores in children with vitiligo: comparison with atopic dermatitis and healthy control subjects
Authors: Dertlioğlu Selma Bakar , Cicek Demet , Balci Didem D. , Halisdemir Nurhan 
Published: December 2012

AbstractVitiligo and atopic dermatitis (AD) are two major cutaneous diseases that affect quality of life (QoL) by causing functional and psychosocial disorders. Our objective was to calculate Children’s Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI) scores in children with vitiligo and to compare these values with those in AD patients and healthy control subjects. The CDLQI was completed for 50 vitiligo and 50 AD patients presenting at the dermatology polyclinic, as well as for 50 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls. All subgroups in the vitiligo patient group had significantly higher total CDLQI scores than healthy controls. Vitiligo patients were found to have increased scores on all parameters, except itch, clothes/shoes, and sleep, compared with the AD patient group. Scores on itch and sleep were significantly higher in the AD group than in the vitiligo patients. Quality of life in children with vitiligo is substantially lower than in children with AD. This decline in QoL is critical in the psychosocial development of the former group.
Merkel cell carcinoma with sarcomatous differentiation: is it a poor prognostic factor?
Authors: Gomez‐Moyano Elisabeth , Vera‐Casaño Ángel , Sanz‐Trelles Andrés , Martinez Leandro 
Published: December 2012

AbstractBackground  Poor prognostic factors in Merkel cell carcinoma include male sex, advanced stage at diagnosis, large tumor size (>5 mm), diffuse growth pattern, heavy lymphocytic infiltrate, and high mitotic rate. To date only six cases of Merkel cell carcinoma with sarcomatous or pseudosarcomatous differentiation and poor prognosis have been documented.Methods  We present a new case of Merkel cell carcinoma with sarcomatous differentiation.Results  The immunohistochemical staining patterns reflected the morphologic differentiation of the epithelial and sarcomatous pattern. After two months of follow‐up, there were no signs of local recurrence or metastases.Conclusion  In all cases of merkelomas with sarcomatous differentiation described to date, lymph node metastases have been found, except in the presented case. However, larger series of cases will be required to determine if sarcomatous differentiation represents another negative prognostic factor.
Marked improvement in delirium with ramelteon: five case reports
Authors: FURUYA Motohide , MIYAOKA Tsuyoshi , YASUDA Hideaki , YAMASHITA Satoko , TANAKA Ippei , OTSUKA Shoko , WAKE Rei , HORIGUCHI Jun 
Published: December 2012

AbstractDelirium is a common and serious acute neuropsychiatric syndrome characterized by inattention and global cognitive dysfunction. Delirium is associated with higher morbidity, higher mortality and longer hospitalization, but its aetiology remains unclear. We successfully treated five cases of delirium within 1 day with ramelteon, a novel selective melatonin receptor agonist. This suggests that correction of the circadian rhythm disturbance, one of the main symptoms of delirium, plays a crucial role in its treatment and sheds new light on a therapeutic strategy for treatment of delirium.
Neuropsychological and functional correlates of clock‐drawing test in elderly institutionalized patients with schizophrenia
Authors: OKAMURA Aiko , KITABAYASHI Yurinosuke , KOHIGASHI Mutsumi , SHIBATA Keisuke , ISHIDA Takuya , NARUMOTO Jin , MORIOKA Chizuru , KITABAYASHI Masaki , KASHIMA Akiko , TANI Naosuke , NAKAAKI Shutaro , MIMURA Masaru , FUKUI Kenji 
Published: December 2012

AbstractBackground:  There has been a growing need for a cognitive assessment tool that can be used for older adults with schizophrenia in clinical settings. The clock‐drawing test (CDT) is a brief cognitive test that covers a wide range of cognitive function. Although it is widely used to assess patients with dementia, limited data are available on its usefulness in older patients with schizophrenia. Thus, we investigated the psychometric properties of the CDT and their relationship with life functions to examine the test's usefulness for assessing cognitive function in older adults with schizophrenia.Methods:  Seventy‐three older adults with chronic schizophrenia who had been hospitalized for over 1 year participated in the study. We adopted the executive clock‐drawing task for administration and scoring of the CDT, which consists of free‐drawn and copy conditions. The Mini‐Mental State Examination and the Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia were administered. Symptom severity and life functions were assessed with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale and the Life Skills Profile, respectively.Results:  Both free‐drawn and copy scores significantly correlated with the Mini‐Mental State Examination score and the Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia composite score. These scores also significantly correlated with symptom severity and length of current hospitalization. Stepwise regression analysis showed that only the copy score, together with symptom severity, predicted the Life Skills Profile score.Conclusions:  The CDT can assess cognitive function in older adults with schizophrenia. Moreover, CDT performance is associated with life functions independent from other clinical variables. These results suggest that the CDT is a useful cognitive assessment tool for this population.
The peripheral messenger RNA expression of glycogen synthase kinase‐3β genes in Alzheimer's disease patients: a preliminary study
Authors: SHENG Jian‐Hua , NG Tze‐Pin , LI Chun‐Bo , LU Guang‐Hua , HE Wei , QIAN Yi‐Ping , WANG Jing‐Hua , YU Shun‐Ying 
Published: December 2012

AbstractObjective:  To explore the peripheral leucocytic messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of glycogen synthase kinase‐3β (GSK‐3β) gene in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients.Methods:  Using TaqMan relative quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction, we analyzed leucocytic gene expression of GSK‐3β in 48 AD patients and 49 healthy controls. Clinical data of AD patients were also collected.Results:  The mRNA expression level of the GSK‐3β gene was significantly higher in the AD group (3.13 ± 0.62) than in the normal group (2.77 ± 0.77). Correlational analyses showed that the mRNA expression level of GSK‐3β gene in AD patients was associated with the age of onset (P= 0.047), age (P= 0.055), and Behavioral Pathology in Alzheimer's Disease Rating Scale total score (P= 0.062) and subscores: aggressiveness score (P= 0.073) and anxieties and phobias score (P= 0.067). Through multivariate regression model, older age, higher anxieties and phobias score and aggressiveness score were associated with higher mRNA expression level of GSK‐3β gene.Conclusion:  In AD patients, the mRNA expression level of the GSK‐3β gene is increased and may be related to age and behavioural pathology in AD.
Financial Bounds for Insurance Claims
Authors: Bernard Carole , Vanduffel Steven 
Published: December 2012

AbstractIn this article, insurance claims are priced using an indifference pricing principle. We first revisit the traditional economic framework and then extend it to incorporate a financial (sub)market as a tool to invest and to (partially) hedge. In this context, we derive lower bounds for claims' prices, and these bounds correspond to the market prices of some explicitly known financial payoffs. In particular, we show that the discounted expected value is no longer valid as a classical lower bound for insurance prices in general: it has to be corrected by a covariance term that reflects the interaction between the insurance claim and the financial market. Examples that deal with equity‐linked insurance contracts illustrate the article.
Supply Chain Sourcing Game: A Negotiation Exercise
Authors: Gumus Mehmet , Love Ernie C. 
Published: December 2012

ABSTRACTThis article introduces an exercise that simulates the negotiation process in a dynamic supply chain. The retailer and wholesaler roles are assigned to student groups who negotiate supply contracts in a number of rounds during a class period. Each group makes pricing, inventory, and ordering decision concurrently, and competes with others to achieve the highest profit. The exercise is easy to implement using pen and paper, and lends itself to a wide variety of negotiation environments.
Making and Unmaking Panará Beadwork—Or, How to Overcome the Fixity of Material Things
Authors: Ewart Elizabeth 
Published: December 2012

SummaryGlass beads in Amazonia are objects of value and desire. They “materialize” social relations through processes of acquisition, transmission, and destruction. Although beads provide the “raw material” for the making of ceremonial adornments, they are also subjected to constant processes of unmaking and remaking. They are most visible precisely during these moments, when Panará women sit together stringing beads or making ornaments, often to undo them again once they have served their ritual purpose. These moments of visibility of both beads and persons are moments at which persons make themselves intersubjectively available to one another, and contrast with the withdrawal and concealment of people who are in a state of unavailability. Just as intersubjectivity is a process constantly to be generated, so glass beads, as desired objects, must also overcome the fixity of being “made into a thing” and, thereby, be continuously remade. In this article, I reflect on continuity and process and the way in which the fluidity of beadwork allows for the making and remaking of intersubjective relations.
Integration of Resting‐State FMRI and Diffusion‐Weighted MRI Connectivity Analyses of the Human Brain: Limitations and Improvement
Authors: Zhu David C. , Majumdar Shantanu 
Published: December 2012

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDIntegration of functional connectivity analysis based on resting‐state functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) and structural connectivity analysis based on Diffusion‐Weighted Imaging (DWI) has shown great potential to improve understanding of the neural networks in the human brain. However, there are sensitivity and specificity‐related interpretation issues that must be addressed.METHODSWe assessed the long‐range functional and structural connections of the default‐mode, attention, visual and motor networks on 25 healthy subjects. For each network, we first integrated these two analyses based on one common seed region. We then introduced a functional‐assisted fiber tracking strategy, where seed regions were defined based on independent component analysis of the resting‐state fMRI dataset.RESULTSThe single‐seed based technique successfully identified the expected functional connections within these networks at both subject and group levels. However, the success rate of structural connectivity analysis showed a high level of variation among the subjects. The functional‐assisted fiber tracking strategy highly improved the rate of successful fiber tracking.CONCLUSIONSThis fMRI/DWI integration study suggests that functional connectivity analysis might be a more sensitive and robust approach in understanding the connectivity between cortical regions, and can be used to improve DWI‐based structural connectivity analysis.
Seven Ways to Deal with a Financial Crisis: Cross‐Country Experience and Policy Implications1
Authors: Calomiris Charles W. , Klingebiel Daniela , Laeven Luc 
Published: December 2012

This article presents a taxonomy of financial restructuring strategies that have been used by national policy makers to manage financial crises in the past. The goals of financial restructuring are to preserve or, if necessary, restore the debtor‐creditor relationships on which the economy depends for efficient allocation of capital, and to do so at minimal cost. Costs include not only the direct costs to taxpayers of financial assistance, but also—and likely more important—the indirect costs to the economy that stem from misallocations of capital and incentive problems resulting from the restructuring.Countries typically apply a combination of tools, including decentralized, market‐based mechanisms as well as government‐managed programs. Market‐based strategies generally aim to strengthen the capital base of financial institutions and borrowers using some mix of debt forgiveness and capital infusions. Government‐led restructuring strategies include the establishment of entities to which non‐performing loans are transferred as well as government‐assisted sales of domestic financial institutions, often to foreign entrants.Market‐based mechanisms can provide low‐cost ways of resolving the coordination problems faced by countries in the wake of massive debtor and creditor insolvency, particularly when those mechanisms are effective in achieving the desirable objective of selectivity—that is, devoting taxpayer resources only to those borrowers and banks that, with temporary assistance, will be capable of sustaining themselves in the future.But limiting their range of application mainly to developed economies, such market‐based mechanisms also depend on an efficient judicial system, a credible supervisory framework and authority with sufficient enforcement capacity, and lack of corruption in implementation. Although government‐managed programs may not seem to depend as heavily on well‐functioning legal and regulatory institutions, such approaches—especially the transfer of assets to government‐owned asset management companies—also rely to some extent on such institutions. Asset management companies are less likely to achieve their goal of resolving the overhang of debt at reasonable cost when legal and political institutions are weak and ownership of domestic creditors and debtors is highly concentrated. Especially in such cases, complexity and failure to consider incentive problems when designing specific rules governing financial assistance can aggravate moral hazard problems, unnecessarily raising the costs of resolution. Resolution mechanisms tend to be most successful when—like across‐the‐board debt forgiveness programs implemented through redenominations of debt—they are simple in design and afford quick resolution of outstanding debts, offering little discretion to governments while providing incentives for the private sector to work down the remaining debt overhang.