bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Low Nonfasting Triglycerides and Reduced All-Cause Mortality: A Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Thomsen Mette , Varbo Anette , Tybjærg-Hansen Anne , Nordestgaard Børge G 
Published: January 2014

AbstractBACKGROUNDIncreased nonfasting plasma triglycerides marking increased amounts of cholesterol in remnant lipoproteins are important risk factors for cardiovascular disease, but whether lifelong reduced concentrations of triglycerides on a genetic basis ultimately lead to reduced all-cause mortality is unknown. We tested this hypothesis.METHODSUsing individuals from the Copenhagen City Heart Study in a mendelian randomization design, we first tested whether low concentrations of nonfasting triglycerides were associated with reduced all-cause mortality in observational analyses (n = 13 957); second, whether genetic variants in the triglyceride-degrading enzyme lipoprotein lipase, resulting in reduced nonfasting triglycerides and remnant cholesterol, were associated with reduced all-cause mortality (n = 10 208).RESULTSDuring a median 24 and 17 years of 100% complete follow-up, 9991 and 4005 individuals died in observational and genetic analyses, respectively. In observational analyses compared to individuals with nonfasting plasma triglycerides of 266–442 mg/dL (3.00–4.99 mmol/L), multivariably adjusted hazard ratios for all-cause mortality were 0.89 (95% CI 0.78–1.02) for 177–265 mg/dL (2.00–2.99 mmol/L), 0.74 (0.65–0.84) for 89–176 mg/dL (1.00–1.99 mmol/L), and 0.59 (0.51–0.68) for individuals with nonfasting triglycerides &lt;89 mg/dL (&lt;1.00 mmol/L). The odds ratio for a genetically derived 89-mg/dL (1-mmol/L) lower concentration in nonfasting triglycerides was 0.50 (0.30–0.82), with a corresponding observational hazard ratio of 0.87 (0.85–0.89). Also, the odds ratio for a genetically derived 50% lower concentration in nonfasting triglycerides was 0.43 (0.23–0.80), with a corresponding observational hazard ratio of 0.73 (0.70–0.77).CONCLUSIONSGenetically reduced concentrations of nonfasting plasma triglycerides are associated with reduced all-cause mortality, likely through reduced amounts of cholesterol in remnant lipoproteins.
Adémar de Chabannes (989–1034) and Musical Literacy
Authors: Grier James 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
In the second half of 1027, Adémar de Chabannes contributed the musical notation to the production of an elaborate liturgical manuscript (currently Paris, Bibliothèque nationale de France, MS latin 1121) at the scriptorium of Saint Martial in Limoges. While doing so, he introduced the innovative technique of placing the neumes in strict alignment along the vertical axis of writing in accordance with their relative pitch. The accurate heighting of the neumes revolutionized the teaching of music at Saint Martial, and eventually throughout Aquitaine. Instead of relying on the rote communication of melodies from more experienced singers, younger musicians could turn to the visual transmission of chant through the medium of notation, now made more transparent by the use of accurate heighting. This article investigates the musical and intellectual context in which Adémar introduced the innovation of accurate heighting to the scriptorium at Saint Martial, the role of tonaries (now equipped with precise intervallic information) in musical pedagogy, and the impact of these devices on musical practices at Saint Martial through the eleventh century.
Programmable Anisotropic Microparticles for Self-Assembly Applications
Authors: Liu Jonathan , Wyatt Shields C. , Omofoye Oluwatosin , Lopez Gabriel P. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractColloids with anisotropic shape and properties can enable the assembly of advanced materials otherwise not attainable by microfabrication. In this study, we present a convenient method using common microfabrication tools to generate a diverse array of non-spherical microparticles with well-defined shapes, sizes, electromagnetic properties for self-assembly applications. Projection photolithography onto SU-8 photoresist enabled the production of large aspect ratio microparticles such as cubes, cuboids, cylinders, hexagonal prisms, and parallelepipeds. We characterized these particles to confirm their anisotropic shape and size monodispersity. Fluorescent stains (e.g., Nile red) were mixed into the photoresist prepolymer to enhance the visualization of particle orientation. Particles designed for passive self-assembly were prepared by conventional photolithographic techniques. Particles designed for active assembly were then decorated with metallic patches in precise locations along the surface (e.g., top, side or multiple sides) using electron beam metal evaporation. This metal deposition process can enable orientational control of particles during their assembly in directed fields. After fabrication, large particles (e.g., 1,000 µm3) were released from the substrate via gentle sheer forces, whereas small particles (e.g., 10 µm3) were released by the dissolution of a sacrificial layer underneath the SU-8. Suspending the particles in water with surfactant (or other suitable solvents) provided amenable conditions for their assembly in static or dynamic systems. These conventional methods have the potential to catalyze new research in the fabrication and assembly of anisotropic patchy particles with controllable properties for the hierarchical development of self-assembled micromirrors, biosensors, and photonic crystals as examples.
CBS c.844ins68 Polymorphism Frequencies in Control Populations: Implications on Nonsyndromic Cleft Lip with or without Cleft Palate
Authors: Murthy Jyotsna , Lakkakula Saikrishna , Gurramkonda Venkatesh Babu , Pathapati Ram Mohan , Maram Rajasekhar , Lakkakula Bhaskar 
Published: January 2014

Introduction Nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (NSCLP) is a common birth defect with substantial clinical and social impact. Folate deficiency is one of the factors that have been associated with increased risk for NSCLP. Polymorphisms in folate and homocysteine pathway genes may act as susceptibility factors. Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate prevalence estimates of cystathionine beta-synthase (CBS) insertion of 68-bp (c.844ins68) polymorphisms and their correlation with NSCLP. Material and Methods A total of 236 unrelated individuals from seven Indian populations and an additional 355 cases with NSCLP and 357 controls without NSCLP were included in this study. We investigated the CBS c.844ins68 polymorphism in all samples. Genotyping was performed with polymerase chain reaction and electrophoresis. The data were statistically analyzed using the chi-square test. Results The CBS c.844ins68 allele is present in six of the seven populations analyzed, and allele frequencies range from 1.5% in Balija to 9.1% in Sugali populations. The CBS c.844ins68 polymorphism showed a significant protective effect on NSCLP at both genotype (WW versus WI: odds ratio [OR] = 0.54, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.31 to 0.95, P = .149) and allele levels (W versus I: OR = 0.56, 95% CI = 0.32 to 0.96, P = .033). Conclusions The current study observed significant differences in the frequency of the CBS 844ins68 allele across populations. There is a significant association between CBS c.844ins68 polymorphism and cleft lip and palate in the Indian population. Additional studies are warranted to identify the functional variants in the genes controlling homocysteine as etiological contributors to the formation of oral clefts.
Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Family-Targeted Therapies in the Treatment of HER2-Overexpressing Breast Cancer
Authors: Eroglu Zeynep , Tagawa Tomoko , Somlo George 
Published: January 2014

Learning ObjectivesDescribe the role of HER2 in breast cancer pathogenesis. List the approved and investigational agents targeting the HER receptor family and downstream signaling pathways with focus on overcoming resistance to HER2-targeted therapies. Describe ongoing clinical trials evaluating the efficacy and safety of agents targeting HER and downstream pathways in breast cancer patients.
Pretreatment for micro- or ultra-filtration/reverse osmosis water reuse: experience from Mid-Eastern Australia
Authors: Solley David , Rhodes Bradley , Hordern Mark , Roux Annalie 
Published: January 2014

In the past decade, six micro- or ultra-filtration/reverse osmosis (RO) reuse treatment plants, ranging in capacity from 4 to 100 ML/d, have been constructed in South East Queensland, Australia. The plants produce water for a variety of purposes, from industrial use through to indirect potable reuse. The feed water for all these reuse plants is wastewater treated to a secondary biological nutrient removal standard with secondary clarification only.
Two different pretreatment approaches have been adopted ahead of the membrane processes, with varying objectives and success. These pretreatment approaches fall into two broad process types; those that directly feed treated wastewater onto the MF or UF (without pretreatment other than micro-screening), and those with chemical clarification pretreatment prior to MF or UF.
The reuse plants that include pretreatment ahead of MF/RO are designed to maximise the production of reuse water from the available wastewater. As a result, the recovery adopted is 82%, resulting in 83 to 85% recovery being required from the three-stage RO process. In comparison, the reuse plants that have no pretreatment prior to MF/RO generally operate at lower RO recovery of about 75%.
The paper examines the design, performance and operational experience of these two different water reuse treatment plant types. Chemical clarification pretreatment provides stable operation of high recovery RO processes, with low CIP requirements. However, these processes may require design and operation that is outside normal practice. In comparison, the operation of reuse plants without pretreatment has resulted in lower RO and plant recovery rates being adopted, and potentially higher RO CIP requirements. Long-term operation appears possible, with low maintenance requirements for the MF system. Routine chemical cleans of both the MF/UF and RO membranes at these smaller plants, may lead to improved process performance.
Reject Analysis in Conventional Radiography
Authors: Usha Mr , Bhargava SK , Bhatt S 
Published: January 2014

Quality assurance in diagnostic radiology is of paramount importance to provide quality services leading to better diagnostic yield and thus accurate and timely treatment. Reject analysis study was done in conventional radiography to find out the incidence and the causative factors so that necessary steps be taken to avoid these factors resulting in less repetition of films thus reducing cost and unnecessary radiation to patients and personnel working in radiology department.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njr.v3i2.9612 Nepalese Journal of Radiology Vol.3(2)July-Dec, 2013: 65-67
Isolated Gallbladder Perforation in Cases of Blunt Trauma Abdomen
Authors: Gupta MK , Ahmad K , Kumar A , Santhalia PK , Joshi BR , Rauniyar RK 
Published: January 2014

Isolated perforation of gallbladder (GB) following blunt trauma abdomen is extremely rare and may pose a diagnostic challenge. Early diagnosis and treatment is of paramount importance to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with GB perforation. We present two cases of isolated GB perforation in patients of blunt abdominal trauma diagnosed on multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) which was corroborated by bile stained peritoneal aspirate and subsequently confirmed by surgery. Both the patients underwent open cholecystectomy with good outcome.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njr.v3i2.9614 Nepalese Journal of Radiology Vol.3(2)July-Dec, 2013: 72-76
An Intraarticular Osteoid Osteoma: A Case Report & Review of Literature
Authors: Pant AR , Gupta MK , Santhalia PK , Ahmad K , Kalawar RPS , Rauniyar RK 
Published: January 2014

Osteoid osteoma (OO) is one of the common benign bone tumors but an uncommon cause of musculoskeletal pain. Its diagnosis is usually not difficult in classic clinical setup and in typical location in diaphyseal region. However, the diagnosis of juxta or intraarticular osteoid osteoma (IAOO) is challenging because of atypical clinical presentation responsible for delay in diagnosis and treatment. We report a rare case of IAOO as a cause of chronic shoulder pain to make clinician aware to help in its early diagnosis and management. A 28-year-old woman presented with chronic debilitating right shoulder pain. The diagnosis was established on CTscan after 2 years of onset of symptoms because of atypical clinical presentation as a chronic monoarthritis of the shoulder. CTscan demonstrated radiolucent nidus with central calcification with areas of surrounding sclerosis. The tumor was excised surgically and histopathologic examination confirmed the diagnosis of osteoid osteoma. So, in the scenario of an unexplained chronic monoarthritis, the possibility of intraarticular osteoid osteoma should also be kept in mind. CT-scan remains the investigation of choice for demonstrating the nidus and surgical exicision relieves the symptoms. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njr.v3i2.9615 Nepalese Journal of Radiology Vol.3(2)July-Dec, 2013: 77-80
Unusual Cause for Pediatric Chest Pain: MDCT Evaluation of Single Coronary Artery
Authors: Gangadhar K 
Published: January 2014

Single coronary artery (SCA) is a rare congenital anomaly in which the entire coronary system arises from a solitary ostium. Anomalies of the coronary arteries are rare conditions that are often asymptomatic. However, if perfusion by the coronary artery is impaired, this anomaly can lead to a life-threatening situation, such as myocardial ischemia or infarction, and sudden cardiac death. We report a case of single coronary artery in a six year old girl who presented with acute chest pain.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njr.v3i2.9616 Nepalese Journal of Radiology Vol.3(2)July-Dec, 2013: 81-84
Abernethy Malformation and the Spectrum of Imaging Findings: A Case Report
Authors: Gangadhar K , Nair SV , Sunnapwar A , Chintapalli KN 
Published: January 2014

Congenital extrahepatic porto systemic shunt (CEPS) is a rare condition in which the porto mesenteric blood drains into a systemic vein, bypassing the liver through a complete or partial shunt. It is commonly associated with multiple congenital anomalies. A diagnosis of Abernethy malformation is made by non-invasive cross-sectional imaging techniques such as Doppler ultrasound, CT or MRI, which show the shunt and intrahepatic portal vein branches. We report a case presenting with psychological issues, systemic hypertension, upper extremity deformities, liver lesions and portal hypertension. Usually the patients are diagnosed in childhood, in our case the patient is a middle aged woman. This case report shows the importance of imaging in diagnosis of this condition and presentation of the patient with portal hypertension which is rare.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njr.v3i2.9622 Nepalese Journal of Radiology Vol.3(2)July-Dec, 2013: 97-102
Conus medullaris and cauda equina tumors: clinical presentation, prognosis, and outcome after surgical treatment
Authors: Wostrack Maria , Shiban Ehab , Obermueller Thomas , Gempt Jens , Meyer Bernhard , Ringel Florian 
Published: January 2014

Object
Intradural cauda equina and conus medullaris tumors (CECMTs) are rare. Only a few large clinical series exist to date. Therefore, clinical symptoms, surgical complications, and outcomes are poorly understood. The aim of the present study was to evaluate outcome after surgery of CECMTs and to identify the factors associated with a worse clinical prognosis based on the results of a series with sufficiently high number of cases.

Methods
All cases of intradural CECMTs treated surgically at the authors' department between March 2006 and May 2012 were retrospectively evaluated. Arachnoid cysts and multifocal tumors were excluded. Sixty-eight adult patients met the inclusion criteria (35 female and 33 male patients; median age 56 years). Follow-up data were available for 72% (n = 49) in a median period of 9 months.

Results
Overall, 18 tumors were located intramedullary and 50 extramedullary. The majority were nerve sheath tumors (n = 27), ependymomas (n = 17), and meningiomas (n = 9). The most common preoperative symptom was pain. The rate of new transient postoperative impairment was 18% (n = 12), and new permanent deficits were observed in only 6% (n = 4). Overall neurological improvement was achieved in 62%. The reversibility of preoperative symptoms was related to the interval between the time of symptom onset and the time of surgery and to the presence of preoperative neurological deficits. Surgery of ependymoma and carcinoma metastases was associated with a higher rate of morbidity.

Conclusions
Intradural CECMTs present as a group of tumors with varying histological features and clinical symptoms. Symptomatic manifestation is usually unspecific, mimicking degenerative lumbar spine syndromes. Despite a significant risk of transient deterioration, early surgery is advisable because more than 94% of patients maintain at least their preoperative status and more than 60% improve during follow-up. The reversibility of preoperative symptoms is related to the duration between symptom onset and surgery and to the presence of preoperative neurological deficits. The prognosis for recovery from cauda equina or conus medullaris syndrome is less favorable than for other deficits. Surgery of ependymoma is associated with a higher morbidity rate than other benign entities.
Use of artificial neural networks to predict surgical satisfaction in patients with lumbar spinal canal stenosis
Authors: Azimi Parisa , Benzel Edward C. , Shahzadi Sohrab , Azhari Shirzad , Mohammadi Hasan Reza 
Published: January 2014

Object
The purpose of this study was to develop an artificial neural network (ANN) model for predicting 2-year surgical satisfaction, and to compare the new model with traditional predictive tools in patients with lumbar spinal canal stenosis.

Methods
The 2 prediction models included an ANN and a logistic regression (LR) model. The patient age, sex, duration of symptoms, walking distance, visual analog scale scores of leg pain or numbness, the Japanese Orthopaedic Association score, the Neurogenic Claudication Outcome Score, and the stenosis ratio values were determined as the input variables for the ANN and LR models that were developed. Patient surgical satisfaction was recorded using a standardized measure. The ANNs were fed patient data to predict 2-year surgical satisfaction based on several input variables. Sensitivity analysis was applied to the ANN model to identify the important variables. The receiver operating characteristic–area under curve (ROC-AUC), Hosmer-Lemeshow statistics, and accuracy rate were calculated for evaluating the 2 models.

Results
A total of 168 patients (59 male, 109 female; mean age 59.8 ± 11.6 years) were divided into training (n = 84), testing (n = 42), and validation (n = 42) data sets. Postsurgical satisfaction was 88.7% at 2-year follow-up. The stenosis ratio was the important variable selected by the ANN. The ANN model displayed a better accuracy rate in 96.9% of patients, a better Hosmer-Lemeshow statistic in 42.4% of patients, and a better ROC-AUC in 80% of patients, compared with the LR model.

Conclusions
The findings show that an ANN can predict 2-year surgical satisfaction for use in clinical application and is more accurate compared with an LR model.
L'essor économique de l'Afrique. Motifs d'optimisme et de pessimisme
Authors: Devarajan Shantayanan , Fengler Wolfgang 
Published: January 2014

Le PIB de l’Afrique subsaharienne s’est accru de 5 % par an depuis 2000 et on s’attend à ce qu’il augmente encore plus rapidement dans le futur. Bien que les pessimistes fassent rapidement remarquer que cette croissance a suivi l’augmentation des cours des produits de base, le succès des réformes politiques récentes et l’ouverture croissante des sociétés africaines donnent à la région une chance raisonnable de réaliser une croissance plus soutenue au cours des années à venir. Classification JEL : O.
Renforcer les systèmes d'intégrité locale dans le sud de l'Europe : le cas de la corruption locale urbaine en Espagne
Authors: García Quesada Mónica , Jiménez-Sánchez Fernando , Villoria Mendieta Manuel 
Published: January 2014

Entre 1997 et 2007, l’Espagne a été frappée par d’importantes affaires de corruption politique associées au développement urbain local. Afin d’analyser leurs causes, nous examinons dans le présent article les mécanismes institutionnels visant à surveiller et à contrôler le travail des décideurs locaux et à veiller à ce qu’ils opèrent indépendamment de toute influence privée. Nous analysons aussi leur efficacité réelle en nous intéressant à certaines affaires de corruption locale qui ont éclaté durant cette décennie. L’exemple espagnol indique que les représentants locaux avaient la possibilité de distribuer les gains financiers au sein de la municipalité sans être tenus de rendre compte de leurs actions. Nous soutenons que l’insuffisance des mécanismes de contrôle des activités des représentants locaux entre 1997 et 2007 peut expliquer l’intensité et la généralisation de la corruption locale en Espagne. Remarques à l’intention des praticiens Notre article permet de mieux comprendre les facteurs et les causes qui expliquent la corruption locale, en particulier dans les pays où les gouvernements locaux sont caractérisés par un « maire puissant ». Sur la base du système d’intégrité locale, nous proposons une stratégie en vue d’analyser le rôle et l’impact des mécanismes de contrôle, en distinguant le contrôle interne du contrôle externe, de même que le contrôle administratif du contrôle judiciaire. Notre article permet aussi de mieux comprendre, données à l’appui, le décalage entre les mécanismes institutionnels « formels », d’une part, et leur mise en œuvre effective de même que leurs conséquences, de l’autre.
Le « e-readiness » suscite-t-il un recours accru au gouvernement électronique ? Éléments d'information issus du gouvernement électronique central coréen
Authors: Park Sangin , Choi Yeon-Tae , Bok Hong-Seok 
Published: January 2014

Les indices de la capacité des pays à intégrer les TIC (appelés « e-readiness ») mesurés par l’accessibilité et les offres de contenu sont régulièrement utilisés dans les évaluations des sites de gouvernement électronique. Nous présentons des données empiriques extraites de quatre indices de e-readiness (comme l’accessibilité, les informations électroniques, les requêtes électroniques et la participation électronique) et des données sur le parcours de navigation des sites Web des unités du gouvernement central coréen de 2003 à 2005 pour déterminer si le e-readiness suscite un recours accru aux sites de gouvernement électronique. Nous allons voir que seul l’indice relatif aux informations électroniques présente une corrélation significative avec l’utilisation des sites Web et que la majorité des variations dans l’utilisation sont attribuables à des effets propres aux unités, comme la nature du service public qu’elles offrent. Nos observations indiquent également que l’indice d’accessibilité ne doit plus être considéré comme un facteur déterminant pour évaluer les sites Web du gouvernement électronique et que les évaluations du contenu du gouvernement électronique traditionnelles axées sur l’offre peuvent produire des informations trompeuses sur l’évolution du gouvernement électronique. Remarques à l’intention des praticiens Les évaluations du gouvernement électronique traditionnelles axées sur l’offre ne représentent pas toujours les besoins réels des citoyens et leur utilisation réelle des services de gouvernement électronique. Le déploiement du gouvernement électronique à l’échelle de plusieurs unités doit tenir compte de la nature des services publics offerts par chaque unité.