bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Comparative Study for3DSurface Modeling of Coal Deposit by Spatial Interpolation Approaches
Authors: Dag Ahmet , Ozdemir Ali Can 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe planning stages of mining require comprehensive and detailed analyses. The proper determination of the orebody boundary is one of the most important points to provide optimum model structure and projections. The limits can be determined by different methods based on the site geology. Although some three dimensional (3D) models were proposed for providing detailed information concerning a mine deposit, developing a solid model via a3Dapproach is novelty. In other words, surface modeling should be performed for creating a solid model and determining limits of the deposit. In this way, sensible generation of the surface model can be achieved. This study investigated the estimation capability of the polynomial approach, which is a novel spatial interpolation method, for modeling a coal deposit surface. The performance of the proposed model was compared with some conventional methods in the literature. The results showed that the polynomial interpolation method is an effective method to employ for surface modeling of a mine deposit.
Calcium and Magnesium‐bearing Sabugalite from the Tono Uranium Deposit, Central Japan
Authors: Nakata Masataka , Sasao Eiji , Komuro Kosei 
Published: October 2013

AbstractCalcium and magnesium‐bearing sabugalite occurs as aggregations of yellowish platy crystals in veinlets or druses in conglomerate from the oxidized parts of the Tono uranium deposit, Central Japan. X‐ray powder diffractometry of this mineral has reflections consistent with previous powder diffraction data of sabugalite. It is included in the monoclinic system with space group C2/m and calculated cell parameters of a = 19.68Å, b = 9.89Å, c = 9.82Å α = γ = 90°, β‐96.93° and V = 1897.83Å3. Chemical analysis yields a formula of (Ca0.10 Mg0.09)Σ0.19Al0.53(UO2)2.04((PO4)1.99(AsO4)0.01)Σ2.00·11.22H2O. EMPA mapping shows that the mineral is compositionally uniform with no micron‐scale layering. Charge of cations including Ca and Mg in the cation‐H2O layer is 1.98 being identical to that of autunite group minerals. This suggests that the charge balance in the cation‐H2O layer of the mineral could be made by the alkaline earth or alkaline elements rather than by hydrogen ions.
Trade with Time Zone Differences: Factor Market Implications
Authors: Kikuchi Toru , Marjit Sugata , Mandal Biswajit 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe main purpose of this study is to illustrate, with a simple two‐factor (skilled and unskilled labor) model, how a time‐saving improvement in business‐services trade benefitting from differences in time zones can have an impact on national factor markets. In doing so, we intend to capture the situation where the night‐shift work in one country is replaced by the day‐shift work in another country. In other words, we will show that trade with time zone differences will result in shifts of the relative supplies and demands for skilled labor around the globe.
Microcredit, Labor, and Poverty Impacts in Urban Mexico
Authors: Niño‐Zarazúa Miguel 
Published: October 2013

AbstractImproved household accessibility to credit is a significant determinant of intra‐household allocation of labor resources with important implications for productivity, income, and poverty status. However, credit accessibility could also have wider impacts on poverty if it leads to new hires outside the household. This paper contributes to the existing literature on microcredit in two important ways. First, it investigates the routes through which microcredit reaches those in poverty outside the household. We test whether by lending to the vulnerable non‐poor microcredit can indirectly benefit poor laborers through increased employment. Second, we conduct the study in the context of urban poverty Mexico. This is relevant when considering that labor often represents the only source of livelihoods to the extreme urban poor. Our findings point to significant trickle‐down effects of microcredit that benefit poor laborers; however, these effects are only observed after loan‐supported enterprising households achieve earnings well above the poverty line.
Care dependency in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and heart failure – a secondary data analysis of German prevalence studies
Authors: Köberich Stefan , Lohrmann Christa , Dassen Theo 
Published: October 2013

AimThe aim of this study was to compare the degree of care dependency between hospitalised patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) and patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).MethodsSecondary data analysis of five German prevalence studies from 2007 to 2011. Care dependency was measured using the Care Dependency Scale.ResultsHospitalised patients with CHF or COPD are to a limited extent care dependent, and their overall care dependency does not differ (p = 0.56). Care dependency items with the lowest mean were mobility, hygiene, getting (un)dressed, continence, avoidance of danger and daily activities. Patients with CHF or COPD did not differ statistically significantly in those items. Only the items ‘eating and drinking’ almost achieved statistical significance (p = 0.06).ConclusionPatients with CHF or COPD did not differ in levels of care dependency. Both patient populations are restricted in engaging in activities potentially associated with physical condition and possibly influenced by perceived dyspnoea. Furthermore, comorbidities like incontinence and cognitive impairment seem to play an important role regarding the degree of care dependency.
Spontaneous Clearance of Hepatitis B Surface Antigenemia After Long‐term Hemodialysis
Authors: Patel Chinmay , Monga Divya , Alexander Mohini , Magoon Sandeep , Bernstein David , Wagner John D. , Mattana Joseph 
Published: October 2013

AbstractPersistent infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) [as indicated by chronic HBV surface antigenemia (HBsAg)] continues to be an important problem in end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) patients and specifically in those receiving maintenance hemodialysis (HD). Patients on HD who are HBsAg‐positive for a year have little chance of ever eliminating the virus; hence, clearance of HBsAg is a rare event in long‐term HD patients. We report the case of a 62‐year‐old diabetic woman who was HBsAg‐positive at the time she started HD and remained so until 10 years later when she became HBsAg‐negative followed by the development of hepatitis B surface antibody (anti‐HBs). Prior to her seroconversion, she suffered a persistent infection of her HD arteriovenous graft (AVG) that required prolonged antibiotics and several surgical procedures. We speculate that this immune stimulation contributed to her seroconversion.
Characterization of mannose‐binding lectin (MBL) variants by allele‐specific sequencing of MBL2 and determination of serum MBL protein levels
Authors: Adamek M. , Heyder J. , Heinold A. , Fiedler G. , Opelz G. , Tran T. H. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractMannose‐binding lectin (MBL) is a major component of the lectin pathway of complement activation. High and low MBL levels have been associated with susceptibility and severity of a variety of infectious and autoimmune diseases. Several single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the promoter region and exon 1 of the MBL2 gene are responsible for variations in serum MBL levels. We developed a sequence‐based typing method for allele‐specific MBL2 genotyping and measured serum MBL protein levels in 24 German blood donors. We identified the common MBL2 haplotypes including five promoter polymorphisms in linkage with the Q allele and correlated serum MBL levels with the respective genotypes. The genotyping method presented here could provide a basis for confirmatory studies in larger cohorts.
Randomizing Roaches: Exploring the ‘Bugs’ of Randomization in Experimental Design
Authors: Wagler Amy , Wagler Ron 
Published: October 2013

SummaryUnderstanding the roles of random selection and random assignment in experimental design is a central learning objective in most introductory statistics courses. This article describes an activity, appropriate for a high school or introductory statistics course, designed to teach the concepts, values and pitfalls of random selection and assignment using the not‐easily‐forgotten Madagascar hissing cockroach. Evidence is summarized demonstrating conceptual gains for students performing the Randomizing Roaches activity, and follow‐up activities are suggested.
A case of Mycobacterium mucogenicum infection in a liver transplant recipient and a review of the literature
Authors: Maybrook R.J. , Campsen J. , Wachs M.E. , Levi M.E. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBacterial, viral, and fungal infections can be devastating in a postoperative liver transplant recipient on multidrug immunosuppressive therapy. Various atypical (nontuberculous mycobacteria [NTM]) mycobacterial infections have been reported in the solid organ transplant population, but to our knowledge, no cases of Mycobacterium mucogenicum infections have been reported. Here, we report a case of a patient with end‐stage liver disease secondary to primary biliary cirrhosis, model for end‐stage liver disease score of 29, who underwent deceased‐donor orthotopic liver transplantation, with her postoperative course complicated by multiple pleural effusions and peritonitis. Despite numerous courses of antibiotics, her condition did not improve. Acid‐fast bacilli cultures grew M. mucogenicum, which was then treated with appropriate antimicrobical therapy. M. mucogenicum, a rapidly growing NTM that can be present in water contamination, should be recognized as a potential source of infection, especially in the immunocompromised population.
Clinical comparison of theTonoVet®rebound tonometer and theTono‐PenVet®applanation tonometer in dogs and cats with ocular disease: glaucoma or corneal pathology
Authors: von Spiessen Lena , Karck Julia , Rohn Karl , Meyer‐Lindenberg Andrea 
Published: October 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo compare theTonoVet®rebound tonometer with theTono‐PenVet®applanation tonometer in a larger number of glaucomatous eyes and to evaluate the effect of different corneal pathologies on both tonometers.ProcedureIn 26 eyes with clinical signs of glaucoma, intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured using theTonoVet®followed by theTono‐PenVet®. In 29 eyes with focal corneal pathology (e.g., corneal scarring, edema, pigmentation), both tonometers were used successively to measureIOPin one unaffected area of the cornea, as well as on the lesion itself. Impact on measurement results was assessed comparing the deviation inIOPreadings of each tonometer between the two localizations. Statistical data analysis included pairedt‐tests and regression analysis usingsassoftware (version 9.2;SAS Institute,Cary,NC).ResultsIn glaucomatous eyes, theTonoVet®consistently yielded higher values ofIOPthan theTono‐PenVet®as can be quantified by the regression equationIOP(TonoVet®) [mmHg] = 1.12 * IOP(Tono‐PenVet®) [mmHg] + 11.5 withR2 = 0.91 andP < 0.0001. Depending on the type and degree of corneal pathology, the deviation inIOPresulting from measurements on altered cornea ranged from −6 to 16 mmHg for theTonoVet®and −7 to 20 mmHg for theTono‐PenVet®, respectively. On average, the effect of corneal disease onIOPmeasurements was lower for theTonoVet®by 1.14 mmHg.ConclusionsRebound tonometry appears to be a valuable alternative to established applanation tonometry in patients with ocular disease such as glaucoma and corneal disorders. In patients suffering from glaucoma, the same type of tonometer should be used for follow‐up examinations, as measurement results of theTonoVet®and theTono‐PenVet®differ substantially with increasingIOP. Corneal pathology has considerable influence on both tonometers with the degree of over‐ or underestimation ofIOPdepending on the alteration of biomechanical properties of the cornea inflicted by various corneal pathologies.
Weed seed decay in conventional and diversified cropping systems
Authors: Gómez R , Liebman M , Munkvold G 
Published: October 2013

SummaryDiversified cropping systems can have high soil microbial biomass and thus strong potential to reduce the weed seedbank through seed decay. This study, conducted in Iowa, USA, evaluated the hypothesis that weed seed decay is higher in a diversified 4‐year maize–soyabean–oat/lucerne–lucerne cropping system than in a conventional 2‐year maize–soyabean rotation. Mesh bags filled with either Setaria faberi or Abutilon theophrasti seeds and soil were buried at two depths in the maize phase of the two cropping systems and sampled over a 3‐year period. Setaria faberi seed decay was consistently greater at 2 cm than at 20 cm burial depth and was higher in the more diverse rotation than in the conventional rotation in 1 year. Abutilon theophrasti seeds decayed very little in comparison with seeds of S. faberi. Separate laboratory and field experiments confirmed differences in germination and seed decay among the seed lots evaluated each year. Fusarium, Pythium, Alternaria, Cladosporium and Trichoderma were the most abundant genera colonising seeds of both species. A glasshouse experiment determined a relationship between Pythium ultimum and S. faberi seed decay. Possible differences in seed susceptibility to decay indicate the need to evaluate weed seedbank dynamics in different cropping systems when evaluating overall population dynamics and formulating weed management strategies.
Altered TGF‐β signaling in fetal fibroblasts: What is known about the underlying mechanisms?
Authors: Walraven Mariëlle , Gouverneur Mirella , Middelkoop Esther , Beelen Rob H. J. , Ulrich Magda M. W. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractScarless wound healing is a unique and intrinsic capacity of the fetal skin that is not fully understood. Further insight into the underlying mechanisms of fetal wound healing may lead to new therapeutic approaches promoting adult scarless wound healing. Differences between fetal and adult wound healing are found in the extracellular matrix, the inflammatory reaction and the levels of growth factors present in the wound. This review focuses specifically on transforming growth factor β (TGF‐β), as this growth factor is prominently involved in wound healing and fibroblast‐to‐myofibroblast differentiation.Although fetal fibroblasts do respond to TGF‐β, they lack a proliferative and a contractile response and display short‐lived myofibroblast differentiation, autocrine response, and collagen up‐regulation in comparison with adult fibroblasts. Curiously, prolonged TGF‐β activation is associated with fibrosis, and therefore, this short‐lived response in fetal fibroblasts might contribute to scarless healing. This review gives an overview of the current knowledge on TGF‐β signaling and the intracellular TGF‐β signaling pathway in fetal fibroblasts. Furthermore, this review also describes the various components that regulate the cellular TGF‐β response and hypothesizes about the possible roles these components might play in the altered response of fetal fibroblasts to TGF‐β.
Evaluation of clinical and laboratory correlates of sickle leg ulcers
Authors: Madu Anazoeze Jude , Ubesie Agozie , Madu Kenechi Anthony , Okwor Bismarck , Anigbo Chukwudi 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe exact mechanism for the occurrence of sickle leg ulcers (SLUs) has not been fully explained, although, popular opinion supports a multifactorial etio‐pathogenetic process. Leg ulceration in sickle cell is a chronic and debilitating condition which is difficult to treat and may worsen the psychosocial impact of this illness. This study aims to evaluate the laboratory and clinical correlates of SLUs. One hundred sixty‐seven patients who had been diagnosed with sickle cell anemia (homozygous S) had their steady‐state hemoglobin concentration (Hb), hematocrit, white cell count, platelet count, serum bilirubin, and aspartate transaminase (AST) as well as frequency of crisis per annum evaluated with respect to their relationship to the occurrence of leg ulcers. They were aged 6–53 years (mean age 24.3 years), and prevalence of leg ulcer was found to be 2.75 per 1000 (2.54 per 1000 in females and 2.83 per 1000 in males). The independent sample t‐test showed a significant difference in the serum AST levels in those with SLU (p = 0.029), though a positive correlation did not exist. Other predictors of disease severity found to have positive relationship with each other were the AST and total serum bilirubin 0.207 (p = 0.012); Hb and age 0.130 (p = 0.035); Hb and white cell count −0.159 (p = 0.010), white cell count and age −0.113 (p = 0.018). SLUs do not occur in patients with severe disease in sickle cell. The clinical and laboratory indicators of severe sickle cell disease do not correlate positively with the occurrence of SLU. Serum AST may have a relationship with leg ulceration in these patients. Environmental factors most likely play a major part in the etiopathogenesis of leg ulcer and this may require further studies in different sociocultural settings.
Chronic venous leg ulcer treatment: Future research needs
Authors: Lazarus Gerald , Valle M. Fran , Malas Mahmoud , Qazi Umair , Maruthur Nisa M. , Doggett David , Fawole Oluwakemi A. , Bass Eric B. , Zenilman Jonathan 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe prevalence and costs of chronic venous ulcer care in the US are increasing. The Johns Hopkins University Evidence‐Based Practice Center recently completed a systematic review of the comparative effectiveness of advanced wound dressings, antibiotics, and surgical management of chronic venous ulcers. Of 10,066 citations identified in the literature search, only 66 (0.06%) met our liberal inclusion criteria for providing evidence on the effectiveness of interventions for chronic venous ulcers. Based on review of those studies, members of our team and a panel of informed stakeholders identified important research gaps and methodological deficiencies and prioritized specific future research needs. Based on that review, we provide the results of our assessment of future research needs for chronic venous ulcer care. Advanced wound dressings were considered to have the highest priority for future research, followed by venous surgery and antibiotics. An imperative from our assessment is that future research evaluating interventions for chronic venous ulcers meet quality standards. In a time of increasing cost pressure, the wound care community needs to develop high‐quality evidence to justify the use of present and future therapeutic modalities.
Simultaneous irrigation and negative pressure wound therapy enhances wound healing and reduces wound bioburden in a porcine model
Authors: Davis Kathryn , Bills Jessica , Barker Jenny , Kim Paul , Lavery Lawrence 
Published: October 2013

AbstractInfected foot wounds are one of the most common reasons for hospitalization and amputation among persons with diabetes. The objective of the study was to investigate a new wound therapy system that employs negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) with simultaneous irrigation therapy. For this study, we used a porcine model with full‐thickness excisional wounds, inoculated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Wounds were treated for 21 days of therapy with either NPWT, NPWT with simultaneous irrigation therapy using normal saline or polyhexanide biguanide (PHMB) at low or high flow rates, or control. Data show that NPWT with either irrigation condition improved wound healing rates over control‐treated wounds, yet did not differ from NPWT alone. NPWT improved bioburden over control‐treated wounds. NPWT with simultaneous irrigation further reduced bioburden over control and NPWT‐treated wounds; however, flow rate did not affect these outcomes. Together, these data show that NPWT with simultaneous irrigation therapy with either normal saline or PHMB has a positive effect on bioburden in a porcine model, which may translate clinically to improved wound healing outcomes.
Hyperbaric oxygen treatment reduces neutrophil‐endothelial adhesion in chronic wound conditions through S‐nitrosation
Authors: Kendall Alexandra C. , Whatmore Jacqueline L. , Winyard Paul G. , Smerdon Gary R. , Eggleton Paul 
Published: October 2013

AbstractHyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy is an effective treatment for diabetic chronic wounds. HBO reduces inflammation and accelerates wound healing, by mechanisms that remain unclear. Here we examined a mechanism by which HBO may reduce neutrophil recruitment, through changes in endothelial and neutrophil adhesion molecule expression and function. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells and neutrophils were exposed to selected chronic wound conditions, comprising hypoxia in the presence of lipopolysaccharide and tumor necrosis factor‐alpha, and then treated with HBO. We observed neutrophil adhesion to endothelial cells following treatment with chronic wound conditions, which was reversed by HBO treatment. This was partly explained by reduced expression of endothelial intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 by HBO. No changes in neutrophil adhesion molecule expression (CD18, CD11b, CD62L, CD31) were observed following HBO treatment. However, HBO decreased hydrogen peroxide generation by neutrophils, and induced nitrous oxide–related protein modifications. The transnitrosating agent S‐nitroso‐L‐cysteine ethyl ester (600 μM) also reduced neutrophil adhesion to human umbilical vein endothelial cell monolayers, and the iNOS inhibitor 1400W (10 μM) and HgCl2, which promotes the decomposition of S‐nitrosothiols (1 mM), reversed the effect of HBO, suggesting that S‐nitrosation may inhibit neutrophil‐endothelial cell adhesion. This study indicates that HBO could reduce inflammation in wounds through reduced neutrophil recruitment, mediated by S‐nitrosation.
Microdeformation in wound healing
Authors: Wiegand Cornelia , White Richard 
Published: October 2013

AbstractMechanical forces greatly influence cellular organization and behavior. Cells respond to applied stress by changes in form and composition until a suitable state is reestablished. However, without any mechanical stimuli cells stop proliferating, discontinue migration, go into cell‐cycle arrest, and eventually die. Hence, one can assume that pathologies closely depending on cell migration like cancer or atherosclerosis might be governed by biophysical parameters. Moreover, mechanical cues will have fundamental effects in wound healing. Especially negative pressure wound therapy has the potential to endorse wound healing by induction of both macrodeformation (wound contraction) and microdeformation (tissue reactions at microscopic level). So far, the capacity for researchers to study the link between mechanical stimulation and biological response has been limited by the lack of instrumentation capable of stimulating the tissue in an appropriate manner. However, first reports on application of micromechanical forces to wounds elucidate the roles of cell stretch, substrate stiffness, and tissue deformation during cell proliferation and differentiation. This review deals with their findings and tries to establish a link between the current knowledge and the questions that are essential to clinicians in the field: What is the significance of mirodeformations for wound healing? Does “dead space” impede propagation of mechanical cues? How can microdeformations induce cell proliferation? What role do fibroblasts, myofibroblasts, and mesenchymal stem cells play in chronic wounds with regard to micromechanical forces?