bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vascularization of carotid plaque in recently symptomatic patients is associated with the occurrence of transcranial microembolic signals
Authors: Ritter M. A. , Theismann K. , Schmiedel M. , Ringelstein E. B. , Dittrich R. 
Published: November 2012

Background and purposeMicroembolic signals (MES) are detectable in the middle cerebral artery by transcranial ultrasound downstream to atherosclerotic lesions of the internal carotid artery (ICA) in patients with stroke or transient ischaemic attack. The occurrence of MES predicts future risk of stroke in patients with symptomatic and asymptomatic carotid stenosis. The detection of intra‐plaque neo‐vascularization by contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in atherosclerotic plaques of the ICA is associated with future cardiovascular/cerebrovascular events. We investigated whether there is an association between both surrogate markers of future vascular events.MethodsForty‐one patients with symptomatic atherosclerotic plaques underwent ipsilateral transcranial ultrasound MES detection for 30 min followed by a CEUS investigation of the plaque. The occurrence and number of MES was documented, and the degree of intra‐plaque neo‐vascularization was measured semi‐quantitatively.ResultsDuring the 30 min investigation, 17 patients had MES and nine of them showed neo‐vascularization of the atherosclerotic plaque. The remaining 24 patients did not have MES, and only in four patients of this group could plaque neo‐vascularization be demonstrated (P = 0.020).ConclusionsWe found an association between the occurrence of MES and the presence of neo‐vascularization in patients with symptomatic atherosclerotic carotid plaque. Therefore, plaque neo‐vascularization might also be a surrogate marker of future stroke risk.
Rheological contrast between glaucophane and lawsonite in naturally deformed blueschist from Diablo Range, California
Authors: Kim Daeyeong , Katayama Ikuo , Michibayashi Katsuyoshi , Tsujimori Tatsuki 
Published: November 2012

AbstractDeformation microstructures for a lawsonite blueschist from the New Idria serpentinite body, Diablo Range, are investigated to clarify rheological behaviors of glaucophane and lawsonite, which are main mineral assemblages of subducting oceanic crust at relatively cold geotherm. Developments of crystal‐preferred orientations (CPOs) with small grain size, irregular grain boundary and high aspect ratio of glaucophane indicate deformation mechanism as recovery and dynamic recrystallization possibly accommodated by dislocation creep, while lawsonite deforms by rigid body rotation based on euhedral grains with angular or straight grain boundaries. Higher aspect ratios, lower angle to foliation, and stronger CPOs of both minerals in the glaucophane‐rich layer rather than those in the lawsonite‐rich layer suggest the strain localization into the glaucophane‐rich layer. Additionally fabric strength (the degree of crystal alignment) and seismic anisotropy are higher in the glaucophane‐rich layer than that of the lawsonite‐rich layer, which is consistent with the microstructural analyses. All our results imply, therefore, the dominant role of glaucophane rather than lawsonite for rheological behavior and seismic anisotropy of blueschist.
The Various Relations between Law and Morality in Contemporary Legal Philosophy
Authors: Moore Michael S. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThis paper is intended to be a summary of the author's views on the relationship between law and morality worked out over the past three decades in jurisprudence. The paper preliminarily clarifies the matter by isolating some lines of cleavage separating different questions askable about this relationship. With this done, the author argues for two theses. One, that judges are obligated to use morality in their decisions in particular cases; and two, that the morality judges are obligated to use in their judicial reasonings, is best seen as the natural lawyer sees it, namely, as being part of the law that obligates judges in their role as judges. The author not only believes these theses to be true; he also thinks that these theses are practically important, in that their acceptance by judges (and by the legal culture that reinforces judges) makes for better judging.
Utilization of Bicarbonate for Base Repletion in Hemodialysis
Authors: Ward Richard A. , Wathen Ronald L. 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACTBecause of physicochemical considerations, acetate rather than bicarbonate has traditionally been used as the base repletion agent in dialysate. There are major differences in the mechanisms through which these agents neutralize the body's acid load in the circumstance of dialysis. Acetate dialysis relies on metabolism of acetate to generate bicarbonate. Loss of bicarbonate into the dialysate requires that acetate dialysis supply base far in excess of that required to buffer metabolic hydrogen ion generation alone. Consequently, net accrual of base is difficult to quantitate and may be inadequate to neutralize the excess hydrogen ion, leading to chronic buffer depletion. However, acute acid‐base problems are usually avoided because of the indirect nature of base addition. In contrast, net base accrual with bicarbonate dialysis occurs in a direct and quantitative manner. While inadequate base repletion is avoided, the direct addition of base requires much tighter control if undesirable acute changes in blood pH are to be avoided.
Is the growth of regionalism as significant as the headlines suggest? Lessons from agricultural trade
Authors: Grant Jason H. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThe proliferation of regional trade agreements (RTAs) has motivated a significant number of ex post econometric studies investigating their agricultural trade impacts. The general conclusion is that RTAs increase members’ trade by as much as 150%, on average. In this article, we demonstrate that previous empirical work likely misrepresents the impact of RTAs because of considerable heterogeneity in the depth of economic integration pursued by these agreements. Contrary to previous studies, the results reveal that RTAs are not universally trade creating, and some agreements appear to provide very little benefit. “Deep integration agreements,” on the other hand, are largely responsible for the impressive agricultural trade flow increases reported in the literature. Testing the hierarchy of RTAs largely confirms the theory: the benefits of regionalism are an increasing function of the depth of economic integration.
Computer assisted evaluation of retinal vessels tortuosity in Fabry disease
Authors: Sodi Andrea , Guarducci Marco , Vauthier Lucy , Ioannidis Alexander S. , Pitz Susanne , Abbruzzese Giacomo , Sofi Francesco , Mecocci Alessandro , Miele Alba , Menchini Ugo 
Published: November 2012

Abstract.Purpose:  Fabry Disease (FD) is a rare X‐linked metabolic disorder characterized by diffuse deposition of sphingolipids in many tissues. Retinal vessel tortuosity is a common ocular manifestation in FD and may represent a useful marker for the disease. Unfortunately its clinical evaluation is poorly reproducibile and alternative means of evaluation may be of interest. We tested a new semi‐automatic software measuring retinal vessel tortuosity from eye fundus digital images in a group of FD patients.Methods:  Observational case‐control study evaluating four mathematical parameters describing tortuosity (relative length, sum of angle metric [SOAM], product of angle distance [PAD], triangular index) obtained from fundus pictures of 35 FD patients and 35 age‐matched controls. Only the right eye was considered in order to reduce bias. Mann–Whitney test was used to compare the FD group versus the control group, males versus females and patients with versus without clinically identified retinal vessels tortuosity in the FD group. Linear regression analysis was performed on a subgroup of patients to evaluate the possible association of retinal vessels tortuosity parameters with age and with markers of systemic disease’s progression.Results:  Three parameters (SOAM, PAD and triangular index) were significantly higher in FD patients in comparison with the controls (p < 0.0001, p = 0.001, p = 0.002 respectively). In the FD group the same three parameters showed higher values in hemizygous males than in heterozygous females ((p < 0.0001, p = 0.002, p < 0.0001 respectively).Conclusion:  A computer assisted analysis of retinal vasculature demonstrated an increased vessels tortuosity in FD patients. The technique might be useful to establish disease severity and monitor its progression.
Ecologically realistic estimates of maximum population growth using informedBayesian priors
Authors: Delean Steven , Brook Barry W. , Bradshaw Corey J. A. 
Published: November 2012

SummaryPhenomenological density‐feedback models estimate parameters such as carrying capacity (K) and maximum population growth rate (rm) from time series of abundances. However, most series represent fluctuations aroundKwithout extending to low abundances and are thus uninformative aboutrm.We used informative prior distributions of maximum population growth rate,p(rm), to estimateBayesian posterior distributions inRicker andθ‐logistic models fitted to abundance series for 36 mammal species. We also used state‐space models to account for observation errors.We used two data sets of population growth rates from different mammal species with associated allometry (body mass) and demography (age at first reproduction) data to predictrmprior distributions.We assessed patterns of differences in posterior means () from models fitted with and without informative priors and used the deviance information criterion (DIC) to rank models for each species.Differences in posteriorfrom models with informative vs. vague priors co‐varied with the prior mean () forRicker models, but only posteriorco‐varied with priorinθ‐logistic models. Informative‐priorRicker models ranked higher than (81% of species), or equivalent to (all species), those with vague priors, which decreased to 70% ranking higher for state‐space models. Prior information also improved the precision ofby 13–45% depending on model and prior.Posteriorwere highly sensitive topriors forθ‐logistic models (halving and doubling prior mean gave −56% and 95% changes in, respectively) and less sensitive forRicker models (−25% and 35% changes in).Our results show that fitting density‐feedback models without prior information gives biologically unrealisticestimates in most cases, even from simpleRicker models. However, sensitivity analysis shows that highrm − θcorrelation inθ‐logistic models means the fit is largely determined by the prior, precluding the use of this model for most census data. Our findings are supported by applying models to simulated time series of abundance. Prior knowledge of species' life history can provide more ecologically realistic estimates (matching theoretical predictions) of regulatory dynamics even in the absence of detailed demographic data, thereby potentially improving predictions of extinction risk.
Double‐Layer Structure Photoanode with TiO2 Nanotubes and Nanoparticles for Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Cao Liqiang , Wu Congcong , Hu Qin , Jin Tetsuro , Chi Bo , Pu Jian , Jian Li 
Published: November 2012

Here, we report a novel double‐layer structure photoanode with TiO2 nanotube (TNT) layer and TiO2 nanoparticle (TP) layer via a two‐step method of electrochemical anodization and screen printing for dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The results indicate that DSSCs with this double‐layer structure have significant advantages of large surface area, long electron lifetime, superior electron recombination restraint characteristics, and high light scattering. The layer thickness of nanotubes and nanoparticles is also investigated and finally an optimized double‐layer structure with excellent performance is prepared. With such a double‐layer structure photoanode, DSSC with a relative high conversion efficiency of 6.43% and a short‐circuit photocurrent density of 16.40 mA·cm−2 is obtained.
Experiences of carers supporting dying renal patients managed without dialysis
Authors: Noble Helen , Kelly Daniel , Hudson Peter 
Published: November 2012

AbstractAimTo explore the impact of being a family carer to patients with stage 5 chronic kidney disease managed without dialysis.BackgroundIncreasing numbers of patients with renal disease worldwide are making the decision not to embark on dialysis. This group has significant physical and psychological symptom burdens similar to or greater than those in advanced cancer patients. Little is known about the impact on family carers.DesignExploratory, qualitative design.MethodsThe study was undertaken with 19 carers caring for patients managed in a Renal Supportive Care Service in theUKbetween 2006–2008. Sixty‐one semi‐structured interviews and detailed field notes inform the analysis.Findings‘Caring from diagnosis to death’ was the overarching theme illustrated by three sub‐themes: (i) Caregiver's plight – making sense of the disease and potential deterioration; (ii) Having to care indefinitely; and (iii) Avoiding talk of death. ‘Caring from diagnosis to death’ coincides with an original concept analysis of renal supportive care, which is considered an adjunct to the management of patients with renal disease at all stages of their illness.ConclusionThere is a clear need for further research internationally and theory‐based nursing interventions to support carers of patients managed without dialysis. The development of a holistic, integrated care pathway based on carer perspectives, which includes identification of information needs related to original diagnosis, associated comorbidities, treatment options, prognosis, and assistance in developing strategies to manage communication with patients as the end of life approaches, is required.
Toxicity of melamine, an adulterant in fish feeds: experimental assessment of its effects on tilapia
Authors: Phromkunthong W , Nuntapong N , Boonyaratpalin M , Kiron V 
Published: November 2012

AbstractUnscrupulous inclusion of melamine in fish feeds can be harmful to fish and may be hazardous to human health. An eight‐week feeding trial examined the effects of melamine (inclusion levels; 5–30 g kg−1feed) on the growth performance, feed efficiency, histopathological changes and melamine residues in sex‐reversed red tilapia,Oreochromis niloticus(L.) ×O.mossambicus(Peters). Fish which received melamine‐containing feeds grew less, utilized feeds less efficiently and performed poorly, besides exhibiting defects such as fin erosion, anorexia, sluggish swimming behaviour, paling/darkening of skin and low survival. Melamine concentration in the fish reflected its inclusion level in the feeds, and the content was higher in the viscera than in the fish fillet or whole fish. Histopathological alterations were evident in the kidney, liver and gills of fish subjected to melamine treatment – the severity of lesions corresponded to its dosage. Enlargement of renal tubules was observed in the kidney of fish fed with ≥10 g melamine kg−1feed, although, crystals were not deposited. Fish subjected to melamine insult had more prominent lesions in liver than in kidney. Toxic effects on the gills manifested as epithelial hyperplasia of the primary and secondary lamellae. The anomalies were severe at higher intake levels of melamine.
Maternal and child dietary patterns and their determinants in Nigeria
Authors: Nwaru Bright I. , Onyeka Ifeoma N. , Ndiokwelu Chika , Esangbedo Dorothy O. , Ngwu Elizabeth K. , Okolo Selina N. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractUnderstanding the overall dietary patterns of a population is a key step in initiating appropriate nutritional interventions and policies. Studies characterising the dietary patterns of Nigerian mothers and children are lacking. Complete dietary data for 13 566 mothers and their 13 506 children were analysed from the 2008 Nigerian Demographic and Health Surveys (NDHS), a nationally representative sample, to identify the overall maternal and child dietary patterns and to study the potential determinants of such dietary patterns. The 2008 NDHS included questions that inquired about the food items mothers and their children had consumed during the 24 h preceding the day of the interview. Factor analysis with the principal component procedure was used to construct the dietary patterns, and multiple multilevel logistic regression was used to investigate the determinants of the dietary patterns. Four (‘mixed’, ‘traditional’, ‘staple foods and milk products’ and ‘beverages’) and five (‘mixed’, ‘selective’, ‘beverages and candies’, ‘gruels, grains and semi‐solids’ and ‘infant formula and cereals’) distinct dietary patterns were obtained for the mothers and children, respectively. The key determinants of both maternal and child dietary patterns were month of interview, religion, region of residence, maternal education, maternal occupation, wealth index and maternal body mass index. Marital status additionally predicted maternal patterns, while sex of the child, number of siblings, child's age, maternal age and place of residence additionally determined the child's patterns. This study has identified four and five different dietary patterns to characterise the dietary habits of Nigerian mothers and their children, respectively, and has shown the important socio‐economic/demographic factors influencing the dietary patterns, which can guide appropriate nutritional interventions among Nigerian mothers and children.
Whole-Genome Sequencing of the Akata and Mutu Epstein-Barr Virus Strains
Authors: Lin Zhen , Wang Xia , Strong Michael J. , Concha Monica , Baddoo Melody , Xu Guorong , Baribault Carl , Fewell Claire , Hulme William , Hedges Dale , Taylor Christopher M. , Flemington Erik K. 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACT

Using a simple viral genome enrichment approach, we report the
de novo
assembly of the Akata and Mutu Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) genomes from a single lane of next-generation sequencing (NGS) reads. The Akata and Mutu viral genomes are type I EBV strains of approximately 171 kb in length. Evidence for genome heterogeneity was found for the Akata but not for the Mutu strain. A comparative analysis of Akata with another four completely sequenced EBV strains, B95-8/Raji, AG876, Mutu, and GD1, demonstrated that the Akata strain is most closely related to the GD1 strain and exhibits the greatest divergence from the type II strain, AG876. A global comparison of latent and lytic gene sequences showed that the four latency genes, EBNA2, EBNA3A, EBNA3B, and EBNA3C, are uniquely defining of type I and type II strain differences. Within type I strains, LMP1, the latency gene, is among the most divergent of all EBV genes, with three insertion or deletion loci in its CTAR2 and CTAR3 signaling domains. Analysis of the BHLF1 and LF3 genes showed that the reading frames identified in the B95-8/Raji genome are not conserved in Akata (or Mutu, for BHLF1), suggesting a primarily non-protein-coding function in EBV's life cycle. The Akata and Mutu viral-genome sequences should be a useful resource for homology-based functional prediction and for molecular studies, such as PCR, RNA-seq, recombineering, and transcriptome studies. As an illustration, we identified novel RNA-editing events in ebv-miR-BART6 antisense transcripts using the Akata and Mutu reference genomes.
Linking road casualty and clinical data to assess the effectiveness of mobile safety enforcement cameras: a before and after study
Authors: Thorpe Neil , Fawcett Lee 
Published: November 2012

ObjectivesTo use police STATS19 road casualty data and accident and emergency and in-patient information to estimate the impact of mobile safety cameras on the cost of treating individuals injured in road traffic collisions.DesignA data-matching and costing exercise to link casualty and clinical information in a ‘before’ and ‘after’ study of 56 mobile safety cameras.SettingThe Northumbria Police Force area of the UK covering six local authority districts.ParticipantsSlight, serious and fatal casualties involved in road traffic collisions at mobile camera sites in the case-study area between April 2001–March 2003 and April 2004–March 2006.Primary and secondary outcome measuresChanges in the number and severity of casualties at the mobile camera sites between the ‘before’ and ‘after’ period that can be attributed to mobile safety camera activity, and any impacts these changes had on the ‘cost of treatment saved’ by the secondary healthcare service in the case-study area.ResultsUsing tariff values for accident and emergency and In-patient Health Resource Groups, the impacts of the cameras in terms of the ‘cost of treatment saved’ are in the range £12 500–£15 000 per annum. However, inconsistencies between databases resulted in approximately one-third of the casualties not being matched successfully in the clinical databases. The number of closed fractures requiring investigations, treatment and follow-up care reduced considerably, although this was offset by an increase in head injury contusions and open fractures that require high-cost investigations and extensive in-patient care.ConclusionsRoad safety cameras could have a significant impact in terms of ‘cost of treatment saved’. However, it is argued that investigating the impacts of road safety measures in the future should be based on Fully Bayesian techniques as they can produce more reliable estimates of the effects of regression to mean and general trends in casualty statistics.
Hospital episode statistics: improving the quality and value of hospital data: a national internet e-survey of hospital consultants
Authors: Spencer Stephen Andrew , Davies Mark Price 
Published: November 2012

HypothesisSenior hospital clinicians are poorly engaged with clinical coding and hospital episode statistics (HES).Aims ▸ To understand the current level of clinical engagement with collection of national data and clinical coding.▸ To gain the views of frontline staff on proposed improvements to hospital statistics.▸ To gain an indication of likely clinical engagement in change.▸ To understand the clinical priority for improvement.DesignInternet e-survey accessible from Academy of Royal Medical College Website.SettingNational Health Service (NHS) Trusts.Participants1081 NHS hospital consultants and two general practitioners who volunteered to take part.Results3.4% of the sample regularly access HES data; 21% are regularly involved in clinical coding and 6.2% meet coding staff at least monthly. 95% would like to access HES data and there was a strong support for using this data for appraisal, revalidation and improving the quality of patient care. In terms of improvements, 91.9% would be prepared to code diagnosis in outpatients given the right tools. The highest priority for improvement is clinical validation of diagnostic data.ConclusionsClinical engagement with coding and access to HES data is poor. However, there is professional support for improvement. Clinical requirements should be considered in all future developments of national data collection to provide the quality and scope of data that is required to deliver the information revolution.