bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Perinatal outcome after fetoscopic release of amniotic bands: a single‐center experience and review of the literature
Authors: Javadian P. , Shamshirsaz A. A. , Haeri S. , Ruano R. , Ramin S. M. , Cass D. , Olutoye O. O. , Belfort M. A. 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTObjectivesTo present two successful cases of fetoscopic release of amniotic bands with umbilical cord involvement and provide a review of the literature on fetal intervention for amniotic band syndrome (ABS).MethodsTwo cases of ABS were considered in conjunction with a review of the literature. A total of 14 fetuses with ABS underwent fetoscopic intervention between 1965 and 2012. Two of the authors independently completed literature searches in PubMed, Ovid and MEDLINE for articles related to ABS.ResultsAmong 14 cases of ABS (12 published and our own two), 57% and 7% were complicated by preterm premature rupture of membranes and spontaneous preterm birth, respectively. Overall, fetoscopic intervention preserved limb function in 50% (7/14) of cases. Three cases involved intraoperative complications including intra‐amniotic bleeding and uterine wall bleeding, and incomplete procedure due to ineffective equipment.ConclusionFetoscopic release of amniotic bands with minimally invasive surgery may allow preservation of life and/or limb function in cases of ABS. The acceptable functional outcome in 50% of cases is reassuring, although more experience and further studies are needed to determine the selection criteria that will justify the risk of this invasive in‐utero therapy for ABS. Copyright © 2013 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Extent of Intramolecular π Stacks in Aqueous Solution in Mixed‐Ligand Copper(II) Complexes Formed by Heteroaromatic Amines and 1‐[2‐(Phosphonomethoxy)ethyl]cytosine (PMEC), a Relative of Antivirally Active Acyclic Nucleotide Analogues (Part 72)[1, 2]
Authors: Blindauer Claudia A. , Sigel Astrid , Operschall Bert P. , Holý Antonin , Sigel Helmut 
Published: May 2013

AbstractStability constants of the ternary Cu(Arm)(H;PMEC)+ and Cu(Arm)(PMEC) complexes {PMEC2– = dianion of 1‐[2‐(phosphonomethoxy)ethyl]cytosine, Arm = 2, 2′‐bipyridine (Bpy) or 1, 10‐phenanthroline (Phen)} were measured by potentiometric pH titrations (aq. sol.; 25 °C; I = 0.1 M, NaNO3) and compared with those of Cu(Arm)(H;PMEA)+ and Cu(Arm)(PMEA) {PMEA2– = dianion of 9‐[2‐(phosphonomethoxy)ethyl]adenine}, and related species. The basicity of the terminal phosphonate group is similar in PMEC2– and PMEA2–. Stability‐constant comparisons reveal, that in the monoprotonated ternary Cu(Arm)(H;PMEC)+ complexes H+ is at the phosphonate group, that the ether oxygen atom of the –CH2–O–CH2–P(O)–2(OH) residue participates, next to the P(O)–2(OH) group, in Cu(Arm)2+ coordination, and that π–π stacking between the aromatic rings of Cu(Arm)2+ and the pyrimidine moiety is important. The Cu(Arm)(PMEC) complexes are considerably more stable than the corresponding Cu(Arm)(R–PO3) species, where R–PO2–3 is a phosph(on)ate with a group R unable to interact intramolecularly. The stability enhancements are mainly attributed to intramolecular stacks and, to a smaller extent, to the formation of five‐membered chelates involving the ether oxygen atom of the –CH2–O–CH2–P(O)2–3 residue of PMEC2–. Analysis of the intramolecular equilibria reveals that ca. 10 % of the isomeric ternary complexes exist with Cu(Arm)2+ solely coordinated to the phosphonate group, ca. 25 % as a five‐membered chelate involving the ether oxygen, and ca. 65 % with an intramolecular π–π stack between the pyrimidine moiety of PMEC2– and the rings of Bpy or Phen. For a given Cu(Arm)2+ the stacking intensity increases from PMEC2– to PMEA2–. It seems feasible that the reduced stacking intensity of PMEC2–, together with a different hydrogen bonding pattern, leads to a different orientation of the cytosine residue (compared to the adenine moiety) in the active site of the nucleic acid polymerases, thus resulting in a reduced antiviral activity of PMEC compared to PMEA.
Recombination of Coordination Bonds of a Mononuclear Precursor into a 3D d‐d′ Heterometallic Coordination Polymer with Double Helices
Authors: Ren Yi‐Xia , Jia Tian‐Jing , Li Li‐Cun , Zheng Xiang‐Jun 
Published: May 2013

AbstractAbstract. Based on a mononuclear precursor [Mn(Hstp)2(4,4′‐Hbpy)2] (1), a hetero‐metallic complex, [Mn2Ni(stp)2(4,4′‐bpy)(H2O)4] (2) [stp = 2‐sulfoterephthalate, 4,4′‐bpy = 4,4′‐bpyridine] was synthesized by solvothermal reaction. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis reveals that the MnII ion of the precursor 1 is hexacoordinate by four oxygen atoms from two Hstp2– anions and two nitrogen atoms from two protonated 4, 4′‐Hbpy, and hydrogen bonding plays a significant role in constructing 3D supramolecular structure. While complex 2 features a self‐weaving framework from 1D straight chains and 2D wavy networks with double helical chains. Magnetic behavior of complex 2 was analyzed in connection with its crystal structure, which exhibits the weak antiferromagnetic interactions between the MnII and NiII ions.
A Review of the Genus Alulatettix Liang (Orthoptera: Tetrigoidea: Tetrigidae)
Authors: Li X D , Deng W A , Zheng Z M 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
The taxonomy of the tetrigid genus Alulatettix Liang is reviewed. A new species, Alulatettix orthomarginalis n. sp. is described. The annotated list and key to all known species of Alulatettix are given.
Vulnerability of fourth ventricle choroid plexus in sudden unexplained fetal and infant death syndromes related to smoking mothers
Authors: Lavezzi Anna M. , Matturri Luigi , Del Corno Giuseppe , Johanson Conrad E. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThe human choroid plexuses in the ventricular system represent the main source of cerebrospinal fluid secretion and constitute a major barrier interface that controls the brain's environment. The present study focused on the choroid plexus of the fourth ventricle, the main cavity of the brainstem containing important nuclei and/or structures mediating autonomic vital functions.In serial sections of 84 brainstems of subjects aged from 17 gestational weeks to 8 postnatal months of life, the deaths due to both known and unknown causes, we examined the cytoarchitecture and the developmental steps of the fourth ventricle choroid plexus to determine whether this structure shows morphological and/or functional alterations in unexplained perinatal deaths (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and Sudden Intrauterine Unexplained Death Syndrome).High incidence of histological and immunohistochemical alterations (prevalence of epithelial dark cells, the presence of cystic cells in the stroma, decreased number of blood capillaries, hyperexpression of Substance P and apoptosis) were prevalently observed in unexplained death victims (p < 0.05 vs. controls). A significant correlation was found between maternal smoking in pregnancy and choroidal neuropathological parameters (p < 0.01).This work underscores the negative effects of prenatal exposure to nicotine on the development of the autonomic nervous system, and in particular of the fourth ventricle choroid plexus that is a very vulnerable structure in the developing CSF–brain system.
The effect of banking market structure on the lending channel: Evidence from emerging markets
Authors: Amidu Mohammed , Wolfe Simon 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThis paper analyses the extent to which the level of bank competition influences monetary policy transmission. Using a large panel dataset of 978 banks from 55 countries, and employing the Lerner index model as a measure of market structure, our results show that an increase in banking sector competition weakens the effectiveness of monetary policy on bank lending. The findings are robust to a broad array of sensitivity checks including control of alternative measurements of the Lerner index, different samples and different methodological specifications. By extension, these results have important policy implications for regulators in assessing the effectiveness of monetary policy transmission mechanisms.
RISK AND MAIZE-BASED CROPPING SYSTEMS FOR SMALLHOLDER MALAWI FARMERS USING CONSERVATION AGRICULTURE TECHNOLOGIES
Authors: NGWIRA A. R. , THIERFELDER C. , EASH N. , LAMBERT D. M. 
Published: May 2013

SUMMARYAgricultural production in southern Africa is constrained by numerous factors, including low soil fertility, frequent droughts and flooding, limited access to fertilizers and the use of unsustainable management techniques that increase soil erosion rates. Conservation agriculture (CA) is based on the principles of minimum soil disturbance, crop residue retention and crop rotations. CA systems have been proposed to alleviate the negative externalities associated with conventional crop management systems. This study was conducted to examine the riskiness of economic returns of CA technologies based on maize grain yield evaluated in 12 target communities in Malawi from 2005–2011. On average, maize grain yields on both CA treatments exceeded the conventional control treatment by 22.1–23.6%, with differences more distinct in low altitude areas with low rainfall and frequent seasonal dry spells. Stochastic dominance analysis suggest that CA technologies would be preferred by risk-averse farmers, with corresponding differences in risk premiums (compared to conventional maize production systems) ranging between US$40 and US$105. However, these rankings are sensitive to the agroecological zones where the experiments were conducted. The risk premiums associated with the CA technologies in low elevation regions are unambiguous. Risk-averse farmers in higher elevations may need substantial incentives to adopt some CA technologies.
Molecular differentiation of Trichinella spiralis, T. pseudospiralis, T. papuae and T. zimbabwensis by pyrosequencing
Authors: Sadaow L. , Tantrawatpan C. , Intapan P.M. , Lulitanond V. , Boonmars T. , Morakote N. , Pozio E. , Maleewong W. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractNematodes of the genus Trichinella which infect wildlife and domestic animals show a cosmopolitan distribution. These zoonotic parasites are the aetiological agents of a severe human disease, trichinellosis. Twelve taxa are recognized in the Trichinella genus, but they cannot be identified by morphology since they are sibling species/genotypes. For epidemiological studies, it is extremely important to identify each taxon since they have different distribution areas and host ranges. In the present study, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of the mitochondrial large subunit ribosomal RNA (lsu-RNA) gene coupled with a pyrosequencing technique was developed to distinguish among four Trichinella species: Trichinella spiralis, T. pseudospiralis, T. papuae and T. zimbabwensis. A PCR method was used to amplify the lsu-RNA of Trichinella sp. larvae in mouse muscles and single larvae collected from infected muscles by digestion. The results show that the four Trichinella species can be distinguished by using 26 nucleotides in the target region and the method is sensitive enough to identify individual larvae. The pyrosequencing provides a simple, rapid and high-throughput tool for the differentiation of Trichinella species.
Good intentions gone wrong: did conservation management threaten Endangered huemul deerHippocamelus bisulcusin the future Patagonia National Park?
Authors: Wittmer Heiko U. , Elbroch L. Mark , Marshall Andrew J. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractConservation interventions increasingly involve active management of relative species abundances, especially when taxa of conservation concern are threatened by complex food web interactions. Unfortunately, the complexity of such interspecific interactions means that well-meaning management interventions can have unexpected, sometimes detrimental, effects on the species they are intended to protect. Here we report that the abrupt removal of an abundant non-native prey species (domestic sheep) and the cessation of predator control, actions intended to protect huemul deerHippocamelus bisulcusin the future Patagonia National Park, appear to have had negative effects on this Endangered ungulate. During and following the changes in predator–prey management, predation of huemul fawns and females older than 1 year by native culpeo foxesLycalopex culpaeusand pumasPuma concolorincreased 3- and 5-fold, respectively. Predictions from demographic models suggest that elevated mortality rates of female huemul older than 1 year will, on average, cause this population of huemul to decline. These results highlight risks of unintended consequences when aggressive management actions are taken to protect taxa embedded in complex food webs. They also suggest that careful consideration of both inter- and intra-trophic level effects among all species in a system is warranted before conservation interventions are undertaken.
Identifying a consistent pattern of neural function in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a meta-analysis
Authors: McCarthy H. , Skokauskas N. , Frodl T. 
Published: May 2013

BackgroundThe neurobiological underpinnings of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are inconclusive. Activation abnormalities across brain regions in ADHD compared with healthy controls highlighted in task-based functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies are heterogeneous. To identify a consistent pattern of neural dysfunction in ADHD, a meta-analysis of fMRI studies using Go/no-go, Stop and N-back tasks was undertaken.MethodSeveral databases were searched using the key words: ‘ADHD and fMRI’ and ‘ADHD and fMRI task’. In all, 20 studies met inclusion criteria comprising 334 patients with ADHD and 372 healthy controls and were split into N-back, Stop task and Go/no-go case–control groups. Using Signed Differential Mapping each batch was meta-analysed individually and meta-regression analyses were used to examine the effects of exposure to methylphenidate (MPH), length of MPH wash-out period, ADHD subtype, age and intelligence quotient (IQ) differences upon neural dysfunction in ADHD.ResultsAcross all tasks less activity in frontal lobe regions compared with controls was detected. Less exposure to treatment and lengthier wash-out times resulted in less left medial frontal cortex activation in N-back and Go/no-go studies. Higher percentage of combined-type ADHD resulted in less superior and inferior frontal gyrus activation. Different IQ scores between groups were linked to reduced right caudate activity in ADHD.ConclusionsConsistent frontal deficits imply homogeneous cognitive strategies involved in ADHD behavioural control. Our findings suggest a link between fMRI results and the potentially normalizing effect of treatment and signify a need for segregated examination and contrast of differences in sample characteristics in future studies.
XV.—On the Estimation of Statistical Parameters
Authors: Aitken A. C. , Silverstone H. 
Published: May 2013

SummaryIn the problem of estimating from sample the value of a parameter in a probability function new postulates are suggested of unbiased linear estimate and minimum sampling variance. A comparison is made, with illustrative examples, between this method and the principle of maximum likelihood, and ground common to the two is traversed. The new postulates are also placed in relation to the theory of sufficient statistics.
Environment and Health Research in China: The State of the Field
Authors: Holdaway Jennifer 
Published: May 2013

AbstractIn the context of this symposium, this article reviews social science research in the emerging field of environment and health in China, with a particular focus on the impacts of pollution. It begins with a discussion of the particular nature of China's environment-related health problems, distinguishing the different challenges presented by diseases of poverty, affluence and transition. It then reviews recent developments in policy and civil society with regard to environment and health, and the extent to which work in the social sciences has advanced our knowledge of these and of state–society interactions. The article concludes with some reflections on the need for and challenges of interdisciplinary and international collaboration in this area.
Interactions between Cold Ambient Temperature and Older Age on Haptic Acuity and Manual Performance
Authors: Tajmir Panteha , Grierson Lawrence E. M. , Carnahan Heather 
Published: May 2013

RÉSUMÉL’impact de l’exposition au froid sur les aptitudes motrices individuelles exige une meilleure compréhension de la façon dont le froid influence les performances psychomotrices et haptiques. Dans cette étude, les différentes facettes de la performance psychomotrice ont été analysées afin de detérminer les effets de l’exposition au froid ambiant sur les personnes âgées. Des personnes et jeunes et plus âgées en bonne santé ont effectué une batterie de tests psychomoteurs haptiques aux températures ambiantes (23° C) et froids (1° C) pour déterminer les effets de l’exposition au froid ambiant sur les personnes âgées. Les résultats indiquent que les personnes âgées n’achèvent pas les résultats aussi forts que ceux des personnes plus jeunes à travers la batterie de tests, et qu’une température froide dégrade davantage leur dexterité pour les tâches (par exemple, leur niveau dans le Minnesota Manual Dexterity Test: F [1, 16] = 10,23, p < .01) et la génération de la force de préhension de précision avec une precision de pointe (F [1, 16] = 18,97, p < .01). Les résultats suggèrent que le froid peut avoir un impact en limitant les activités auxquelles les aînés peuvent se livrer pendant les mois d’hiver.
Nematodes from the Victoria Land coast, Antarctica and comparisons with culturedPanagrolaimus davidi
Authors: Raymond Mélianie R. , Wharton David A. , Marshall Craig J. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractMorphological and genetic information was used to determine the species identity and relationships of four species of nematodes from the Victoria Land coast, Antarctica; and between laboratory and field populations ofPanagrolaimus davidiTimm. The 18S and D3 expansion segments of 28S rRNA were successfully amplified from the four species:Scottnema lindsayaeTimm,Plectus murrayiYeates,Eudorylaimusspp. andPanagrolaimus davidi. The four species from field populations mapped to three different nematode clades, indicating that if they are survivors in, rather than colonizers of, Antarctica they originate from several Gondwanan ancestors. The laboratory culture ofP. davidiis shown to be a different species to that of the field samples ofP. davidi, which were genetically identical to each other. There are several possible explanations for this observation, which require further investigation.
Jervell and Lange-Nielsen syndrome in a father and daughter from a large highly inbred family: a 16-year follow-up of 59 living members
Authors: Sanyal Shyamal Kumar , Kaul Kanwar K. , Hussein Akhtar , Wilroy Robert S. , Agarwal Kisan , Sohel Saira 
Published: May 2013

AbstractObjective: To report the autosomal dominant inheritance of the Jervell and Lange-Nielsen syndrome in a highly inbred family, the initiation of Torsades de Pointes, and the natural history of the syndrome based on a 16-year follow-up of the kindred. Method: A family tree was constructed that included 66 blood relatives from three successive generations. Electrocardiograms were obtained from 59 living members including the proband, four members from a nuclear family, and 54 from the extended family. Evoked response audiometry was recorded for the proband and the nuclear family. All 59 family members were followed up regularly for 16 years. Results: A total of 24 living members were affected – QTc: 480–680 ms. The proband had long QTc, bilateral high-tone sensorineural deafness, recurrent syncope, and Torsades de Pointes. The asymptomatic father had long QTc and unilateral high-tone sensorineural deafness that involved specifically the left ear. One asymptomatic sibling of the proband had long QTc and normal hearing. The mother and another sibling were asymptomatic; QTc and hearing were normal in both. A total of 21 affected members from the extended family had only long QTc, and all were asymptomatic. There were three congenitally deaf first cousins who had recurrent syncope and adrenergic-triggered sudden death. In all, seven of 10 parents had consanguineous marriage to a first cousin. Each affected offspring had at least one affected parent. The severely symptomatic proband who received only β-blocker therapy and the 23 affected members without antiadrenergic therapy, all remained asymptomatic throughout the 16-year follow-up period. Conclusion: Jervell and Lange-Nielsen syndrome was inherited as autosomal dominant in this kindred. The majority of the affected members had a mild phenotype. The severity of auditory and cardiac phenotypes corresponded.
Reimbursement by current German Diagnosis-Related Groups system penalises complex congenital heart surgery
Authors: Sinzobahamvya Nicodème , Kopp Thorsten , Arenz Claudia , Blaschczok Hedwig C. , Hraska Viktor , Asfour Boulos 
Published: May 2013

AbstractA total of 458 hospital stays during the year 2011 were analysed to determine whether reimbursement by the current German Diagnosis-Related Groups system covers the costs incurred during hospital stay for congenital heart surgery. The costs of every hospital stay were estimated according to the guidelines of the Institute for the Hospital Remuneration System, an institute responsible for encoding hospital reimbursement in Germany. Cost-weight values of the year 2012 were applied for reimbursement. Related additional compensations were also included. Hospital costs ranged from 8896.26 to 193,671.94 euros per case, with a mean of 30,597 and standard deviation of 25,032 euros. Reimbursement varied from 8630.35 to 173,710.65 euros, with a mean of 25,514 and standard deviation of 18,497 euros: an underfunding of 17%. Fifty-nine per cent (271/458) of cases were classified, according to Aristotle complexity score, in higher comprehensive complexity: Levels 4–6. Costs highly correlated with complexity levels (Spearman's r coefficient = 0.89) and the regression was linear. Underfunding increased, linearly, from 6% for procedures with Level 1, lowest comprehensive complexity, to 23% for those with Level 6, highest complexity. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that reimbursement by the current German Diagnosis-Related Groups system increasingly penalises complex congenital heart surgery. Aristotle complexity score could help to correct this prejudicial situation.
Principles of Disaster Management Lesson 11: Personnel Evaluation
Authors: Cuny Fred C. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractA disaster manager must be able to evaluate staff members in order to make effective staffing decisions during the transitions between phases of a disaster and to help improve the performance of the operation by determining what aspects of an individual's work needs improvement. Criteria for personnel appraisal and measures of performance, objective or subjective, are essential to conduct a fair and thorough evaluation. Errors introduce bias into the appraisal in the form of a “halo” effect, harsh or lenient ratings, a central tendency error, or recency effect, but recognition of these errors helps reduce their effect. A results-based appraisal program is favored because it focuses on what the worker achieves. Regular appraisal periods are suggested for optimal improvement in performance. Suggestions are given for an effective personnel appraisal, such as focusing on positive work performance, being aware of biases in judging people, and being specific when citing examples of work performance.