bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Venous sac embolization of pulmonary arteriovenous malformation: safety and effectiveness at mid-term follow-up
Authors: Kajiwara Kenji , Urashima Masaki , Yamagami Takuji , Kakizawa Hideaki , Matsuura Noriaki , Matsuura Akiko , Ohnari Tae , Ishikawa Masaki , Awai Kazuo 
Published: November 2013

Background The standard technique for the transcatheter treatment of pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVMs) involves deploying coils into the feeding arteries. We investigated whether venous sac embolization would also be a safe and useful treatment method. Purpose To evaluate the safety and outcomes of venous sac embolization for PAVMs. Material and Methods This study included 15 consecutive patients (1 man, 14 women; mean age, 54 years; range, 22–76 years) with 50 PAVMs who underwent 26 procedures; four had a history of earlier cerebral infarction or exertional dyspnea. We first placed 0.018-inch interlocking detachable and/or 0.018-inch or 0.010-inch Guglielmi detachable coils to prevent systemic migration from the venous sac. We then packed the sac as tightly as possible and embolized the orifice at the proximal feeding artery. We used angiographic, clinical, and computed tomography (CT) studies to evaluate the treatment outcomes and safety of these procedures. The mean follow-up was 16 months (range, 3–63 months) in 12 patients with 43 PAVMs; three patients (7 PAVMs) were lost to follow-up. Results Immediate post-embolization angiography confirmed complete primary occlusion in 47 of 50 lesions (94%). Minor complications arose in two of 26 procedures (7.7%); they were abnormal electrocardiograms without symptoms during and pleurisy immediately after the procedure. During follow-up, 40 PAVMs were free of CT evidence of reperfusion. The mean partial arterial oxygen pressure increased from 75.3% ± 13.6 before embolization to 85.4% ± 16.3 after embolization ( P < 0.01, t-test). Of the 12 patients who were available for follow-up, none experienced new-onset paradoxical embolization; pre-treatment exertional dyspnea was alleviated in one patient. There were no major complications. Conclusion Venous sac embolization for PAVMs might be safe and more effective with no reperfusion than the standard pulmonary arterial embolization.
The prevalence and incidence of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) in selected cities from three Commonwealth of Independent States countries (the Russian Federation, Ukraine and Kazakhstan)
Authors: Nasonov E , Soloviev S , Davidson JE , Lila A , Ivanova R , Togizbayev G , Omarbekova Z , Shevchuk S , Iaremenko O , Gnylorybov A , Smailova Z , Chernogolov V , Malynovska K , Vasylyev A , Pereira MHS 
Published: November 2013

We assessed the prevalence and incidence of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) in 2010 in adults from four cities in Russia, Kazakhstan and Ukraine. Individuals with SLE were identified retrospectively from the medical records of specialized centers. Prevalent SLE patients were nondeceased city residents, diagnosed prior to December 31, 2010; incident patients were residents newly diagnosed between January 1 and December 31, 2010. Population size was obtained from official census data. The observed prevalence rates (per 100,000, 95% CI) were 9.0 (7.1–11.2) in Kursk and Yaroslavl, Russian Federation; 20.6 (15.4–27.0) in Semey, Kazakhstan; and 14.9 (10.9–19.9) in Vinnitsa, Ukraine. The cumulative incidence rates (per 100,000, 95% CI) were 1.4 (0.7–2.4); 1.6 (0.4–4.1) and 0.3 (0.0–1.8), correspondingly. All rates were higher among females compared to males, and incidence peaked in the population aged 25–44. These rates appear slightly lower than those reported from Western Europe and the USA. This could be because of study design (case-ascertainment), local health care practices or true differences in disease risk. Case age and sex distribution was similar to the known epidemiology of SLE. The rates were highest in Kazakhstan, likely because of a predominantly ethnic Asian population.
High expression of astrocyte elevated gene-1 (AEG-1) is associated with progression of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and unfavorable prognosis in cervical cancer
Authors: Huang Ke , Li Li An , Meng Yuanguang , You Yanqin , Fu Xiaoyu , Song Lei 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Background
Astrocyte elevated gene-1(AEG-1) plays an important role in the development and progression of certain types of human cancers. However, the expression dynamics of AEG-1 in cervical cancer and its clinical/prognostic significance are unclear.

Method
In present study, the methods of tissue microarrays (TMA) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were utilized to investigate AEG-1 expression in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and cervical cancer. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, χ 2 test, Kaplan-Meier plots, and multivariate Cox regression analysis were used to analyze the data.

Results
The expression level of AEG-1 was increased from CIN I to CIN III. High expression of AEG-1 could be observed in 61.1% (55/90) of cervical cancer. Moreover, high expression of AEG-1 correlated with tumor size and lymph node metastasis (all P <0.05). More importantly, high expression of AEG-1 was closely associated with cervical cancer patient shortened survival time as evidenced by univariate and multivariate analysis (P <0.05).

Conclusions
Our data suggest for the first time that high expression of AEG-1 is associated significantly with progression of cervical cancer. AEG-1 overexpression, as examined by IHC, has the potential to be used as an immunomarker to predict prognosis of cervical cancer patients.
Diversity and genetics of nitrogen-induced susceptibility to the blast fungus in rice and wheat
Authors: Ballini Elsa , Nguyen ThuyThu Thi , Morel Jean-Benoit 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Background
Nitrogen often increases disease susceptibility, a phenomenon that can be observed under controlled conditions and called NIS, for Nitrogen-Induced Susceptibility. NIS has long been reported in the case of rice blast disease caused by the fungus Magnaporthe oryzae. We used an experimental system that does not strongly affect plant development to address the question of NIS polymorphism across rice diversity and further explored this phenomenon in wheat. We tested the two major types of resistance, namely quantitative/partial resistance and resistance driven by known resistance genes. Indeed there are conflicting reports on the effects of NIS on the first one and none on the last one. Finally, the genetics of NIS is not well documented and only few loci have been identified that may control this phenomenon.

Results
Our data indicate that NIS is a general phenomenon affecting resistance to blast fungus in these two cereals. We show that the capacity of rice to display NIS is highly polymorphic and does not correlate with difference related to indica/japonica sub-groups. We also tested the robustness of three different major resistance genes under high nitrogen. Nitrogen partially breaks down resistance triggered by the Pi1 gene. Cytological examination indicates that penetration rate is not affected by high nitrogen whereas growth of the fungus is increased inside the plant. Using the CSSL mapping population between Nipponbare and Kasalath, we identified a Kasalath locus on chromosome 1, called NIS1, which dominantly increases susceptibility under high nitrogen. We discuss the possible relationships between Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE), disease resistance regulation and NIS.

Conclusions
This work provides evidences that robust forms of partial resistance exist across diversity and can be easily identified with our protocol. This work also suggests that under certain environmental circumstances, complete resistance may breakdown, irrelevantly of the capacity of the fungus to mutate. These aspects should be considered while breeding for robust forms of resistance to blast disease.
An employee transporting problem
Authors: Yüceer Ümit 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
An employee transporting problem is described and a set partitioning model is developed. An investigation of the model leads to a knapsack problem as a surrogate problem. Finding a partition corresponding to the knapsack problem provides a solution to the problem. An exact algorithm is proposed to obtain a partition (subset-vehicle combination) corresponding to the knapsack solution. It requires testing and matching too many alternatives to obtain a partition. The sweep algorithm is implemented in obtaining a partition (subset-vehicle combination) in an efficient manner. Illustrations are provided to show how the algorithms obtain solutions.
Federal targeted programme 'Prevention and Management of Socially Significant Diseases (2007-2012)': results of the 'Diabetes mellitus' sub-programme
Authors: Dedov Ivan Ivanovich , Shestakova Marina Vladimirovna , Suntsov Yury Ivanovich , Peterkova Valentina Alexandrovna , Galstyan Gagik Radikovich , Mayorov Alexander Yuryevich , Kuraeva Tamara Leonidovna , Sukhareva Olga Yur'evna 
Published: November 2013

During 2007-2012 years the ?Diabetes mellitus? sub-programme reached the performance targets with the following results. Development of the State Diabetes Register covering all regions of the Russian Federation. The Register facilitates the continuous evaluation and planning of diabetes care in this country, analysis of epidemiological dynamics (including incidence and mortality in diabetes population) and human resources management.Alteration of the demographics of the national diabetes population, specifically: - an increase in life expectancy among T1DM patients: up to 56.7 years (+3.8 years) in males and up to 60.8 years (+4.1 years) in females; an increase in life expectancy among T2DM patients: up to 72.4 years (+3.2 years) in males and up to 74.5 years (+2.9 years) in females; - a reduction in mortality of diabetes patients for 28.4%; Introduction of novel technologies for diagnostics, prevention and management of DM and its complications, that, in turn, allowed to: - decrease the incidence of diabetic nephropathy for 16.1% and extend the pre-dialysis period; - decrease the incidence of diabetic retinopathy for 11.4% and preserve vision in 86-91% patients who still develop this complication; - decrease the frequency of upper- and lower-level amputations for 24% and 28%, respectively, and to reduce the ulcer healing times 2.5 to 3-fold;Introduction of safe and highly efficient human recombinant insulin and its analogues in the regions of the Russian Federation, along with modern methods of insulin administration and outpatient blood glucose monitoring.Establishment of diabetes educational centres (more than 1100 in the regions of the Russian Federation) that resulted in substantial reduction of number and frequency of diabetes-associated hospital admissions.The sub-programme is estimated to have saved 6 727 596.9 thousand Russian rubles of the budgetary funds due to decrease in the incidence of microvascular complications. A total of 360 papers (including 35 in international medical journals), as well as 81 clinical guidance manuals and 23 monographs were published during the course of this sub-programme.
The relationship between gestational weight gain and fetal growth: time to take stock?
Authors: O’Higgins Amy C. , Doolan Anne , Mullaney Laura , Daly Niamh , McCartney Daniel , Turner Michael J. 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
The aim of this article is to review the current evidence on gestational weight gain (GWG). Maternal obesity has emerged as one of the great challenges in modern obstetrics as it is becoming increasingly common and is associated with increased maternal and fetal complications. There has been an upsurge of interest in GWG with an emphasis on the relationship between excessive GWG and increased fetal growth. Recent recommendations from the Institute of Medicine in the USA have revised downwards the weight gain recommendations in pregnancy for obese mothers. We believe that it is time to take stock again about the advice that pregnant women are given about GWG and their lifestyle before, during, and after pregnancy. The epidemiological links between excessive GWG and aberrant fetal growth are weak, particularly in obese women. There is little evidence that intervention studies decrease excessive GWG or improve intrauterine fetal growth. Indeed, there is a potential risk that inappropriate interventions during the course of pregnancy may lead to fetal malnutrition that may have adverse clinical consequences, both in the short- and long-term. It may be more appropriate to shift the focus of attention from monitoring maternal weight to increasing physical activity levels and improving nutritional intakes.
Relation of placental diagnosis in stillbirth to fetal maceration and gestational age at delivery
Authors: Stanek Jerzy , Biesiada Jacek 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Aim: To study the relation of retention of dead fetus resulting in its maceration and gestational age at delivery to placental diagnosis.

Methods: Some 75 clinicoplacental phenotypes have been retrospectively analyzed in 520 consecutive stillbirths, 329 macerated and 191 nonmacerated, and at three gestational age interval cohorts (330 second trimester, 102 preterm third trimester, and 88 term). Chi-square and clustering methods (Ward dendrograms and multidimensional scaling) were used for statistical analysis.

Results: Maternal diabetes mellitus, induction of labor, fetal growth restriction, various umbilical cord abnormalities, and placental clusters of sclerotic/hemosiderotic chorionic villi were more common in macerated stillbirths, while clinicoplacental signs and symptoms of ascending infection and placental abruption, i.e., retroplacental hematoma, premature rupture of membranes, and acute chorioamnionitis in nonmacerated stillbirths. Placental abnormalities were less common in the second trimester, other than the acute chorioamnionitis. Patterns of chronic hypoxic placental injury were common in preterm third trimester, while signs of in-utero hypoxia (abnormal cardiotocography, meconium, and histological erythroblastosis of fetal blood) in term pregnancy. In addition to classical statistics, the clustering analyses added new information to placental investigation of cause of stillbirth.

Conclusions: Macerated third trimester stillbirths have multifactorial etiology more likely than the second trimester stillbirths and the likely stasis-induced fetal thrombotic vasculopathy secondary to occult umbilical cord compromise should be sought in placental investigation in such cases. Nonmacerated stillbirths are associated with ascending infection and placental abruption.
Application of HEC-HMS programme for the reconstruction of a flood event in an uncontrolled basin / Zastosowanie programu HEC-HMS do odtworzenia wezbrania powodziowego w zlewni niekontrolowanej
Authors: Wałęga Andrzej 
Published: November 2013

Abstract The paper presents an assessment of the applicability of HEC-HMS programme to simulate a precipitation flood event in an ungauged basin. The programme has been developed by the Department of the Army Corps of Engineers and enables conducting hydrological calculations for basins with different characteristics and including a number of meteorological factors. The application of this model in Polish conditions was verified in the basin of the Stobnica River - a right tributary of the Wisłok River. The calculations were carried out for the flood event caused by a continuous rain, which occurred in April 1998. Four hydrological models were compared: geomorpho-climatic instantaneous unit hydrograph by Nash - GcIUH_Nash, Snyder's synthetic unit hydrograph with the determination of parameters by regression models - Snyder_reg and standard method - Snyder_ stand and Clark's instantaneous unit hydrograph - IUH_Clark, where the model parameters were optimized in the programme. The calculations revealed that the best simulation results were obtained with the Snyder_stand and Snyder_reg models. Further research should be directed to verifying the applicability of HEC- -HMS programme for hydrological analyses of much more extensive hydrometric material and basins with different characteristics.
RAMPAGE: Promoter Activity Profiling by Paired‐End Sequencing of 5′‐Complete cDNAs
Authors: Batut Philippe , Gingeras Thomas R. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractRNA annotation and mapping of promoters for analysis of gene expression (RAMPAGE) is a method that harnesses highly specific sequencing of 5′‐complete complementary DNAs to identify transcription start sites (TSSs) genome‐wide. Although TSS mapping has historically relied on detection of 5′‐complete cDNAs, current genome‐wide approaches typically have limited specificity and provide only scarce information regarding transcript structure. RAMPAGE allows for highly stringent selection of 5′‐complete molecules, thus allowing base‐resolution TSS identification with a high signal‐to‐noise ratio. Paired‐end sequencing of medium‐length cDNAs yields transcript structure information that is essential to interpreting the relationship of TSSs to annotated genes and transcripts. As opposed to standard RNA‐seq, RAMPAGE explicitly yields accurate and highly reproducible expression level estimates for individual promoters. Moreover, this approach offers a streamlined 2‐ to 3‐day protocol that is optimized for extensive sample multiplexing, and is therefore adapted for large‐scale projects. This method has been applied successfully to human and Drosophila samples, and in principle should be applicable to any eukaryotic system. Curr. Protoc. Mol. Biol. 104:25B.11.1‐25B.11.16. © 2013 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Philosophy and Language Testing
Authors: Fulcher Glenn 
Published: November 2013

For the purpose of this chapter, philosophy will be seen as the study of the beliefs that we have about the world, and the use of rational argument and evidence in the formulation and support of those beliefs. In recent years it has been widely argued that language testing exists in a social context and that language assessment practices and test use can be understood only in terms of the exercise of power. This position is based on a particular view of the world in which meaning is created by human interaction and social structures, but where there is little use for reference in Frege's sense. It is a position that does not ask ontological questions, but prioritizes a social ethics of test use for instrumental purposes. This illustrates a deeper truth than any claim that tests exist in, and are shaped by, social conditions. Namely, that how we understand the role of tests and social conditions is determined by our prior understanding of how we think the world works.In this chapter I will attempt to unravel some of the key philosophical issues that face the language‐testing profession, and in the process help to shed some light on fault lines in current debate that are much deeper than mere disagreement on procedure or outcomes. These will include: the nature of our constructs; the role of “procedure” in validity theory; realism, instrumentalism, and constructionism; the place of “inference”; reductionism and language assessment as a “social” science. The discussion will be embedded in a loose historical narrative that relates language assessment to the development of philosophical beliefs about “assessing man” in the social sciences.
Assessing the English Language Proficiency of International Aviation Staff
Authors: Yan Ruixia 
Published: November 2013

This chapter investigates the bilingual issue of language proficiency for pilots and air traffic controllers (ATCs) in the international aviation context. Bilingualism is crucial in international aviation, because English is used as the international language for communication between pilots and ATCs irrespective of whatever their first languages may be, and research shows that human errors associated with language communication problems between pilots and ATCs account for 70% to 80% of all airline accidents. For international pilots and ATCs who lack sufficient bilingualism in English, international operations present a safety problem. However, there is a lack of research on English language bilingualism, especially in proficiency testing, in the context of international aviation. The chapter critically examines the bilingual problem in aviation, with the focus on the importance of English language proficiency for international aviation safety as well as on pilots’ and ATCs’ awareness of the language factor in aviation safety.
Because of the importance of bilingualism in English for international aviation safety, it is essential to ensure the highest possible reliability and validity in the bilingual (English) language proficiency testing programs for international pilots and ATCs to enable them to deal successfully with unexpected events and emergency situations. However, most previous studies took for granted the reliability and validity of language testing, and did not ask how to enhance them. This chapter critically discusses the traits of reliability and validity by following the theoretical framework that validity and ordinary truth are essentially one and the same attribute. The means to improve reliability and validity of testing is also demonstrated. The chapter shows that not only is the reliability and validity of language testing critical to international aviation safety but that good communication between test administrators and test takers can improve the reliability and validity of testing.
Assessing
American
Sign Language
Authors: Hoffmeister Robert J. , Kuntze Marlon , Fish Sarah A. 
Published: November 2013

This chapter presents an historical account of the progress in the development of measures for assessing first language abilities in American Sign Language (ASL). In the past sign language assessment efforts were limited as they were largely based on the translation of extant measures developed for assessing English abilities. In the past two decades, the growing understanding of the linguistic properties of ASL and other signed languages and of language assessment in general has paved the way for significant progress in developing assessments for ASL and other signed languages.
In order to provide a complete picture of a child's language abilities and knowledge, it is necessary that assessments include both receptive and expressive components. Such components must take into consideration vocabulary knowledge (both its extent and depth) as well as phonological, morphological, semantic, and syntactic knowledge. Because ASL exists in the visual modality and does not have a written form, the optimal presentation mode of any ASL assessment instrument must be video based. It is important that the material used to carry out language assessment is in a recorded format such that the test taker is not subject to memory constraints that may compromise language performance.
While this chapter focuses on assessments of ASL, many points about ASL assessment can and should be extrapolated to what we should think about for assessments of other signed languages. Furthermore, this chapter also emphasizes that it is important for the purpose of developing assessment to be cognizant of the modality difference between signed and spoken languages. Language takes advantage of the affordances given to it by its modality, but these differences disappear when one is attuned to the deeper levels of meaning. Developing signed language assessments based on known linguistic structures will allow us to gain the clearest picture of the language knowledge and abilities of Deaf children.