bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Charcot Arthropathy of the Foot and Ankle in Patients With Idiopathic Neuropathy
Authors: Bariteau Jason T. , Tenenbaum Shay , Rabinovich Alexander , Brodsky James W. 
Published: August 2014

Background: Charcot neuroarthropathy in the developed countries is primarily associated with diabetic neuropathy. This study investigated a series of patients with Charcot arthropathy associated with idiopathic peripheral neuropathy to evaluate the natural history in these patients and to evaluate the efficacy of a treatment protocol used for diabetic Charcot joints. Methods: The records and radiographs of patients with Charcot arthropathy of the foot and ankle treated between 1986 and 2009 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with known causes of or risk factors for peripheral neuropathy were excluded, identifying 82 feet in 59 patients with idiopathic neuropathy. Twenty-three (39%) were bilateral. The average age was 76 years and the average follow-up was 60 months. Data were analyzed for medical history and diagnoses, medications, anatomic classification of Charcot arthropathy, history of ulcerations, ambulatory status, shoe wear and bracing, and operative interventions. Patient care was based on previous published treatment algorithms, based on conservative management with operative intervention reserved for nonhealing ulcers, infection, and/or nonplantigrade, unbraceable feet. Therapeutic success was a plantigrade foot with healed soft tissue envelope that allowed weight-bearing. Results: In all, 55% involved the midfoot (type 1), 34% the hindfoot (type 2), and 11% the ankle, (type 3A). Seventy-one of 82 feet were successfully treated at the time of last follow-up. Thirty-six feet (43%) were treated nonoperatively with success in 33 (92%). Forty-six of 82 feet required operative intervention, with success at last follow-up in 38 (83%). There were 8 operative failures resulting in 2 transtibial amputations and 6 feet with persistent ulceration. Conclusions: This series of patients with Charcot arthropathy associated with idiopathic neuropathy demonstrated a wider spectrum of Charcot arthropathy of the foot and ankle than has been previously recognized or documented. At the present time, heightened awareness is needed to promote accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment in nondiabetic patients with Charcot arthropathy. Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective case series.
Double tracer gas single-breath washout: reproducibility in healthy subjects and COPD
Authors: Husemann Kim , Berg Nina , Engel Jennifer , Port Johannes , Joppek Christoph , Tao Ziran , Singer Florian , Schulz Holger , Kohlhäufl Martin 
Published: August 2014

The applicability and interpretation of inert tracer gas washout tests is hampered by the lack of feasible protocols and reproducibility data. We assessed feasibility, variability and reproducibility of a new easy to perform double tracer gas (DTG) single-breath washout (SBW) test and compared this with conventional nitrogen washouts.In 40 healthy nonsmokers and 20 patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), we performed three N2vital capacity SBWs, three N2multiple-breath washouts and three tidal DTG-SBW tests. Follow-up was after 1 week, 1 month and 6 months. Main outcomes were the lung clearance index (LCI) (N2multiple-breath washout), slope of phase III (dN2) (N2vital capacity SBW) and slope of phase III (SIIIDTG) (DTG-SBW).In healthy subjects, mean±sdLCI at baseline was 6.94±0.61, dN20.99±0.42% N2per litre and SIIIDTG−0.206±0.108 g·mol−1·L−1. In COPD, LCI and dN2were significantly higher (LCI 12.23±2.67, dN27.43±5.38% N2per litre; p<0.001) and SIIIDTGsignificantly steeper (−0.653±0.428 g·mol−1·L−1, p<0.001). Reproducibility was high for main outcome parameters: the intraclass correlation coefficient over 6 months was 0.77 (0.86 in COPD) for LCI, 0.82 (0.89) for dN2and 0.83 (0.93) for SIIIDTG.The tidal DTG-SBW is a reproducible test in healthy and COPD subjects that seems attractive for use in routine clinical settings.
Performance analysis of wireless communication system in general fading environment subjected to shadowing and interference
Authors: Stamenović Goran , Panić Stefan R , Rančić Dejan , Stefanović Časlav , Stefanović Mihajlo 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
In this paper, performance analysis of wireless communication over α−η−μ fading channels has been investigated. First, analysis has been carried out for the case when communication is subjected to the influence of co-channel interference. Closed-form expressions have been derived for the probability density function and cumulative distribution function of the received signal-to-interference ratio. Outage probability has been obtained for this case, in the function of various values of system parameters, and also for the case when selection diversity has been presented at the reception. Further, simultaneous multipath fading and shadowing occurrence has been analyzed, through deriving novel composite Gamma long-time faded α−η−μ fading distribution. First-order statistical parameters have been obtained in closed form, for this novel composite distribution, and capitalizing on them, standard performance measures have been efficiently evaluated, graphically presented and discussed in the function of system parameters.
Methods for measuring horizontal equity in health resource allocation: a comparative study
Authors: Tao Yi , Henry Kizito , Zou Qinpei , Zhong Xiaoni 
Published: August 2014

Abstract

ᅟ
There are many existing methodologies on measuring health equity, while seldom has method aiming at health resource allocation. We collected 6 method of measuring equity in health resource allocation. This paper presents key contents of methods on measuring horizontal equity in health service allocation, yet each method has its advantages and disadvantages as well as range of application, which may help researchers or government to make wise decision when choosing appropriate method for measuring equity. Through comparative analysis, we concluded that socioeconomic factors were considered in concentration index; although the Lorenz curve and Gini-coefficient are widely used, which exist uncertainty and incompleteness; overall inequality can be decomposed by Theil index, which is of significance for the planning of urban and rural areas; preferences on a certain class can be set artificially by Atkinson index; it is easy for Chi-square to analyze aided with statistical software; specific regional differences can be calculated by index of dissimilarity.

Classification codes
I1
Granulocyte functions are independent of arginine availability
Authors: Kapp Katharina , Prüfer Steve , Michel Christian S , Habermeier Alice , Luckner-Minden Claudia , Giese Thomas , Bomalaski John , Langhans Claus-Dieter , Kropf Pascale , Müller Ingrid , Closs Ellen I , Radsak Markus P , Munder Markus 
Published: August 2014

AbstractArginine depletion via myeloid cell arginase is critically involved in suppression of the adaptive immune system during cancer or chronic inflammation. On the other hand, arginine depletion is being developed as a novel anti-tumor metabolic strategy to deprive arginine-auxotrophic cancer cells of this amino acid. In human immune cells, arginase is mainly expressed constitutively in PMNs. We therefore purified human primary PMNs from healthy donors and analyzed PMN function as the main innate effector cell and arginase producer in the context of arginine deficiency. We demonstrate that human PMN viability, activation-induced IL-8 synthesis, chemotaxis, phagocytosis, generation of ROS, and fungicidal activity are not impaired by the absence of arginine in vitro. Also, profound pharmacological arginine depletion in vivo via ADI-PEG20 did not inhibit PMN functions in a mouse model of pulmonary invasive aspergillosis; PMN invasion into the lung, activation, and successful PMN-dependent clearance of Aspergillus fumigatus and survival of mice were not impaired. These novel findings add to a better understanding of immunity during inflammation-associated arginine depletion and are also important for the development of therapeutic arginine depletion as anti-metabolic tumor therapy.
Synthetic Glucocorticoid Reduces Human Placental System A Transport in Women Treated With Antenatal Therapy
Authors: Audette Melanie C. , Challis John R. G. , Jones Rebecca L. , Sibley Colin P. , Matthews Stephen G. 
Published: August 2014

Context:Synthetic glucocorticoids (sGCs) are routinely given to women with threatened preterm labor and have been linked to fetal growth restriction and developmental programming. Reductions in fetal growth are likely to be mediated by placental dysfunction, including altered nutrient transport. sGCs modify the system A neutral amino acid transporter in vitro, but there are no in vivo comparable data in human placenta.Objective:Because ∼30% of women who receive sGCs carry to term, our objective was to examine the short- and longer-term consequences of antenatal sGCs on placental system A transport.Methods and Patients:Placental tissue was collected from women treated with sGCs between 24 hours and 14 days before delivery (24h-14d), 14 days after treatment but before term (14d-term), or at term, compared with healthy term (control) deliveries to measure system A-mediated activity (Na+-dependent [14C]methylaminoisobutyric acid uptake per gram placenta) and mRNA expression.Results:After sGC treatment, system A activity was significantly reduced at term compared with both sGC placentas delivered 24h-14d and compared with controls. Placentae from women treated with sGCs who delivered between 14d-term also had significantly reduced system A activity compared with 24h-14d placentas. SLC38A1 and SLC38A2 mRNA expression was unaffected. However, SLC38A4 was significantly reduced by sGCs at term compared with placentas delivered between 14d-term.Conclusion:We conclude that women who are at risk of preterm labor and receive sGCs but deliver at term have significantly reduced placental system A amino acid transporter activity. Altered placental transporter function could affect fetal growth and may contribute to developmental programming reported in both animal and clinical studies.
Racial Differences In Peripheral Insulin Sensitivity and Mitochondrial Capacity in the Absence of Obesity
Authors: DeLany James P. , Dubé John J. , Standley Robert A. , Distefano Giovanna , Goodpaster Bret H. , Stefanovic-Racic Maja , Coen Paul M. , Toledo Frederico G. S. 
Published: August 2014

Context:
African-American women (AAW) have an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared with Caucasian women (CW). Lower insulin sensitivity has been reported in AAW, but the reasons for this racial difference and the contributions of liver versus skeletal muscle are incompletely understood.

Objective:
We tested the hypothesis that young, nonobese AAW manifest lower insulin sensitivity specific to skeletal muscle, not liver, and is accompanied by lower skeletal muscle mitochondrial oxidative capacity.

Participants and Main Outcome Measures:
Twenty-two nonobese (body mass index 22.7 ± 3.1 kg/m2) AAW and 22 matched CW (body mass index 22.7 ± 3.1 kg/m2) underwent characterization of body composition, objectively assessed habitual physical activity, and insulin sensitivity with euglycemic clamps and stable-isotope tracers. Skeletal muscle biopsies were performed for lipid content, fiber typing, and mitochondrial measurements.

Results:
Peripheral insulin sensitivity was 26% lower in AAW (P &lt; .01), but hepatic insulin sensitivity was similar between groups. Physical activity levels were similar between groups. Lower insulin sensitivity in AAW was not explained by total or central adiposity. Skeletal muscle triglyceride content was similar, but mitochondrial content was lower in AAW. Mitochondrial respiration was 24% lower in AAW and correlated with skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity (r = 0.33, P &lt; .05).

Conclusion:
When compared with CW, AAW have similar hepatic insulin sensitivity but a muscle phenotype characterized by both lower insulin sensitivity and lower mitochondrial oxidative capacity. These observations occur in the absence of obesity and are not explained by physical activity. The only factor associated with lower insulin sensitivity in AAW was mitochondrial oxidative capacity. Because exercise training improves both mitochondrial capacity and insulin sensitivity, we suggest that it may be of particular benefit as a strategy for diabetes prevention in AAW.
Grassroots Perspectives on Relocation: Threats and Opportunities
Authors: Lora-Wainwright Anna 
Published: August 2014

Literature on land disputes typically portrays villagers as victims unable to protect their interests. While they sometimes protest against land expropriation, their efforts tend to be met with little success. Undoubtedly, villagers are in a position of relative powerlessness. However, their perspectives on urbanization, development, and displacement are complex. This article provides some ethnographic context for the widely discussed related topics of land disputes and compensation. Based on fieldwork in rural Sichuan, it examines how the selection of agricultural areas for industrialization and road building, entailing relocation of villagers, has been understood by local villagers. Rumors of possible relocation (and compensation for existing homes) have often translated into the speedy building of rather absurd house extensions to maximize compensation. In response, village officials and the county government have attempted to crack down on what they claim are illegal buildings. Some households have already been moved, conflicts loom large, and the village Communist Party secretary has caused even more controversy by building himself a huge house, hoping for a large compensation payment.
The article considers how villagers view relocation; the relative value they place on industry, development, and land; and discourses in which industrial development and tourism are concurrently evaluated. In the relative absence of a welfare state to protect them, rural residents regard land as the most fundamental guarantee of livelihood, and they are unwilling to surrender control over it. They resent the minimal compensation they are offered and suspect that local officials take bribes from investors and pocket a large share of the benefits. At the same time, they welcome the development of infrastructure and of transport, which they regard as a step toward improving living conditions and employment opportunities. Through their participation in (and rejection of) building practices, and their calls on the local state to offer better compensation, villagers are also reconfiguring their local moral universe. These negotiations are an instance when the legitimacy of the local government comes under scrutiny and tensions among villagers as well as between villagers and the local state come to the fore.
Effects of within-generation thermal history on flight performance ofCeratitis capitata: colder is better
Authors: Esterhuizen Nanike , Clusella-Trullas Susana , van Daalen Corne E. , Schoombie Ruben E. , Boardman Leigh , Terblanche John S. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThe influence of thermal history on temperature-dependent flight performance was investigated in an invasive agricultural pest insect, Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae). Flies were exposed to one of four developmental acclimation temperatures (Tacc: 15, 20, 25, 30°C) during their pupal stage and tested at these temperatures (Ttest) as adults using a full-factorial study design. Major factors influencing flight performance included sex, body mass, Ttest and the interaction between Ttest and Tacc. Successful flight performance increased with increasing Ttest across all acclimation groups (from 10% at 15°C to 77% at 30°C). Although Tacc did not affect flight performance independently, it did have a significant interaction effect with Ttest. Multiple comparisons showed that flies acclimated to 15°C and 20°C performed better than those acclimated to 25°C and 30°C when tested at cold temperatures, but warm-acclimated flies did not outperform cold-acclimated flies at warmer temperatures. This provides partial support for the ‘colder is better’ hypothesis. To explain these results, several flight-related traits were examined to determine if Tacc influenced flight performance as a consequence of changes in body or wing morphology, whole-animal metabolic rate or cytochrome c oxidase enzyme activity. Although significant effects of Tacc could be detected in several of the traits examined, with an emphasis on sex-related differences, increased flight performance could not be explained solely on the basis of changes in any of these traits. Overall these results are important for understanding dispersal physiology despite the fact that the mechanisms of acclimation-related changes in flight performance remain unresolved.
Out of the blue: the evolution of horizontally polarized signals inHaptosquilla(Crustacea, Stomatopoda, Protosquillidae)
Authors: How Martin J. , Porter Megan L. , Radford Andrew N. , Feller Kathryn D. , Temple Shelby E. , Caldwell Roy L. , Marshall N. Justin , Cronin Thomas W. , Roberts Nicholas W. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThe polarization of light provides information that is used by many animals for a number of different visually guided behaviours. Several marine species, such as stomatopod crustaceans and cephalopod molluscs, communicate using visual signals that contain polarized information, content that is often part of a more complex multi-dimensional visual signal. In this work, we investigate the evolution of polarized signals in species of Haptosquilla, a widespread genus of stomatopod, as well as related protosquillids. We present evidence for a pre-existing bias towards horizontally polarized signal content and demonstrate that the properties of the polarization vision system in these animals increase the signal-to-noise ratio of the signal. Combining these results with the increase in efficacy that polarization provides over intensity and hue in a shallow marine environment, we propose a joint framework for the evolution of the polarized form of these complex signals based on both efficacy-driven (proximate) and content-driven (ultimate) selection pressures.
Facilitation of diabetes care in general practice
Authors: Wilson Zeena , Noakes Helen 
Published: August 2014

The Diabetes Resource Team (DRT) is an initiative set up to facilitate the development of diabetes management in primary care. This multi-professional team works with general practitioner (GP) practices across an area of South East London where there is a higher than average standardised mortality ratio for diabetes (Department of Health (DoH) 1991). The Team liaises and networks with four diabetes centres, key stakeholders and professionals to improve communication channels and reduce duplication. This paper highlights the benefits of a team approach to developing diabetes care through facilitation. The Team uses a multifaceted approach, including courses and evening forums which offer ongoing assessment, training and support in order to consolidate knowledge and develop practice. The anticipated outcome of this work is to enable general practice to provide an effective service for individual patients in the most appropriate place.
Liquid antibiotics in bone cement
Authors: Chang Y. H. , Tai C. L. , Hsu H. Y. , Hsieh P. H. , Lee M. S. , Ueng S. W. N. 
Published: August 2014

Objectives The objective of this study was to compare the elution characteristics, antimicrobial activity and mechanical properties of antibiotic-loaded bone cement (ALBC) loaded with powdered antibiotic, powdered antibiotic with inert filler (xylitol), or liquid antibiotic, particularly focusing on vancomycin and amphotericin B. Methods Cement specimens loaded with 2 g of vancomycin or amphotericin B powder (powder group), 2 g of antibiotic powder and 2 g of xylitol (xylitol group) or 12 ml of antibiotic solution containing 2 g of antibiotic (liquid group) were tested. Results Vancomycin elution was enhanced by 234% in the liquid group and by 12% in the xylitol group compared with the powder group. Amphotericin B elution was enhanced by 265% in the liquid group and by 65% in the xylitol group compared with the powder group. Based on the disk-diffusion assay, the eluate samples of vancomycin-loaded ALBC of the liquid group exhibited a significantly larger inhibitory zone than samples of the powder or the xylitol group. Regarding the ALBCs loaded with amphotericin B, only the eluate samples of the liquid group exhibited a clear inhibitory zone, which was not observed in either the xylitol or the powder groups. The ultimate compressive strength was significantly reduced in specimens containing liquid antibiotics. Conclusions Adding vancomycin or amphotericin B antibiotic powder in distilled water before mixing with bone cement can significantly improve the efficiency of antibiotic release than can loading ALBC with the same dose of antibiotic powder. This simple and effective method for preparation of ALBCs can significantly improve the efficiency of antibiotic release in ALBCs. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2014;3:246–51.
Ultrafast laser inscription of mid-IR directional couplers for stellar interferometry
Authors: Arriola Alexander , Mukherjee Sebabrata , Choudhury Debaditya , Labadie Lucas , Thomson Robert R. 
Published: August 2014

We report the ultrafast laser fabrication and mid-IR characterization
(3.39 μm) of four-port evanescent field directional couplers. The
couplers were fabricated in a commercial gallium lanthanum sulfide
glass substrate using sub-picosecond laser pulses of 1030 nm light.
Straight waveguides inscribed using optimal fabrication parameters
were found to exhibit propagation losses of ∼0.8  dB·cm−1 . A series of couplers were inscribed
with different interaction lengths, and we demonstrate power-splitting
ratios of between 8% and 99% for mid-IR light with a wavelength of
3.39 μm. These results clearly demonstrate that ultrafast laser
inscription can be used to fabricate high-quality evanescent field
couplers for future applications in astronomical interferometry.