bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cubitus Valgus and Tardy Ulnar Nerve Palsy Due to an Intracapsular Ulnar Nerve
Authors: Sharma Manish S. , Skinner John A. , Spinner Robert J. 
Published: December 2013

Background We describe a patient with tardy ulnar neuropathy and cubitus valgus deformity found to have an intracapsular ulnar nerve. Methods An 89-year-old woman presented with severe neuropathic pain in the ulnar digits of the hand, advanced degenerative arthritis of the elbow, and tardy ulnar nerve palsy. Her pain was exacerbated with elbow movement, particularly flexion. She had paralysis of ulnar nerve innervated muscles, hypersensitivity with absence of two-point discrimination in her ulnar 1–1/2 digits, and a fixed ulnar claw deformity. She also had a grossly unstable elbow. Results Plain films revealed a cubitus valgus deformity (38°), an absent radial head, a dislocated proximal radioulnar joint and advanced arthritic changes. Ultrasonography revealed an indistinct ulnar nerve within the cubital tunnel which penetrated the joint. Electrophysiological studies revealed evidence of a severe ulnar neuropathy at the level of the elbow. Intraoperatively, an attenuated 2 cm length of the retrocondylar ulnar nerve was observed to be incorporated into the joint capsule tethered by a fibrous/synovial band which was released. A large effusion was drained. The ulnar nerve was transposed subcutaneously. The capsular rent was repaired in layers. She noted immediate and sustained (2 year follow-up) pain relief and regained moderate function in her interossei. Conclusions We believe that the chronic cubitus valgus deformity and secondary degenerative elbow joint changes led to an altered course of the nerve and attenuation of the medial joint capsule such that the ulnar nerve spontaneously buttonholed itself intra-articularly.
Synthesis, Characterization and Effect of a Solvent Mixture on the CMC of a Thio‐Based Novel Cationic Surfactant Using a UV–Visible Spectroscopic Technique
Authors: Ullah Imdad , Ahmad Khurshid , Shah Afzal , Badshah Amin , Ali Rana Usman , Shakir Imran , Zia‐ur‐Rehman  , Khan Shahan Zeb 
Published: November 2013

AbstractA novel thio‐based cationic surfactant has been synthesized by a new method. It was characterized by different techniques such as NMR, FTIR and its critical micelle concentration was determined by a UV–Visible spectroscopic technique. It is soluble in polar solvents like ethanol and partially soluble in water due to its thio‐based functionality. The detailed study of the compound 4‐chloro‐N‐((dodecanoyl(ethyl)ammonio)carbonothioyl)‐N‐ethylbenzenaminium bromide (4CDTB) was done using a UV–Visible spectrophotometric technique. The effect of solvent mixtures of different ratios was investigated. On the basis of solvent–solvent interaction the compound showed different results. The critical micelle concentration varied with solvent mixture ratios. The CMC of 4CDTB decreased as the ratio of water increased in the mixture of the ethanol–water system. The decrease in critical micelle concentration with the solvent mixture ratio has been discussed on the basis of solvent properties, structures, and their hydrophilic and hydrophobic interactions.
Acid Value, Polar Compounds and Polymers as Determinants of the Efficient Conversion of Waste Frying Oils to Biodiesel
Authors: Vieitez Ignacio , Callejas Nicolas , Irigaray Bruno , Pinchak Yenny , Merlinski Natalie , Jachmanián Iván , Grompone Maria A. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe cost of starting materials for the production of biodiesel is typically 75 % of the final retail price. Oils previously used for frying, waste frying oils (WFO), are a very suitable resource. Repetitive use of oil for frying foods involves high temperature, moisture and aeration for extended periods. The most important deterioration processes triggered by these conditions are hydrolysis and oxidation. In this study, 24 WFO samples of different origins were analyzed and classified as potential starting materials for biodiesel production using three quality parameters representing the main factors that affect the conversion of WFO. These parameters were: acid value, content of polar compounds and content of polymers, which varied in the ranges from 0.2 to 7.6, 14.9 to 43.2 and 0.9 to 15.2 %, respectively. Ester content obtained using conventional transesterification (TE) for WFO conversion decreased with increased levels of WFO deterioration determined by any of the three parameters noted above. TE products obtained had ester content between 81.4 and 95.7 %. Total ester content of a WFO sample with relatively low %AV could be increased to 96.5 % using a two‐stage base catalysis TE. Finally, conversion of WFO samples resulted in ester contents of 89.0 and 91.3 %, respectively, when transesterified by conventional TE. After blending up to 10 % with refined oil, the ester content achieved was near 96.5 %. Thus, the blending represents an alternative for obtaining a product with suitable ester content.
Emotional Connections to Objects as Shown through Collecting Behaviour: The Role of Ardour
Authors: Zonneveld Lydia , Biggemann Sergio 
Published: December 2013

Above and beyond the casual relationships that are present with everyday consumption, collected objects that are consciously and purposely chosen indicate that a relationship exists between individuals and the objects. Drawing on in-depth interviews conducted with collectors who share a strong interest in what could be considered, in a monetary sense, low value objects, this research finds that culture and its presence in society play a strong role on influencing collecting decisions and can determine what objects hold more meaning than others. Compared to a framework consisting of four retro-branding constructs of allegory (brand story), aura (brand essence), arcadia (idealised community), and antinomy (brand paradox) ( Brown et al., 2003 ), data reveal that an additional construct, which is termed ardour, could be added. Ardour greater construes the passion and enthusiasm that collectors feel for a brand, principally because of its relation to their own country, through the symbolism of the designs, and essentially the brand's ethos.
Reprint of: Mapping connectivity in the developing brain
Authors: Dennis Emily L. , Thompson Paul M. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractRecently, there has been a wealth of research into structural and functional brain connectivity, and how they change over development. While we are far from a complete understanding, these studies have yielded important insights into human brain development. There is an ever growing variety of methods for assessing connectivity, each with its own advantages. Here we review research on the development of structural and/or functional brain connectivity in both typically developing subjects and subjects with neurodevelopmental disorders. Space limitations preclude an exhaustive review of brain connectivity across all developmental disorders, so we review a representative selection of recent findings on brain connectivity in autism, Fragile X, 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, Williams syndrome, Turner syndrome, and ADHD. Major strides have been made in understanding the developmental trajectory of the human connectome, offering insight into characteristic features of brain development and biological processes involved in developmental brain disorders. We also discuss some common themes, including hemispheric specialization – or asymmetry – and sex differences. We conclude by discussing some promising future directions in connectomics, including the merger of imaging and genetics, and a deeper investigation of the relationships between structural and functional connectivity.
Vein Measurement by Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter Nurses Using Ultrasound: A Reliability Study
Authors: Sharp Rebecca , Gordon Andrea , Mikocka-Walus Antonina , Childs Jessie , Grech Carol , Cummings Melita , Esterman Adrian 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
Background: Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) are increasingly inserted by trained registered nurses, necessitating the development of specialized skills such as the use of ultrasound. The selection of an adequately sized vein is an important factor in reducing adverse events such as deep vein thrombosis. However, PICC nurses may receive minimal training in the use of ultrasound for vein measurement.
Objective: We aimed to demonstrate the reliability of a vein measurement protocol using ultrasound by a PICC nurse trained in sonography.
Methods: The diameter of the basilic, brachial, and cephalic veins in the left arms of healthy participants (n =12) were measured using ultrasound by a PICC nurse and a sonographer. A PICC nurse performed the measurement twice and the sonographer once; the PICC nurse's results were compared for intra-rater reliability and compared with the sonographer for inter-rater reliability. The results were analyzed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs).
Results: Inter-rater reliability between the PICC nurse and the sonographer was adequate, the ICC for the brachial vein was 0.60 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.06–0.87), basilic vein ICC was 0.87 (95% CI, 0.58–0.96) and cephalic vein ICC was 0.77 (95% CI, 0.39–0.93). Intra-rater reliability of the PICC nurse was higher; the ICC for the brachial vein was 0.80 (95% CI, 0.44–0.94), basilic vein ICC was 0.92 (95% CI, 0.67–0.98), and cephalic vein ICC was 0.78 (95% CI, 0.40–0.93).
Conclusions: Using a suitable protocol, a PICC nurse was able to measure vein diameter reliably when compared with a sonographer and consistently replicate these results.
Causes of Accidents in Terrain Parks: An Exploratory Factor Analysis of Recreational Freestylers’ Views
Authors: Carús Luis 
Published: December 2013

Objective This study examines ski and snowboard terrain park users’ views on aspects associated with accidents by identifying and assessing variables that may influence the occurrence of accidents and the resulting injuries. Methods The research was conducted in a major resort in the Spanish Pyrenees, using information gathered from freestyle skiers and snowboarders aged 6 or older. To identify interrelationships among variables and to group the variables belonging to unified concepts, an exploratory factor analysis was performed using varimax rotation. Results The results revealed 5 factors that grouped the measured variables that may influence the occurrence of accidents while freestyling in terrain parks. The park features, conditions of the activity, and the user’s personal conditions were found to have the most substantial influence on the freestylers’ perceptions. Conclusions Variables identified as components of the main factors of accident risk in terrain parks should be incorporated into resort management communication and policies.
The Science of History, Inaugural Address
Authors: Zerffi Gustavus George 
Published: December 2013

Six years ago I had the pleasure of reading a paper “On the Possibility of a strictly Scientific Treatment of Universal History,” and that which was at that time a mere aiggestion, has since become a firm conviction, based on indefatigable study, and the collection of innumerable facts.When called upon at the first meeting of the Council of the Royal Historical Society this session, to read an inaugural paper before the Fellows, I thought I could not do better than bring this conviction before you, so as, if possible, to make it your own.
An Insular fragment of Bede's Historia ecclesiastica
Authors: Sparks Nicholas A. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractWhat remains of a single fragmentary folio, consisting of a vision from Bede's Historia ecclesiastica gentis Anglorum, is discussed from the palaeographical and philological points of view. The writing of the fragment is placed within the context of Insular books written on the Continent, probably Werden, in the first half of the ninth century. Visual identification of script is made with another contemporary half-leaf. The three fragments are regarded as débris of a book of excerpts gathered from various writers. The formation of the collection as a whole is considered as reaching back behind the extant fragments to a lost eighth-century Insular source.
Discretio spirituum and The Whale
Authors: DeAngelo Jeremy 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThis piece identifies an extension to the lesson of the Exeter Book poem The Whale. The work not only admonishes its audience to guard against temptation masquerading as virtue, but also indicates how one may go about doing so. The selection of the whale as a subject places the poem within an extensive biblical and patristic tradition concerning sea creatures that was well represented in Anglo-Saxon England. Specifically, the allusions present in The Whale identify discretio spirituum as the essential skill needed to avoid disguised temptation, and point to Pride as the weakness most capable of leading Christians astray.
ARE VALUE OF INFORMATION METHODS READY FOR PRIME TIME? AN APPLICATION TO ALTERNATIVE TREATMENT STRATEGIES FOR NSTEMI PATIENTS
Authors: Kent Seamus , Briggs Andrew , Eckermann Simon , Berry Colin 
Published: December 2013

Objectives:The use of value of information methods to inform trial design has been widely advocated but there have been few empirical applications of these methods and there is little evidence they are widely used in decision making. This study considers the usefulness of value of information models in the context of a real clinical decision problem relating to alternative diagnostic strategies for patients with a recent non-ST elevated myocardial infarction.Methods:A pretrial economic model is constructed to consider the cost-effectiveness of two competing strategies: coronary angiography alone or in conjunction with fractional flow reserve measurement. A closed-form solution to the expected benefits of information is used with optimal sample size estimated for a range of models reflecting increasingly realistic assumptions and alternative decision contexts.Results:Fractional flow reserve measurement is expected to be cost-effective with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of GBP 1,621, however, there is considerable uncertainty in this estimate and consequently a large expected value to reducing this uncertaintyviaa trial. The recommended sample size is strongly affected by the reality of the assumptions of the expected value of information (EVI) model and the decision context.Conclusions:Value of information models can provide a simple and flexible approach to clinical trial design and are more consistent with the constraints and objectives of the healthcare system than traditional frequentist approaches. However, the variation in sample size estimates demonstrates that it is essential that appropriate model parameters and decision contexts are used in their application.
IS TREATMENT OF DEPRESSION COST-EFFECTIVE IN PEOPLE WITH DIABETES? A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF THE ECONOMIC EVIDENCE
Authors: Jeeva Farheen , Dickens Christopher , Coventry Peter , Bundy Christine , Davies Linda 
Published: December 2013

Objectives: Depression is common in diabetes and linked to a wide range of adverse outcomes. UK policy indicates that depression should be treated using conventional psychological treatments in a stepped care framework. This review aimed to identify current economic evidence of psychological treatments for depression among people with diabetes.Method: Electronic search strategies (conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, NHS EED) combined clinical and economic search terms to identify full economic evaluations of the relevant interventions. Prespecified screening and inclusion criteria were used. Standardized data extraction and critical appraisal were conducted and the results summarized qualitatively.Results: Excluding duplicates, 1,516 studies for co-morbid depression and diabetes were screened. Four economic evaluations were identified. The studies found that the interventions improved health status, reduced depression and were cost-effective compared with usual care. The studies were all U.S.-based and evaluated collaborative care programs that included psychological therapies. Critical appraisal indicated limitations with the study designs, analysis and results for all studies.Conclusions: The review highlighted the paucity of evidence in this area. The four studies indicated the potential of interventions to reduce depression and be cost-effective compared with usual care. Two studies reported costs per QALY gained of USD 267 to USD 4,317, whilst two studies reported the intervention dominated usual care, with net savings of USD 440 to USD 612 and net gains in patient free days or QALYs.
A MODEL FOR HTA PRIORITY SETTING: EXPERIENCE IN LITHUANIA
Authors: Jankauskiene Danguole , Petronyte Gintare 
Published: December 2013

Objectives: To promote the further development of HTA, this study aims to design a model for HTA priority setting, which would address national needs for a country with little experience in the field of HTA, and assess its feasibility for the health system.Methods: Literature search and review, as well as qualitative research have been used in the design and testing of the model for HTA priority setting. To test the model and the methodology, a three-round Delphi study was conducted in 2011 in the form of an electronic questionnaire, which was distributed to the panel of eleven national experts. The panel was composed of experts representing various fields of the health care sector: policy-makers, health care service professionals and academics, with diverse professional roles.Results: The designed model consists of four stages: (i) selection of experts for the panel, (ii) indication and selection of health policy topics, (iii) identification of health technologies, and (iv) priority setting. Three rounds of the Delphi study were performed to test the model and reach expert consensus on a list of health technologies for assessment, including pharmaceuticals, vaccines, medical devices, diagnostic methods, public health interventions, organizational systems, etc.Conclusions: Based on the Delphi technique as a method for consensus building, the model for HTA priority setting was developed for Lithuania; however, it could also be used for other countries with little experience in the field of HTA.
A monoclonal antibody interferes with TIMP-2 binding and incapacitates the MMP-2-activating function of multifunctional, pro-tumorigenic MMP-14/MT1–MMP
Authors: Shiryaev S A , Remacle A G , Golubkov V S , Ingvarsen S , Porse A , Behrendt N , Cieplak P , Strongin A Y 
Published: December 2013

AbstractMatrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and, especially membrane type 1 (MT1)-MMP/MMP-14, are promising drug targets in malignancies. In contrast with multiple small-molecule and protein pan-inhibitors of MT1–MMP cleavage activity, the murine 9E8 monoclonal antibody targets the MMP-2-activating function of cellular MT1–MMP alone, rather than the general proteolytic activity and the pro-migratory function of MT1–MMP. Furthermore, the antibody does not interact in any detectable manner with other members of the membrane type (MT)-MMP family. The mechanism of this selectivity remained unknown. Using mutagenesis, binding and activity assays, and modeling in silico, we have demonstrated that the 9E8 antibody recognizes the MT-loop structure, an eight residue insertion that is specific for MT–MMPs and that is distant from the MT1–MMP active site. The binding of the 9E8 antibody to the MT-loop, however, prevents tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-2 (TIMP-2) association with MT1–MMP. As a result, the 9E8 antibody incapacitates the TIMP-2-dependent MMP-2-activating function alone rather than the general enzymatic activity of human MT1–MMP. The specific function of the 9E8 antibody we determined directly supports an essential, albeit paradoxical, role of the protein inhibitor (TIMP-2) in MMP-2 activation via a unique membrane-tethered mechanism. In this mechanism, the formation of a tri-molecular MT1–MMPTIMP-2MMP-2 complex is required for both the capture of the soluble MMP-2 proenzyme by cells and then its well-controlled conversion into the mature MMP-2 enzyme. In sum, understanding of the structural requirements for the 9E8 antibody specificity may pave the way for the focused design of the inhibitory antibodies against other individual MMPs.
Induction of Female-to-Male Sex Change in Adult Zebrafish by Aromatase Inhibitor Treatment
Authors: Takatsu Kanae , Miyaoku Kaori , Roy Shimi Rani , Murono Yuki , Sago Tomohiro , Itagaki Hideyuki , Nakamura Masaru , Tokumoto Toshinobu 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThis study investigated whether undifferentiated germ and/or somatic stem cells remain in the differentiated ovary of a species that does not undergo sex changes under natural conditions and retain their sexual plasticity. The effect of aromatase inhibitor (AI)-treatment on sexually mature female zebrafish was examined. A 5-month AI treatment caused retraction of the ovaries after which testes-like organs appeared and cyst structures filled with spermatozoa-like cells were observed in sections of these tissues. Electron microscopic observations revealed that these cells appeared as large sperm heads without tails. Sperm formation was re-examined after changing the diet to an AI-free food. A large number of normal sperm were obtained after eight weeks and no formation of ovarian tissue was observed. Artificial fertilization using sperm from the sex-changed females was successful. These results demonstrated that sex plasticity remains in the mature ovaries of this species.
ABACUS: an entropy-based cumulative bivariate statistic robust to rare variants and different direction of genotype effect
Authors: Di Camillo Barbara , Sambo Francesco , Toffolo Gianna , Cobelli Claudio 
Published: November 2013

AbstractMotivation: In the past years, both sequencing and microarray have been widely used to search for relations between genetic variations and predisposition to complex pathologies such as diabetes or neurological disorders. These studies, however, have been able to explain only a small fraction of disease heritability, possibly because complex pathologies cannot be referred to few dysfunctional genes, but are rather heterogeneous and multicausal, as a result of a combination of rare and common variants possibly impairing multiple regulatory pathways. Rare variants, though, are difficult to detect, especially when the effects of causal variants are in different directions, i.e. with protective and detrimental effects.Results: Here, we propose ABACUS, an Algorithm based on a BivAriate CUmulative Statistic to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) significantly associated with a disease within predefined sets of SNPs such as pathways or genomic regions. ABACUS is robust to the concurrent presence of SNPs with protective and detrimental effects and of common and rare variants; moreover, it is powerful even when few SNPs in the SNP-set are associated with the phenotype. We assessed ABACUS performance on simulated and real data and compared it with three state-of-the-art methods. When ABACUS was applied to type 1 and 2 diabetes data, besides observing a wide overlap with already known associations, we found a number of biologically sound pathways, which might shed light on diabetes mechanism and etiology.Availability and implementation: ABACUS is available at http://www.dei.unipd.it/∼dicamill/pagine/Software.html.Contact: barbara.dicamillo@dei.unipd.itSupplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.