bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis and testing of black‐box component‐based systems by inferring partial models
Authors: Shahbaz Muzammil , Groz Roland 
Published: February 2013

SUMMARYFrom experience in component‐based software engineering, it is known that the integration of high‐quality components may not yield high‐quality software systems. It is difficult to evaluate all possible interactions between the components in the system to uncover inter‐component misfunctions. The problem is even harder when the components are used without source code, specifications or formal models. Such components are called black boxes in literature. This paper presents an iterative approach of combining model learning and testing techniques for the formal analysis of a system of black‐box components. In the approach, individual components in the system are learned as finite state machines that (partially) model the behavioural structure of the components. The learned models are then used to derive tests for refining the partial models and/or finding integration faults in the system. The approach has been applied on case studies that have produced encouraging results. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spinal stenosis frequent in children with multiple hereditary exostoses
Authors: Ashraf Ali , Larson A. Noelle , Ferski Gabriela , Mielke Cary H. , Wetjen Nicholas M. , Guidera Kenneth J. 
Published: February 2013

Purpose Children with multiple hereditary exostoses (MHE) have numerous osteochondromas, with the most prominent lesions typically over the appendicular skeleton. A recent report noted a high rate of intracanal lesions in this patient population and recommended preventative spinal screening with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT). We sought to evaluate the prevalence of spinal stenosis from intracanal osteochondromas at our pediatric orthopedic center in order to evaluate if routine screening is warranted. Methods All pediatric patients treated for MHE were retrospectively identified. Records were reviewed to determine demographics, previous orthopedic surgery, and indication and results of axial spine imaging (CT or MRI). Imaging studies were reviewed to evaluate the presence of intracanal and compressive spinal lesions. Results Between 1990 and 2011, axial imaging was performed in nine patients with MHE due to concerns of pain, weakness, and/or dizziness. These patients had moderate disease involvement, with a mean of 4.9 previous orthopedic surgeries to address skeletal osteochondromas. Two patients with MHE had cervical spinal stenosis secondary to intracanal osteochondromas. Both children successfully underwent spinal decompression. Thus, of our MHE population undergoing axial imaging, 22 % were noted to have intracanal lesions. Conclusions Our experience reveals a >20 % rate of compressive intracanal osteochondromas in MHE patients undergoing spinal imaging. These two patients represent 5 % of the MHE patients treated at our center. These lesions may be slow growing, and significant consequences can occur if not identified promptly. Thus, we confer that routine axial screening of the spinal canal may be warranted in these children.
Acute renal failure potentiates brain energy dysfunction elicited by methylmalonic acid
Authors: Schuck Patrícia F. , Januário Silvana B. , Simon Kellen R. , Scaini Giselli , Mafioleti Renato L. , Malgarin Fernanda , Pettenuzzo Leticia F. , Streck Emilio L. , Ferreira Gustavo C. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThe influence of acute renal failure induced by gentamicin administration on the effects of MMA on mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes, citrate synthase, succinate dehydrogenase and creatine kinase activities in cerebral cortex and kidney of young rats were investigated. Animals received one intraperitoneal injection of saline or gentamicin (70 mg/kg). One hour after, the animals received three consecutive subcutaneous injections of MMA (1.67 μmol/g) or saline (11 h interval between injections) and 60 min after the last injection the animals were killed. Acute MMA administration decreased creatine kinase activity in both tissues and increased complexes I–III activity in cerebral cortex. Creatine kinase activity was also inhibited by gentamicin administration. Simultaneous administration of MMA and gentamicin increased the activities of citrate synthase in cerebral cortex and kidney and complexes II–III in cerebral cortex. The other enzyme activities in cerebral cortex and kidney of animals receiving MMA plus gentamicin did not significantly differ from those observed in animals receiving only MMA. Our present data is line with the hypothesis that MMA acts as a toxin in brain and kidney of rats and suggest that renal injury potentiates the toxicity of MMA on the Krebs cycle and respiratory chain in brain and peripheral tissues.
Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter and Acute Mountain Sickness
Authors: Keyes Linda E. , Paterson Ryan , Boatright Dowin , Browne Vaughn , Leadbetter Gig , Hackett Peter 
Published: February 2013

Objective Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) may contribute to acute mountain sickness (AMS). Measuring optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) by ultrasound (US) is a noninvasive technique to detect elevated ICP, and increased ONSD has been associated with AMS. We hypothesized that ONSD would increase with acute, rapid ascent to 4300 m and that increased ONSD would be associated with symptoms of AMS. We further hypothesized that treatment with oxygen at 4300 m would reduce symptoms and ONSD. Methods A cohort study was performed comparing US measurement of ONSD in healthy subjects at 1400 m and 18 hours after rapid ascent to 4300 m, both before and after oxygen treatment and between subjects with and without AMS (Lake Louise Score ≥3). Results Among 57 subjects, 29 (51%) experienced AMS after rapid ascent to 4300 m. In subjects without AMS, mean ONSD did not increase at 4300 m. In subjects with AMS, mean ONSD increased at 4300 m and was higher than in those without AMS. Treatment with oxygen lowered mean ONSD in subjects with AMS but not in those without AMS. Individual responses to altitude and oxygen varied greatly within groups, and the relationship between ONSD and AMS symptoms was weak. Conclusions In this controlled study, mean ONSD increased in subjects with AMS at high altitude. However, individual variation was high, and most ONSD values were below the clinical threshold for raised ICP. Observed differences were small, of questionable clinical importance, and within the range of precision of the US machine. Overall, our data do not support a role for increased ICP in mild to moderate AMS.
Optimal patch application time in the evaluation of skin irritation
Authors: Kanto Hiromi , Washizaki Kumiko , Ito Masatoshi , Matsunaga Kayoko , Akamatsu Hirohiko , Kawai Keiichi , Katoh Norito , Natsuaki Masaru , Yoshimura Isao , Kojima Hajime , Okamoto Yuko , Okuda Minehiro , Kuwahara Hirofumi , Sugiyama Mariko , Kinoshita Shigemi , Mori Fukuyoshi 
Published: February 2013

AbstractWe investigated the optimum application for evaluating skin irritation response by using samples of irritants commonly used as additives in cosmetics and other common household products. We studied 47 volunteers (16 men and 31 women). We selected three types of surfactant, one moisturizer, one anti‐infective agent and one oil solution. Using Finn chambers on Scanpor tape, we performed the patch test. A total of 0.015 mL of each sample was applied to the Finn chamber. For liquids, circular filter paper was soaked in 0.015 mL of the sample. Samples were placed on the upper back of participants, and closed for 4, 24 or 48 h. A patch application time of 24 h is sufficient to detect primary skin irritation from irritants in cosmetics and other common household products. In addition, we found that skin irritation reactions were strongest at 24 h after patch removal and that the reaction tended to be weaker at 48 h after patch removal. Patch testing to evaluate irritants should be performed by means of a 24‐h patch test with a follow‐up reading at 24 h after patch removal. An application time of 24 h places less of a burden on patients than a 48‐h patch test.
Sentinel lymph node in Merkel cell carcinoma: To biopsy or not to biopsy?
Authors: Sattler Elke , Geimer Till , Sick Isabell , Flaig Michael J. , Ruzicka Thomas , Berking Carola , Kunte Christian 
Published: February 2013

AbstractSentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is commonly recommended for patients with primary Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC). However, it is critically discussed whether survival rates improve by SLNB in MCC patients in general or in subgroups of higher risk (e.g. with primary tumor size >1 cm). The present study correlates clinical data, histology and lymph node status with follow‐up and survival data to see if subgroups can be identified for modification of the current recommendations. The medical records of 47 patients with histologically confirmed MCC treated between 1995 and 2010 at a German dermatosurgery department were reviewed. Nineteen patients with excision of the primary tumor and SLNB were compared to 28 patients with excision of the primary tumor but without SLNB. End‐points of this study were disease‐free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). In addition, clinical course was correlated with tumor size and size of safety margin. The group of patients who received SLNB showed a significant advantage in terms of OS (P < 0.05), but not in terms of DFS. Tumors of smaller size were associated with a significantly better DFS and a trend towards better OS. Comparing the groups with different safety margins (1–3 cm), no differences in DFS and OS could be found. Our data support the current recommendation for SLNB in all MCC patients and question the use of extensive safety margins in MCC surgery. Larger prospective multicenter studies with multivariate analysis are needed to confirm whether a prolonged OS is really due to the SLNB procedure or biased by other factors.
Comparison of clinical effects of psoriasis treatment regimens among calcipotriol alone, narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy alone, combination of calcipotriol and narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy once a week, and combination of calcipotriol and narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy more than twice a week
Authors: Takahashi Hidetoshi , Tsuji Hitomi , Ishida‐Yamamoto Akemi , Iizuka Hajime 
Published: February 2013

AbstractWe compared the clinical efficacy of various psoriasis treatments among: (i) topical application of calcipotriol ointment twice daily (group I); (ii) topical application of calcipotriol ointment twice daily and narrowband ultraviolet B NB‐UVB phototherapy once a week (group II); (iii) topical application of heparinoid ointment twice daily and NB‐UVB phototherapy more than twice a week (group III); and (iv) topical application of calcipotriol ointment twice daily and NB‐UVB phototherapy more than twice a week (group IV). Ten patients were randomly selected for each group and treated by the indicated regimens for 12 weeks. All treatments were effective and significantly improved Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scores, self‐administered PASI scores and visual analog scale scores of pruritus. Group IV showed most marked and rapid reduction in PASI and self‐PASI scores among the four regimens. Although the serum levels of interleukin (IL)‐17, IL‐20 and IL‐22 and psoriasis disability index were significantly decreased after the treatments, no significant difference was detected among the four groups. Our study indicates that combination of calcipotriol ointment plus NB‐UVB more than twice a week is superior to other treatment regimens, rapidly improving psoriasis lesions.
Impact of preterm birth and bronchopulmonary dysplasia on the developing lung: Long‐term consequences for respiratory health
Authors: O'Reilly Megan , Sozo Foula , Harding Richard 
Published: February 2013

Summary

Preterm birth affects 8–10% of human pregnancies and is a major cause of long‐term disability. Individuals who are born very preterm, especially if they develop bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), have an increased risk of impaired lung function in infancy, childhood and adulthood, as well as an increased risk of respiratory illness. Our aim is to briefly review current understanding of the basis for long‐term impairments in lung function and respiratory health following preterm birth and BPD.

Histopathology of the lungs of infants and children following preterm birth and BPD shows altered development of the lung parenchyma, conducting airways and pulmonary vasculature. Owing to improvements in the care of preterm infants, especially the use of exogenous surfactant and lower concentrations of administered oxygen, lung pathology following preterm birth and BPD is less severe than in the past.

Recent studies indicate that very preterm birth and BPD can lead to hyperplasia of airway smooth muscle, impaired alveolarization, pulmonary inflammation and an increase in pulmonary artery muscularization. Imaging of adult lungs suggests that the deficit in alveoli can persist into later life. Long‐term lung injury apparently relates to the use of mechanical ventilation and the use of supplemental oxygen in infancy.

Impaired lung function in later life is due to airway hyper‐reactivity and fewer alveoli, resulting in reductions in the surface area for gas exchange and physical support for bronchioles. Because the incidence of preterm birth is not declining, it will continue to be a major cause of respiratory ill‐health in adults.
Long‐Term Antihypertensive Effects of Aliskiren, a Direct Renin Inhibitor, in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Ishimitsu Toshihiko , Ohta Satoshi , Ohno Eri , Takahashi Toshiaki , Numabe Atsushi , Okamura Atsushi , Ohba Shuichi , Hashimoto Akiko , Matsuoka Hiroaki 
Published: February 2013

Abstract: The renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system is not necessarily suppressed in end‐stage renal disease patients undergoing dialysis. Of all the inhibitors of this system, the clinical efficacy of the renin inhibitor, aliskiren, has not been well demonstrated in dialysis patients. We evaluated the antihypertensive effect of aliskiren, administered as a single daily dose of 150 mg for 24 weeks, in 23 chronic hemodialysis patients (age 65 ± 12 years, 15 men and eight women) with blood pressure ≥140/90 mm Hg, and assessed the factors relating to blood pressure reduction. At 4 weeks, the average systolic blood pressure before the dialysis session was insignificantly reduced from 163 ± 10 mm Hg to 160 ± 15 mm Hg, while it was significantly lowered at 12 (154 ± 13 mm Hg) and 24 weeks (155 ± 10 mm Hg), although the pulse rate was not significantly altered. Serum K increased at 24 weeks from 4.9 ± 0.6 mEq/L to 5.2 ± 0.8 mEq/L. Only 10 out of 23 patients showed systolic blood pressure reduction by ≥10 mm Hg. Naturally, plasma renin immunoreactivity increased, while plasma renin activity, along with angiotensin II and aldosterone levels decreased. Basal levels of the components of the renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system were not significantly different in patients showing systolic blood pressure reduction by ≥10 mm Hg (n = 10) vs. those with <10 mm Hg changes (n = 13). The reduction in systolic blood pressure in all 23 patients taken as a whole correlated with changes in plasma renin activity (r = −0.432, P < 0.05) and angiotensin II (r = 0.467, P < 0.05). In chronic hemodialysis patients, aliskiren modestly lowers blood pressure over the long term, although the antihypertensive effect seems dependent on the changes, but not on the basal levels of plasma renin activity and angiotensin II.
Conceptual Framework for Holistic Dialysis Management Based on Key Performance Indicators
Authors: Liu Hu‐Chen , Itoh Kenji 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThis paper develops a theoretical framework of holistic hospital management based on performance indicators that can be applied to dialysis hospitals, clinics or departments in Japan. Selection of a key indicator set and its validity tests were performed primarily by a questionnaire survey to dialysis experts as well as their statements obtained through interviews. The expert questionnaire asked respondents to rate the degree of “usefulness” for each of 66 indicators on a three‐point scale (19 responses collected). Applying the theoretical framework, we selected a minimum set of key performance indicators for dialysis management that can be used in the Japanese context. The indicator set comprised 27 indicators and items that will be collected through three surveys: patient satisfaction, employee satisfaction, and safety culture. The indicators were confirmed by expert judgment from viewpoints of face, content and construct validity as well as their usefulness. This paper established a theoretical framework of performance measurement for holistic dialysis management from primary healthcare stakeholders’ perspectives. In this framework, performance indicators were largely divided into healthcare outcomes and performance shaping factors. Indicators of the former type may be applied for the detection of operational problems or weaknesses in a dialysis hospital, clinic or department, while latent causes of each problem can be more effectively addressed by the latter type of indicators in terms of process, structure and culture/climate within the organization.
Squamous cell carcinoma of the lung with simultaneous metastases to peritoneum and skeletal muscle
Authors: Song Sung Heon , Oh Yoon Jung , Kim Young Nam , Song Ha Hun , Ha Chang Won 
Published: February 2013

AbstractSkeletal muscle and peritoneum are rare sites of metastases from lung cancer. We report a case of squamous cell lung cancer with concurrent metastases to skeletal muscle and peritoneum. A 71‐year‐old man was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the right lower lobe with metastasis to the right hilar lymph node at clinical stage T3N1M0. Because of poor performance status and comorbidity, he only received radiation therapy. Positron emission tomography‐computed tomography for mid‐assessment of response showed two abnormal hypermetabolic lesions in the peritoneum of the left upper quadrant area and the left thigh muscle. We performed a needle‐approach biopsy in each lesion and found both of the lesions were metastases from lung cancer. The patient died after two months.
Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor mediates the suppression of alcohol self‐administration by memantine
Authors: Jeanblanc Jérôme , Coune Fabien , Botia Béatrice , Naassila Mickaël 
Published: February 2013

AbstractBrain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) within the striatum is part of a homeostatic pathway regulating alcohol consumption. Memantine, a non‐competitive antagonist of N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptors, induces expression of BDNF in several brain regions including the striatum. We hypothesized that memantine could decrease ethanol (EtOH) consumption via activation of the BNDF signalling pathway. Effects of memantine were evaluated in Long‐Evans rats self‐administering moderate or high amounts of EtOH 6, 30 and 54 hours after an acute injection (12.5 and 25 mg/kg). Motivation to consume alcohol was investigated through a progressive ratio paradigm. The possible role for BDNF in the memantine effect was tested by blockade of the TrkB receptor using the pharmacological agent K252a and by the BDNF scavenger TrkB‐Fc. Candidate genes expression was also assessed by polymerase chain reaction array 4 and 28 hours after memantine injection. We found that memantine decreased EtOH self‐administration and motivation to consume EtOH 6 and 30 hours post‐injection. In addition, we found that inhibition or blockade of the BDNF signalling pathway prevented the early, but not the delayed decrease in EtOH consumption induced by memantine. Finally, Bdnf expression was differentially regulated between the early and delayed timepoints. These results demonstrate that an acute injection of memantine specifically reduces EtOH self‐administration and motivation to consume EtOH for at least 30 hours. Moreover, we showed that BDNF was responsible for the early effect, but that the delayed effect was BDNF‐independent.
Cooperative pricing and scale efficiency: The case of Korean rice processing complexes
Authors: Yoo Chun‐Kwon , Buccola Steven , Gopinath Munisamy 
Published: February 2013

AbstractUnlike most investor‐owned enterprises, cooperatives often have freedom to choose among a variety of firm objectives. Using 2002–2008 plant‐ and province‐level data, we ask in the present article which of several alternative maximands a Korean cooperative rice processing firm pursues. In contrast to earlier studies, farmer‐member supply functions are incorporated into the cooperative's optimization framework. We show that only large cooperative firms have operated at efficient scale, while small and medium‐sized ones have been scale‐inefficient. Because the latter operate where scale returns are increasing, mergers of small and medium‐sized cooperatives likely would be cost‐reducing and member‐return‐enhancing.
The aspirin cardiovascular/gastrointestinal risk calculator ‐ a tool to aid clinicians in practice
Authors: Lanas A. , Polo‐Tomás M. , Casado‐Arroyo R. 
Published: February 2013

SummaryBackgroundAssessment of both GI and CV risks vs. the benefits of low‐dose aspirin for individual patients can be difficult in clinical practice.AimTo develop a tool to estimate CV and GI risks to facilitate the clinical decision‐making process.MethodsWe constructed risk‐ratio estimations and determined the incidence of CV events and upper GI complications according to the presence of different risk factors. For upper GI complications we assumed a baseline incidence of 1 case/1000‐persons‐year, a twofold increased risk with low‐dose aspirin, and estimated a 60% GI risk reduction with proton pump inhibitors (PPI) co‐therapy and a 60% risk reduction with H. pylori eradication in patients with a history of peptic ulcer.ResultsThe calculator can be found at http://www.asariskcalculator.com. In patients with low CV risk the number of GI complications induced by low‐dose aspirin may be greater than the number of CV events prevented. In patients with high CV risk, low‐dose aspirin is recommended, but the number of GI complications induced may still overcome the CV events saved. The use of PPI reduces the number of complication events induced by low‐dose aspirin, but the number of CV events saved may still be offset by the number of GI complications induced in patients at very high GI risk.ConclusionsThere are many clinical situations where the number of potential upper GI complications induced by low‐dose aspirin may exceed the number of potentially prevented CV events. A risk calculator should guide physicians in choosing appropriate therapy and maximise the aspirin benefit.
Whole-body imaging of adoptively transferred T cells using magnetic resonance imaging, single photon emission computed tomography and positron emission tomography techniques, with a focus on regulatory T cells
Authors: Leech J M , Sharif-Paghaleh E , Maher J , Livieratos L , Lechler R I , Mullen G E , Lombardi G , Smyth L A 
Published: February 2013

Summary
Cell-based therapies using natural or genetically modified regulatory T cells (Tregs) have shown significant promise as immune-based therapies. One of the main difficulties facing the further advancement of these therapies is that the fate and localization of adoptively transferred Tregs is largely unknown. The ability to dissect the migratory pathway of these cells in a non-invasive manner is of vital importance for the further development of in-vivo cell-based immunotherapies, as this technology allows the fate of the therapeutically administered cell to be imaged in real time. In this review we will provide an overview of the current clinical imaging techniques used to track T cells and Tregs in vivo, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET)/single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). In addition, we will discuss how the finding of these studies can be used, in the context of transplantation, to define the most appropriate Treg subset required for cellular therapy.