bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Recent advances in robotic surgery in female urology
Authors: Sung Hyun Hwan , Park Bong Hee , Ryu Dong Soo , Lee Kyu Sung 
Published: July 2013

AbstractPelvic organ prolapse and lower urinary tract fistulas are two disorders frequently managed in female urology. New techniques have been adapted and improved to decrease morbidity and improve clinical outcomes of these disorders. The adaptation of minimally‐invasive approaches for the management of pelvic organ prolapse and lower urinary tract fistulas began with laparoscopy. However, laparoscopic surgery has not gained widespread popularity as a result of the associated technical challenges, such as intracorporeal suturing and pelvic dissection. Robotic surgery has been widely carried out in urological oncology since 2001, and has been widely adapted because of its advantages over conventional laparoscopy for the management of pelvic organ prolapse and lower urinary tract fistulas. The current literature has shown the safety, feasibility and favorable clinical outcomes of robotic surgery for the treatment of these disorders. Robotic surgery in the management of pelvic organ prolapse and lower urinary tract fistula repairs might offer a promising advancement and benefits. However, further long‐term data should be followed to assess the durability of this newer, and minimally‐invasive approach.
Clinical Validation of Nursing Diagnosis “Parental Role Conflict” in Mothers of Hospitalized Newborns
Authors: Carmona Elenice Valentim , Vale Ianê Nogueira do , Ohara Conceição Vieira da Silva , Abrão Ana Cristina Freitas de Vilhena 
Published: July 2013

ObjectiveTo clinically validate the nursing diagnosis, parental role conflict, in mothers of hospitalized newborns.MethodFehring's Clinical Validation Model was used, focusing on mothers, using a sample of 83. Major defining characteristics have been defined as the main indicators of the presence of a diagnosis, whereas minor are secondary indicators.ResultsFour minor defining characteristics were identified: (a) “anxiety,” (b) “expresses concerns about changes in maternal role,” (c) “expresses concerns about family,” and (d) “fear.” Major defining characteristics did not occur.ConclusionMothers who spent less time with their infants were the ones that presented a major number of defining characteristics; therefore, they should have more opportunities for being with their babies. Other studies on subjective phenomena are needed.
Epigenetic repression of bone morphogenetic protein receptor II expression in scleroderma
Authors: Wang Yongqing , Kahaleh Bashar 
Published: July 2013

AbstractGermline mutations in the bone morphogenetic protein type II receptor (BMPRII) gene play an essential role in the pathogenesis of familial pulmonary arterial hypertension (FPAH). In view of the histological similarities between scleroderma (SSc) and FPAH arterial lesion, we examined the expression levels of BMPRII in SSc microvascular endothelial cells (MVEC). Oxidative stress and serum starvation were used to examine apoptotic responses of MVECs. BMPRII expression levels were determined by RT‐PCR and by Western blot. Epigenetic regulation of BMPRII expression was examined by the addition of epigenetic inhibitors to MVECs cultures, by methylation‐specific PCR, and by sequence analysis of DNA methylation pattern of the BMPRII promotor region. SSc‐MVECs were more sensitive to apoptotic signals than were normal‐MVECs. A significant decrease in BMPRII expression levels in SSc‐MVECs was noted, whereas no significant differences in the expression levels of BMPRIA and BMPRIB were observed. Similar reduction in expression levels was noted in SSc skin biopsies. The expression level of BMPRII in SSc‐MVECs was normalized by the addition of 2‐deoxy‐5‐azacytidine and trichostatin A to cell cultures. Extensive CpG sites methylation in the BMPRII promoter region was noted in SSc‐MVECs with no detectable site methylation in control‐MVECs. SSc‐MVECs are more sensitive to apoptotic triggers than are control‐MVECs. The enhanced apoptosis may be related to epigenetic repression of BMPRII expression as apoptosis of control‐MVECs can be augmented by knocking down BMPRII expression. The role of BMPRII underexpression in the pathogenesis of SSc vasculopathy is suggested and should be investigated further.
Parallel speciation or long‐distance dispersal? Lessons from seaweeds (Fucus) in the Baltic Sea
Authors: Pereyra R. T. , Huenchuñir C. , Johansson D. , Forslund H. , Kautsky L. , Jonsson P. R. , Johannesson K. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractParallel evolution has been invoked as a forceful mechanism of ecotype and species formation in many animal taxa. However, parallelism may be difficult to separate from recently monophyletically diverged species that are likely to show complex genetic relationships as a result of considerable shared ancestral variation and secondary hybridization in local areas. Thus, species' degrees of reproductive isolation, barriers to dispersal and, in particular, limited capacities for long‐distance dispersal will affect demographical structures underlying mechanisms of divergent evolution. Here, we used nine microsatellite DNA markers to study intra‐ and interspecific genetic diversity of two recently diverged species of brown macroalgae, Fucus radicans (L. Bergström & L. Kautsky) and F. vesiculosus (Linnaeus), in the Baltic Sea. We further performed biophysical modelling to identify likely connectivity patterns influencing the species' genetic structures. For each species, we found intraspecific contrasting patterns of clonality incidence and population structure. In addition, strong genetic differentiation between the two species within each locality supported the existence of two distinct evolutionary lineages (FST = 0.15–0.41). However, overall genetic clustering analyses across both species' populations revealed that all populations from one region (Estonia) were more genetically similar to each other than to their own taxon from the other two regions (Sweden and Finland). Our data support a hypothesis of parallel speciation. Alternatively, Estonia may be the ancestral source of both species, but is presently isolated by oceanographic barriers to dispersal. Thus, a limited gene flow in combination with genetic drift could have shaped the seemingly parallel structure.
Cardiomyopathy of Friedreich Ataxia
Authors: Weidemann Frank , Störk Stefan , Liu Dan , Hu Kai , Herrmann Sebastian , Ertl Georg , Niemann Markus 
Published: July 2013

AbstractFriedreich's ataxia is a rare hereditary, predominantly neurologically defined multisystem disorder of mitochondrial function. Although the gene defect has been identified, the precise pathophysiology of the deficient mitochondrial protein, frataxin, is unknown. Besides the characteristic features of spinocerebellar ataxia the heart may also be affected, and patients may experience a hypertrophic cardiomyopathy eventually progressing toward heart failure and death. So far, research focused on the neurological aspects and little attention has been paid to better characterize and understand the cardiac involvement in Friedreich's ataxia. For that, a better understanding of longitudinal progression, cardiac complications and long‐term cardiac outcome is warranted. In addition, the clinician should be familiar with the therapeutic option in Friedreich cardiomyopathy. This review discusses important clinical and diagnostic features of the cardiomyopathy in Friedreich's ataxia and potential therapeutic developments.
Gene regulation and epigenetics in Friedreich's ataxia
Authors: Yandim Cihangir , Natisvili Theona , Festenstein Richard 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThis is an exciting time in the study of Friedreich's ataxia. Over the last 10 years much progress has been made in uncovering the mechanisms, whereby the Frataxin gene is silenced by (GAA)n repeat expansions and several of the findings are now ripe for testing in the clinic. The discovery that the Frataxin gene is heterochromatinised and that this can be antagonised in vivo has led to the tantalizing possibility that the disease might be amenable to a more radical therapeutic approach involving epigenetic modifiers. Here, we set out to review progress in the understanding of the fundamental mechanisms whereby genes are regulated at this level and how these findings have been applied to achieve a deeper understanding of the dysregulation that occurs as the primary genetic lesion in Friedreich's ataxia.
Deferiprone for the treatment of Friedreich's ataxia
Authors: Pandolfo Massimo , Hausmann Laura 
Published: July 2013

AbstractFriedreich's ataxia (FRDA) is a neurological disease related to a deficiency of the protein frataxin involved in iron–sulfur (Fe–S) cluster biogenesis. This leads to an increased cellular iron uptake accumulating in mitochondria, and a subsequently disturbed iron homeostasis. The detailed mechanism of iron regulation of frataxin expression is yet unknown. Deferiprone, an iron chelator that may cross the blood–brain barrier, was shown to shuttle iron between subcellular compartments. It could also transfer iron from iron‐overloaded cells to extracellular apotransferrin and pre‐erythroid cells for heme synthesis. Here, clinical studies on Deferiprone are reviewed in the context of alternative agents such as desferoxamine, with specific regard to its mechanistic and clinical implications.
Increasing frataxin gene expression with histone deacetylase inhibitors as a therapeutic approach for Friedreich's ataxia
Authors: Gottesfeld Joel M. , Rusche James R. , Pandolfo Massimo 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThe genetic defect in Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA) is the expansion of a GAA·TCC triplet in the first intron of the FXN gene, which encodes the mitochondrial protein frataxin. Previous studies have established that the repeats reduce transcription of this essential gene, with a concomitant decrease in frataxin protein in affected individuals. As the repeats do not alter the FXN protein coding sequence, one therapeutic approach would be to increase transcription of pathogenic FXN genes. Histone posttranslational modifications near the expanded repeats are consistent with heterochromatin formation and FXN gene silencing. In an effort to find small molecules that would reactivate this silent gene, histone deacetylase inhibitors were screened for their ability to up‐regulate FXN gene expression in patient cells and members of the pimelic 2‐aminobenzamide family of class I histone deacetylase inhibitors were identified as potent inducers of FXN gene expression and frataxin protein. Importantly, these molecules up‐regulate FXN expression in human neuronal cells derived from patient‐induced pluripotent stem cells and in two mouse models for the disease. Preclinical studies of safety and toxicity have been completed for one such compound and a phase I clinical trial in FRDA patients has been initiated. Furthermore, medicinal chemistry efforts have identified improved compounds with superior pharmacological properties.
Professionals' Perceptions of the Effect of Pornography on Swedish Adolescents
Authors: Mattebo Magdalena , Larsson Margareta , Tydén Tanja , Häggström‐Nordin Elisabet 
Published: July 2013

ObjectiveThe aims were to gain a deeper understanding of how personnel, who work with adolescents, reason about the effect of pornography and its spread in the media, and to explore how well prepared they consider themselves to be in addressing sexual health and gender equality.Design and SampleAn inductive, exploratory, qualitative study with focus group discussions was selected. Seventeen participants with different professions were invited into five heterogeneous groups.MeasuresData were analyzed according to grounded theory.ResultsConflicting messages about sexuality became the core category. Participants were of the opinion that pornography conveyed a contradictory message compared with national public health goals, societal laws, and regulations. They believed that young people use pornography as a source of information and stimulation. Furthermore, they thought that pornography contributed to norm‐creating ideals and a demanding sexuality, thus, confirming the traditional gender order. The participants opined that a professional approach was required when addressing sexuality and gender equality issues and requested better training tools and more cultural competence.ConclusionsProfessionals working with adolescents perceived that pornography conveys a conflicting message about sexuality. They expressed a need for adequate tools for improving education on health and sexuality, including gender equality aspects and critical media analysis.
Trade Variety and Productivity in Canada
Authors: Chen Bo 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThis paper combines the effects of import and export variety growth on technological development in a monopolistic competition model with endogenous technology. Using highly disaggregated international trade data at the national and provincial levels from 1988 to 2006, it is found that export variety and import variety account for 10.41% and 1.57% respectively of the variation in Canadian provincial productivity differences, and for 9.92% and 6.95% of within‐province productivity growth. Evaluated at the sample mean, Canadian productivity gained 0.74% as a result of trade variety growth: export variety contributed 0.41% and import variety contributed 0.33%. While the USA is the single most important source of export‐led Canadian productivity growth, its relative importance is much less on the import side. Emerging markets in Asia, especially China, contributed significantly to Canadian productivity growth by increasing import variety for Canadian producers.
“Intentions to Return of Clandestine Migrants: The Perverse Effect of Illegality on Skills”—A Reply to the Note
Authors: Coniglio Nicola D. , De Arcangelis Giuseppe , Serlenga Laura 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThe purpose of this reply is twofold. First, we discuss the major point raised by Stark and Lukasz (Review of Development Economics 17, no. 1 (2013):156–62), i.e. the fact that a framework which explicitly considers asymmetric information is correct and would imply a reversal of our finding. Although, we acknowledge that the mechanism highlighted by the authors is an alternative explanation to return decisions, we argue that the suggested framework is unsuitable in the specific context analyzed in our paper (as well as most real‐world situations). Instead, the assumptions underlying our simple theoretical model are strictly linked to data availability in order to perform a sensible empirical analysis. Second, we present a slightly different version of the model proposed in the original article that overcomes possible inconsistencies on the saving behavior of the migrants. Although all the computations are shown in one of the articles cited in our published paper, we now prefer to show them fully in this issue of the Review. The conclusions of our theoretical model do not change. Hence, we conclude that the empirical evidence of the original article—which is the main contribution of our work—is supported by a robust framework.
Prevention and Treatment of Hemodialysis‐Related Bloodstream Infections
Authors: Camins Bernard C. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractDespite improvements in the delivery of care, the annual all‐cause mortality rate for end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) patients is still around 220 deaths per 1000 at risk patient‐years. Infection‐related causes are second only to cardiovascular events as a cause for mortality among ESRD patients. Almost two‐thirds of all ESRD patients will require hemodialysis and they are at the highest risk for bloodstream infections. An effective method for reducing bloodstream infections is increasing the use of fistula for dialysis access, but, for a significant number of patients, catheter access is inevitable. Several interventions have been studied that primarily involves the application of antimicrobials at the catheter exit site. Other interventions include the use of antibiotic lock solutions, which have resulted in the development of antibiotic resistance. Novel connecting devices may be of use in the future, but studies are still needed to show their efficacy at preventing catheter‐related bloodstream infections among hemodialysis patients. As insertion sites can be limited in hemodialysis patients, treatment of certain catheter‐related bloodstream infections can be amenable to catheter retention as long as both systemic antibiotic and antibiotic lock therapies are also initiated. Until more data are available, catheter removal followed by systemic therapy is preferred for infections involving Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas species, Enterococcus species, and Candida species.
Equine glaucoma: a histopathologic retrospective study (1999–2012)
Authors: Curto Elizabeth M. , Gemensky‐Metzler Anne J. , Chandler Heather L. , Wilkie David A. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractPurposeTo characterize and describe the histopathologic findings in equine globes enucleated due to glaucoma.MethodsMedical records at The Ohio State University from 1999 to 2012 were reviewed retrospectively. Signalment, history, and treatment data were collected, and histologic slides of enucleated globes were examined and lesions recorded. Twenty‐three eyes from 23 horses were eligible for inclusion in this study.ResultsThe majority of affected horses were > 15 years of age (65%). The ages ranged from 5 to 35 years (mean = 17.4 years). The left eye was affected in 10 cases (43%) and the right eye in 13 cases (57%). There were 13 mares (56%) and 10 geldings (44%). Quarter Horses (30%), Appaloosas (26%), and Thoroughbreds (22%) were the most common breeds in the study population. The most common histopathologic changes included hypercellularity of the optic nerve (93%), retinal atrophy (89%), corneal vascularization (83%), descemetization of pectinate ligaments (83%), hypercellularity of the anterior corneal stroma (75%), posterior bowing of the iris base (74%), ciliary body atrophy (74%), corneal striae (70%), pars plana elongation (60%), cataract (53%), and collapsed ciliary cleft/trabecular meshwork (52%). Evidence of uveitis (cataract, lymphoplasmacytic infiltration of the uvea, and/or anterior or posterior synechiae) was present in 20/23 eyes (87%).ConclusionsEquine glaucoma most commonly occurs secondary to uveitis with Appaloosas and older horses predisposed. Histologic changes are comparable to prior reports of chronic glaucoma; notable findings not previously described in the horse were posterior bowing of the iris base and relative sparing of the superior retina from atrophy associated with elevatedIOP.
Study on Practical Application of Turboprop Engine Condition Monitoring and Fault Diagnostic System Using Fuzzy-Neuro Algorithms
Authors: Kong Changduk , Lim Semyeong , Kim Keonwoo 
Published: July 2013

Recently, the expert engine diagnostic systems using the artificial intelligent methods such as Neural Networks, Fuzzy Logic and Genetic Algorithms have been studied to improve the model based engine diagnostic methods. Among them the Neural Networks is mostly used to engine fault diagnostic system due to its good learning performance, but it has a drawback due to low accuracy and long learning time to build learning data base if only use of the Neural Networks. In addition, it has a very complex structure due to finding effectively faults of single type faults and multiple type faults of gas path components.
This work builds inversely a base performance model of a turboprop engine to be used for a high altitude operation UAV using measuring performance data, and proposes a fault diagnostic system using the base performance model and artificial intelligent methods such as Fuzzy and Neural Networks. Each real engine performance model, which is named as the base performance model that can simulate a new engine performance, is inversely made using its performance test data. Therefore the condition monitoring of each engine can be more precisely carried out through comparison with measuring performance data.
The proposed diagnostic system identifies firstly the faulted components using Fuzzy Logic, and then quantifies faults of the identified components using Neural Networks leaned by fault learning data base obtained from the developed base performance model. In leaning the measuring performance data of the faulted components, the FFBP(Feed Forward Back Propagation) is used. In order to user’s friendly purpose, the proposed diagnostic program is coded by the GUI type using MATLAB.
The proposed program is verified by application of several case studies having the arbitrary implanted engine component faults as well as real engine performance data.
An Expanded Cost of Electricity Model for Highly Flexible Power Plants
Authors: Gülen S. Can , Mazumder Indrajit 
Published: July 2013

Cost of electricity (COE) is the most widely used metric to quantify the cost-performance trade-off involved in comparative analysis of competing electric power generation technologies. Unfortunately, the currently accepted formulation of COE is only applicable to comparisons of power plant options with the same annual electric generation (kilowatt-hours) and same technology as defined by reliability, availability and operability. Such a formulation does not introduce a big error into the COE analysis when the objective is simply to compare two or more baseloaded power plants of the same technology (e.g., natural gas fired gas turbine simple or combined cycle, coal fired conventional boiler steam turbine, etc.) and the same (or nearly the same) capacity. However, comparing even the same technology class power plants, especially highly flexible advanced gas turbine combined cycle units with cyclic duties, comprising a high number of daily starts and stops in addition to emissions-compliant low-load operation to accommodate the intermittent and uncertain load regimes of renewable power generation (mainly wind and solar) requires a significant overhaul of the basic COE formula.
This paper develops an expanded COE formulation by incorporating crucial power plant operability and maintainability characteristics such as reliability, unrecoverable degradation, and maintenance factors as well as emissions into the mix. The core impact of duty cycle on the plant performance is handled via effective output and efficiency utilizing basic performance correction curves. The impact of plant start and load ramps on the effective performance parameters is included. Differences in reliability and total annual energy generation are handled via energy and capacity replacement terms. The resulting expanded formula, while rigorous in development and content, is still simple enough for most feasibility study type of applications. Sample calculations clearly reveal that inclusion (or omission) of one or more of these factors in the COE evaluation, however, can dramatically swing the answer from one extreme to the other in some cases.