bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Financial Interests and Economic Diversity in State Legislatures
Authors: Battista James C. 
Published: September 2012

ObjectiveI examine how the prevalence of U.S. state legislators economically connected to an industry, and the diversity of economic connections in a legislature, vary in response to the employment share of that industry in the state, the partisan split of the legislature, and professionalization (or its components).MethodsI use conflict‐of‐interest filings for 1999–2000, 2000 Census employment data, and related data to examine the prevalence of connections to several sectors using seemingly unrelated regression.ResultsThe employment share of an industry in the state is a powerful predictor of connections to that industry among legislators, as is the partisan split of the chamber. Professionalization plays a role, dominated by its pay component, but to a smaller degree. Professionalization is the primary predictor of the diversity of connections.
ConclusionLegislators’ economic connections are driven in part by underlying conditions such as the economic makeup of the state.
2D Barcodes: A Novel and Simple Method for Denture Identification
Authors: Sudheendra Udyavara S. , Sowmya Kasetty , Vidhi Mathur , Shreenivas Kallianpur , Prathamesh Joshi 
Published: September 2012

AbstractSeveral methods of denture marking have been described in the literature. However, most of them are expensive, time‐consuming, and do not permit the incorporation of large amounts of information. We propose a novel and simple method incorporating 2D codes which has several advantages over the existing methods. A 2D code was generated in the dental office and inserted into a maxillary denture. The code was then read using software downloaded into a mobile phone giving access to the website containing details about the patient. The denture was also subjected to durability tests, which did not hamper the efficacy of the 2D code. 2D coding for dentures is a simple, less expensive method with the potential of storing a large amount of information that can be accessed on‐site by the forensic investigator, thus allowing quick identification of the denture wearer.
Guidelines for Brief Focused Assessment: AFCC Task Force on Brief Focused Assessments.
Authors: Cavallero Linda , Hanks Susan E. 
Published: September 2012

The Association of Family and Conciliations Courts (AFCC) Task on Brief Focused Assessment was convened in 2007 to study the issues inherent in the use of brief focused assessment models in family courts. The resultant “Guidelines for Brief Focused Assessment” were approved by the AFCC Board of Directors in 2009 and are presented here to prompt discussion and further dialogue about this clearly needed practice.
Key Points for the Family Court Community
Issue‐specific assessments are increasingly requested by family court judges
Practice guidelines for clinicians conducting brief focused assessments (BFAs)
Types of issues/questions appropriate for BFAs
Advantages and pitfalls of BFAs
Comparison of BFAs and comprehensive child custody evaluations
Imaging and diagnostic criteria for Multiple Sclerosis: Are we there yet?
Authors: Josey Lawrence , Curley Michael , Jafari Mousavi Foroogh , Taylor Bruce V , Lucas Robyn , Coulthard Alan 
Published: September 2012

AbstractIntroductionExcluding post traumatic injury, Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is the most common disabling neurological disorder of young adults. Although the effect on mortality is limited, the association of a young demographic and significant morbidity combine to make MS a devastating disease. Since MS was given its first detailed description in 1868, diagnostic criteria continue to evolve. Recently, there has been an international commitment to combine both clinical and paraclinical tests to arrive at an earlier diagnosis. Widespread acceptance of the use of MRI in diagnosis, monitoring and research has made the role of the radiologist more critical than ever in this disease. The primary diagnostic criteria for MS are the International Panel criteria, commonly referred to as the McDonald criteria and it is essential that the radiology community is aware of the work preceding these criteria, so that they are understood in the correct context and the importance acknowledged.MethodsLiterature review utilising key word search to obtain the historical and current context of magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of MS.ResultsA succinct description of the evolution of criteria for the diagnosis of MS.ConclusionsRadiologists must recognise that there are specific diagnostic criteria for MS that continue to evolve as a result of new research, improved technology and clinical experience and it is crucial that these criteria be applied in daily practice. It should be evident that diagnostic imaging criteria for MS will be most effective when combined with standardised MRI protocols such as those published by the international Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centres.
Efficacy and safety of indomethacin 0.1% eye drops compared with ketorolac 0.5% eye drops in the management of ocular inflammation after cataract surgery
Authors: Weber Michel , Kodjikian Laurent , Kruse Friedrich E. , Zagorski Zbigniew , Allaire Catherine M. 
Published: September 2012

Abstract.Purpose:  To determine whether indomethacin 0.1% eye drops are at least as effective as ketorolac 0.5% eye drops in treating ocular inflammation following cataract surgery.Methods:  Prospective, multicenter, investigator‐masked, parallel‐group, randomized, active‐controlled clinical trial. Cataract patients were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive indomethacin or ketorolac administered QID for 3 weeks beginning 1 day before surgery. The primary end‐point was aqueous flare measured by laser flare meter at postoperative Days 1 and 7. Secondary end‐points included retinal thickness, slit lamp and funduscopic examinations and postsurgical pain ratings. Safety and tolerability were also assessed.Results:  A total of 86 patients were included in the per protocol population (n = 43 per treatment group). Indomethacin was found non‐inferior to ketorolac for comparison of aqueous flare at postoperative Days 1 and 7 (Day 1: 95% CI: −2.37, 5.50; non‐inferiority upper margin, 15 ph/ms and Day 7: 95% CI: −7.83, −0.94; non‐inferiority upper margin, 8 ph/ms) and statistically better than ketorolac at Day 7 (p = 0.013). There were no significant between‐group differences in aqueous flare and change from baseline in retinal thickness at postoperative Days 30 and 90. Indomethacin showed a higher subjective tolerance rating than ketorolac at postoperative Days 7 and 30 (p ≤ 0.044).Conclusion:  Indomethacin 0.1% was at least as effective as ketorolac 0.5% at Day 1 and more effective than ketorolac 0.5% at Day 7 in treating ocular inflammation after uncomplicated cataract surgery. Indomethacin was better tolerated than ketorolac. There were no clinically meaningful safety concerns with either treatment.
Scalpels v. Hammers: Mitgating Exempt Well Impacts
Authors: Bracken Nathan S. 
Published: September 2012

Abstract:Most western states allow landowners to withdraw certain amounts of groundwater for specified purposes without obtaining a water right permit. As water demands increase in the West, some developers are using exempt wells to supply water to residential developments without acquiring the permits and water rights needed to build public water supply systems. This has led to concerns that the cumulative impact of these wells could impair senior water rights, create environmental problems, and threaten water quality in some areas. This article explores the considerations associated with mitigating exempt well impacts and argues that surgical approaches focused on specific issues and geographic areas (scalpels) are more politically and administratively feasible than broad efforts to repeal or reduce exemptions on a statewide basis (hammers). The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone and do not represent those of the Western States Water Council or its member states.
Stem cells of the lamina propria of human oral mucosa and gingiva develop into mineralized tissues in vivo
Authors: Treves‐Manusevitz Sandra , Hoz Lia , Rachima Heled , Montoya Gonzalo , Tzur Ephraim , Vardimon Alexander , Narayanan A. Sampath , Amar Salomon , Arzate Higinio , Pitaru Sandu 
Published: September 2012

AbstractAimsTo characterize the mineralized tissue formed constitutively in the supracalvarial region of scid mice by a primitive stem cell population (hOMSC) derived from the lamina propria of the human oral mucosa and gingiva.Material and MethodsFibrin–hOMSC constructs were cultured for 14 days at which time point they were analysed for the expression of osteoblastic/cementoblastic markers and implanted between the skin and calvaria bones into scid mice. After 8 weeks, the animals were sacrificed and the implantation sites analysed.ResultsTwo‐week‐old cultures of fibrin–hOMSC constructs expressed osteogenic/cementogenic markers at the gene level. Macroscopic and radiographic examinations revealed mineralized masses at the implantation sites of fibrin–hOMSC constructs. Histology, histochemistry and immunofluorescence showed mineralized masses consisting of avascular cellular and acellular matrices that stained positively for collagen, Ca, cementum attachment protein, cementum protein 1, bone sialoprotein, alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, amelogenin and ameloblastin. Positive anti‐human nuclear antigen indicated the human origin of the cells. Atomic force microscopy depicted long prismatic structures organized in lamellar aggregates.ConclusionsWithin the limitation of this study, the results indicate for the first time that fibrin–hOMSC constructs are endowed with the constitutive capacity to develop into mineralized tissues that exhibit certain similarities to cementum and bone.
Everyday regional anesthesia in children
Authors: Marhofer Peter , Ivani Giorgio , Suresh Santhanam , Melman Estela , Zaragoza Guadalupe , Bosenberg Adrian 
Published: September 2012

SummaryRegional anesthesia in children is an evolving technique with many advantages in perioperative management. Although most regional anesthesia techniques are sufficiently described in the literature, the implementation of these techniques into daily clinical practice is still lacking. The main problems associated with pediatric regional anesthesia (PRA) include the appropriate selection of blockade, the management around the block, and how to teach these techniques in an optimal manner. This review article provides an overview of these ‘hot’ topics in PRA.
Ultrasound for vascular access in pediatric patients
Authors: Schindler Ehrenfried , Schears Gregory J. , Hall Stuart R. , Yamamoto Tomohiro 
Published: September 2012

SummaryObjectivesIn pediatric patients vascular access is often more difficult than in adults because of the smaller size of the vessels and the inability of the patient to cooperate without deep sedation or general anesthesia. Therefore Ultrasound has already become an invaluable tool for vascular access, but the full potential of ultrasound has yet to be fully realized. Improvements in image quality and a better understanding of optimal insertion techniques continue to help clinicians safely and efficiently place catheters with fewer complications.Methods and TechniqueThe probes used for the vascular access are mainly linear and convex type. Higher‐ frequency ultrasound provides a vivid image; however, the signals are remarkably attenuated. Therefore, the choice of the probe with appropriate frequency is essential. As blood vessels are relatively easily identified with ultrasound, ultrasound‐guided vascular access does not require as sharp images as ultrasound‐guided nerve block. For pediatric vascular access, the linear probe with 5–15 MHz, 2–5 cm depth is ideal and adequate for almost all cases. Ultrasound‐guided vascular access has two main approaches: ‘long‐axis’ or ‘in‐plane approach’ and ‘short‐axis’ or ‘transverse approach’. The long‐axis approach visualizes the vessel along the insertion pathway and is commonly used to monitor the entire approach of the needle into the vessel. The short‐axis approach is easier to show the positional relationship and depth of target vessels, but it is much harder to follow the needle tip within the tissues.ConclusionThe use of ‘real‐time’ ultrasound has been shown to increase first insertion success, reduce access time, have a higher overall success, and reduce arterial puncture. As the technology continues to improve the use of ultrasound will become as ubiquitous as the lines themselves.
Diagnosing the Nature of Land–Atmosphere Coupling: A Case Study of Dry/Wet Extremes in the U.S. Southern Great Plains
Authors: Santanello Joseph A. , Peters-Lidard Christa D. , Kennedy Aaron , Kumar Sujay V. 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
Land–atmosphere (L–A) interactions play a critical role in determining the diurnal evolution of land surface and planetary boundary layer (PBL) temperature and moisture states and fluxes. In turn, these interactions regulate the strength of the connection between surface moisture and precipitation in a coupled system. To address model deficiencies, recent studies have focused on development of diagnostics to quantify the strength and accuracy of the land–PBL coupling at the process level. In this paper, a diagnosis of the nature and impacts of local land–atmosphere coupling (LoCo) during dry and wet extreme conditions is presented using a combination of models and observations during the summers of 2006 and 2007 in the U.S. southern Great Plains. A range of diagnostics exploring the links and feedbacks between soil moisture and precipitation is applied to the dry/wet regimes exhibited in this region, and in the process, a thorough evaluation of nine different land–PBL scheme couplings is conducted under the umbrella of a high-resolution regional modeling test bed. Results show that the sign and magnitude of errors in land surface energy balance components are sensitive to the choice of land surface model, regime type, and running mode. In addition, LoCo diagnostics show that the sensitivity of L–A coupling is stronger toward the land during dry conditions, while the PBL scheme coupling becomes more important during the wet regime. Results also demonstrate how LoCo diagnostics can be applied to any modeling system (e.g., reanalysis products) in the context of their integrated impacts on the process chain connecting the land surface to the PBL and in support of hydrological anomalies.
AbsIDconvert: An absolute approach for converting genetic identifiers at different granularities
Authors: Mohammad Fahim , Flight Robert M , Harrison Benjamin J , Petruska Jeffrey C , Rouchka Eric C 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Background
High-throughput molecular biology techniques yield vast amounts of data, often by detecting small portions of ribonucleotides corresponding to specific identifiers. Existing bioinformatic methodologies categorize and compare these elements using inferred descriptive annotation given this sequence information irrespective of the fact that it may not be representative of the identifier as a whole.

Results
All annotations, no matter the granularity, can be aligned to genomic sequences and therefore annotated by genomic intervals. We have developed AbsIDconvert, a methodology for converting between genomic identifiers by first mapping them onto a common universal coordinate system using an interval tree which is subsequently queried for overlapping identifiers. AbsIDconvert has many potential uses, including gene identifier conversion, identification of features within a genomic region, and cross-species comparisons. The utility is demonstrated in three case studies: 1) comparative genomic study mapping plasmodium gene sequences to corresponding human and mosquito transcriptional regions; 2) cross-species study of Incyte clone sequences; and 3) analysis of human Ensembl transcripts mapped by Affymetrix®; and Agilent microarray probes. AbsIDconvert currently supports ID conversion of 53 species for a given list of input identifiers, genomic sequence, or genome intervals.

Conclusion

AbsIDconvert provides an efficient and reliable mechanism for conversion between identifier domains of interest. The flexibility of this tool allows for custom definition identifier domains contingent upon the availability and determination of a genomic mapping interval. As the genomes and the sequences for genetic elements are further refined, this tool will become increasingly useful and accurate. AbsIDconvert is freely available as a web application or downloadable as a virtual machine at:http://bioinformatics.louisville.edu/abid/.
Integration of shot-gun proteomics and bioinformatics analysis to explore plant hormone responses
Authors: Zhang Yixiang , Liu Sanmin , Dai Susie Y , Yuan Joshua S 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Background
Multidimensional protein identification technology (MudPIT)-based shot-gun proteomics has been proven to be an effective platform for functional proteomics. In particular, the various sample preparation methods and bioinformatics tools can be integrated to improve the proteomics platform for applications like target organelle proteomics. We have recently integrated a rapid sample preparation method and bioinformatics classification system for comparative analysis of plant responses to two plant hormones, zeatin and brassinosteroid (BR). These hormones belong to two distinct classes of plant growth regulators, yet both can promote cell elongation and growth. An understanding of the differences and the cross-talk between the two types of hormone responses will allow us to better understand the molecular mechanisms and to identify new candidate genes for plant engineering.

Results
As compared to traditional organelle proteomics, the organelle-enrichment method both simplifies the sample preparation and increases the number of proteins identified in the targeted organelle as well as the entire sample. Both zeatin and BR induce dramatic changes in signaling and metabolism. Their shared-regulated protein components indicate that both hormones may down-regulate some key components in auxin responses. However, they have shown distinct induction and suppression of metabolic pathways in mitochondria and chloroplast. For zeatin, the metabolic pathways in sucrose and starch biosynthesis and utilization were significantly changed, yet the lipid biosynthesis remained unchanged. For BR, lipid biosynthesis and β-oxidation were both down-regulated, yet the changes in sucrose and starch metabolism were minor.

Conclusions
We present a rapid sample preparation method and bioinformatics classification for effective proteomics analysis of plant hormone responses. The study highlighted the largely differing response to zeatin and brassinosteroid by the metabolic pathways in chloroplast and mitochondria.
Illegitimate recombination: An efficient method for random mutagenesis in Mycobacterium avium subsp. hominissuis
Authors: Khattak Faisal Asghar , Kumar Ashutosh , Kamal Elisabeth , Kunisch Ralph , Lewin Astrid 
Published: September 2012

AbstractBackgroundThe genusMycobacterium(M.) comprises highly pathogenic bacteria such asM. tuberculosisas well as environmental opportunistic bacteria called non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). While the incidence of tuberculosis is declining in the developed world, infection rates by NTM are increasing. NTM are ubiquitous and have been isolated from soil, natural water sources, tap water, biofilms, aerosols, dust and sawdust. Lung infections as well as lymphadenitis are most often caused byM. aviumsubsp.hominissuis(MAH), which is considered to be among the clinically most important NTM. Only few virulence genes fromM. aviumhave been defined among other things due to difficulties in generatingM. aviummutants. More efforts in developing new methods for mutagenesis ofM. aviumand identification of virulence-associated genes are therefore needed.ResultsWe developed a random mutagenesis method based on illegitimate recombination and integration of a Hygromycin-resistance marker. Screening for mutations possibly affecting virulence was performed by monitoring of pH resistance, colony morphology, cytokine induction in infected macrophages and intracellular persistence. Out of 50 randomly chosen Hygromycin-resistant colonies, four revealed to be affected in virulence-related traits. The mutated genes wereMAV_4334(nitroreductase family protein),MAV_5106(phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase),MAV_1778(GTP-binding protein LepA) andMAV_3128(lysyl-tRNA synthetase LysS).ConclusionsWe established a random mutagenesis method for MAH that can be easily carried out and combined it with a set of phenotypic screening methods for the identification of virulence-associated mutants. By this method, four new MAH genes were identified that may be involved in virulence.
Inhibitor of neuronal nitric oxide synthase improves gas exchange in ventilator-induced lung injury after pneumonectomy
Authors: Suborov Evgeny V , Smetkin Alexey A , Kondratiev Timofey V , Valkov Andrey Y , Kuzkov Vsevolod V , Kirov Mikhail Y , Bjertnaes Lars J 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Background
Mechanical ventilation with high tidal volumes may cause ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI) and enhanced generation of nitric oxide (NO). We demonstrated in sheep that pneumonectomy followed by injurious ventilation promotes pulmonary edema. We wished both to test the hypothesis that neuronal NOS (nNOS), which is distributed in airway epithelial and neuronal tissues, could be involved in the pathogenesis of VILI and we also aimed at investigating the influence of an inhibitor of nNOS on the course of VILI after pneumonectomy.

Methods
Anesthetized sheep underwent right pneumonectomy, mechanical ventilation with tidal volumes (VT) of 6 mL/kg and FiO2 0.5, and were subsequently randomized to a protectively ventilated group (PROTV; n = 8) keeping VT and FiO2 unchanged, respiratory rate (RR) 25 inflations/min and PEEP 4 cm H2O for the following 8 hrs; an injuriously ventilated group with VT of 12 mL/kg, zero end-expiratory pressure, and FiO2 and RR unchanged (INJV; n = 8) and a group, which additionally received the inhibitor of nNOS, 7-nitroindazole (NI) 1.0 mg/kg/h intravenously from 2 hours after the commencement of injurious ventilation (INJV + NI; n = 8). We assessed respiratory, hemodynamic and volumetric variables, including both the extravascular lung water index (EVLWI) and the pulmonary vascular permeability index (PVPI). We measured plasma nitrite/nitrate (NOx) levels and examined lung biopsies for lung injury score (LIS).

Results
Both the injuriously ventilated groups demonstrated a 2–3-fold rise in EVLWI and PVPI, with no significant effects of NI. In the INJV group, gas exchange deteriorated in parallel with emerging respiratory acidosis, but administration of NI antagonized the derangement of oxygenation and the respiratory acidosis significantly. NOx displayed no significant changes and NI exerted no significant effect on LIS in the INJV group.

Conclusion
Inhibition of nNOS improved gas exchange, but did not reduce lung water extravasation following injurious ventilation after pneumonectomy in sheep.