bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Return-to-Play Outcomes After Microscopic Lumbar Diskectomy in Professional Athletes
Authors: Watkins Robert G. , Hanna Robert , Chang David , Watkins Robert G. 
Published: September 2012

Background: It has been shown a microscopic lumbar diskectomy (MLD) is effective in getting professional athletes back to their sport after a herniated nucleus pulposus (HNP). There is a need for more information on the time it takes professional athletes to return after surgery. Purpose: To determine average time for return to play and success in returning to play for professional athletes undergoing MLD. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Between 1996 and 2010, the senior authors treated 171 professional athletes for lumbar HNP. A retrospective review was performed using patient charts, operative reports, team medical records, and internet search. Eighty-five patients were treated with MLD, and 86 patients were treated nonoperatively. This study focused on the return to play of the operatively treated patients. Primary outcome measures were return rate and average return time, considering only patients whose sport is in season at specific postoperative time points. Results: Of surgically treated patients, 89.3% returned to sport. The average time it took operative patients to return to their sport (return time) was 5.8 months. Progressive return data for surgically treated patients showed the percentage of athletes who returned increased from 50% at 3 months to 72% at 6 months to 77% at 9 months and 84% at 12 months. Conclusion: The chance a player returns to play after MLD is 50% at 3 months, 72% at 6 months, 77% at 9 months, and 84% at 12 months. The overall chance of returning to play at any point is 89%.
What Determines the Dividend Payout Ratio for Jordanian Industrial Firms?
Authors: Hamill Philip A. , Al-Shattarat Wasim 
Published: September 2012

There is a plethora of empirical evidence testing theories which have been proposed to explain dividend policies and assessments of managerial opinions for firms listed on developed markets’ stock exchanges. In contrast, the evidence for emerging markets is limited. We investigate the determinants of the dividend payout ratio (DPR) for a sample of Jordanian listed firms. Consistent with the agency cost hypothesis, the level of inside ownership, the number of shareholders and the level of institutional ownership significantly influenced the DPR. Firm size was also significant supporting the transaction-cost hypothesis. Our empirical analysis failed to find any evidence to support the signalling hypothesis. JEL Classification: G32, G35, G38
Short report: Improving record–review surveillance of young children with an autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Wiggins Lisa D , Robins Diana L , Yeargin-Allsopp Marshalyn 
Published: September 2012

Introduction: Records-based autism spectrum disorder surveillance developed at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has been extended to younger cohorts, although the utility of additional record sources has not been examined. We therefore conducted a pilot project to describe whether Centers for Disease Control and Prevention surveillance could identify younger children with an autism spectrum disorder evaluated as part of an ongoing screening study at Georgia State University. Methods: In all, 31 families of children who screened positive for autism spectrum disorder and received a clinical evaluation at Georgia State University agreed to participate in the project. Of these, 10 children lived inside the surveillance area and had records abstracted and reviewed for this project. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention surveillance results (i.e. autism spectrum disorder or non-autism spectrum disorder) were compared with Georgia State University evaluation results (i.e. autism spectrum disorder or non-autism spectrum disorder). Results: In all, 4 of the 10 children were diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder after the Georgia State University evaluation. None of the 4 children with an autism spectrum disorder were identified by current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention surveillance methods but all 4 children were identified by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention surveillance methods when additional record sources were included (i.e. records from the statewide early intervention program and Georgia State University evaluation). Conclusion: These findings suggest that partnering with early intervention programs and encouraging early autism spectrum disorder screening might improve autism spectrum disorder surveillance among young children.
A randomised group comparison controlled trial of ‘preschoolers with autism’: A parent education and skills training intervention for young children with autistic disorder
Authors: Tonge Bruce , Brereton Avril , Kiomall Melissa , Mackinnon Andrew , Rinehart Nicole J 
Published: September 2012

Aim: To determine the effect of parent education on adaptive behaviour, autism symptoms and cognitive/language skills of young children with autistic disorder. Method: A randomised group comparison design involving a parent education and counselling intervention and a parent education and behaviour management intervention to control for parent skills training and a control sample. Two rural and two metropolitan regions were randomly allocated to intervention groups ( n = 70) or control ( n = 35). Parents from autism assessment services in the intervention regions were randomly allocated to parent education and behaviour management ( n = 35) or parent education and counselling ( n = 35). Results: Parent education and behaviour management resulted in significant improvement in adaptive behaviour and autism symptoms at 6 months follow-up for children with greater delays in adaptive behaviour. Parent education and behaviour management was superior to parent education and counselling. We conclude that a 20-week parent education programme including skills training for parents of young children with autistic disorder provides significant improvements in child adaptive behaviour and symptoms of autism for low-functioning children.
Power and resistance: Language mixing in three Chicano plays
Authors: Jonsson Carla 
Published: September 2012

This article offers insights into how multilingual resources such as language mixing can be used in theater to address power relations such as, for instance, domination, resistance and empowerment. Three plays by Chicana playwright Cherríe Moraga ( Giving up the ghost, Heroes and saints, and Shadow of a man) will be used to illustrate language mixing in Chicano theater. Moraga’s work has been selected since she is regarded as a representative of Chicano theater both by people within and by people outside the Chicano community. Chicano theater arose in the United States during the 1960s as an act of resistance. The aim was to empower Chicanos/Mexican Americans by informing them about their rights in the society in which they resided. Chicano theater has thus since its inception been linked to issues of power. Theoretically, this article builds upon philosopher Michel Foucault’s view of power, which fits well with the study of Chicano theater since it acknowledges that power exists in all social relations and is negotiated in each relation and context. Foucault’s view of power also asserts that power and resistance go hand in hand. This, then, can be translated to the Chicano context, where struggles take place on different levels in order to resist power. Chicano theater, also referred to by Moraga as “theater of resistance” is one such form of resistance. However, power is not merely resisted. It is also reproduced in a new form. Foucault’s view of power and resistance and his emphasis on the productive functions of power allow for a possibility of empowerment.
Flt3 inhibitor AC220 is a potent therapy in a mouse model of myeloproliferative disease driven by enhanced wild-type Flt3 signaling
Authors: Taylor Samuel J. , Dagger Samantha A. , Thien Christine B. F. , Wikstrom Matthew E. , Langdon Wallace Y. 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
High levels of expression of wild-type Flt3 characterize many hematopoietic proliferative diseases and neoplasms, providing a potential therapeutic target. Using the c-Cbl RING finger mutant mouse as a model of a myeloproliferative disease (MPD) driven by wild-type Flt3, in the present study, we show that treatment with the Flt3 kinase inhibitor AC220 blocks MPD development by targeting Flt3+ multipotent progenitors (MPPs). We found that daily administration of AC220 caused a marked reduction in Flt3 expression, induction of quiescence, and a significant loss of MPPs within 4 days. Unexpectedly, a robust Flt3 ligand–associated proliferative recovery response soon followed, preventing further loss of MPPs. However, continued AC220 treatment limited MPP recovery and maintained reduced, steady-state levels of cycling MPPs that express low levels of Flt3. Therefore, a finely tuned balance between the opposing forces of AC220 and Flt3 ligand production was established; whereas the Flt3 ligand blunted the inhibitory effects of AC220, the disease was held in remission for as long as therapy was continued. The net effect is a potent therapy indicating that patients with c-Cbl mutations, or those with similarly enhanced Flt3 signaling, may respond well to AC220 even after the induction of high levels of Flt3 ligand.
Protective role of 1,25(OH)2vitamin D3 in the mucosal injury and epithelial barrier disruption in DSS-induced acute colitis in mice
Authors: Zhao Hongwei , Zhang Hong , Wu Hui , Li Hui , Liu Lei , Guo Jian , Li Chenyang , Shih David Q , Zhang Xiaolan 
Published: September 2012

AbstractBackgroundIntestinal hyper-permeability plays a critical role in the etiopathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) by affecting the penetration of pathogens, toxic compounds and macromolecules. 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3[1,25(OH)2D3], the active form of vitamin D, has been shown to be an important regulator of IBD and recent epidemiology suggests that patients with IBD have an impaired vitamin D status. The purpose of this study is to investigate the possible protective effects of 1,25(OH)2D3on mucosal injury and epithelial barrier disruption on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced acute colitis model.MethodsWe used DSS-induced acute colitis model to investigate the protective effects of 1,25(OH)2D3on mucosal injury and epithelial barrier integrity. Severity of colitis was evaluated by disease activity index (DAI), body weight (BW) change, colon length, histology, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, and proinflammatory cytokine production including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ).In vitrothe protective role of 1,25(OH)2D3was assessed by incubating Caco-2 cells with or without DSS and measuring transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and fluorescein isothiocyanate dextran (FITC-D). The intestinal permeability was analyzed by FITC-D, bacterial translocation and measurement of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Ultrastructural features of the colon tissue and Caco-2 cell monolayer were observed by electron microscopy. Expressions of tight junction (TJ) proteins in the colon mucosa and Caco-2 cells were detected by immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, Western blot and real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR, respectively.ResultsDSS-induced acute colitis model was characterized by a reduced BW, AUC of BW, serum calcium, higher DAI, AUC of DAI, shortened colon length, elevated MPO activity, worsened histologic inflammation, increased mononuclear cell numbers in mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs) and colonic lamina propria (LP), and enhanced proteins and mRNA levels of TNF-α and IFN-γ. 1,25(OH)2D3markedly increased expressions of TJ proteins and mRNA and decreased the FITC-D permeability and the level of LPS. Furthermore, 1,25(OH)2D3abrogated bacterial translocation to MLNs and ameliorated ultrastructural features of the colon epithelium by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).In vitro, 1,25(OH)2D3increased TEER, TJ proteins and mRNA expressions, decreased the FITC-D permeability, and preserved structural integrity of the TJ in Caco-2 cells.Conclusions1,25(OH)2D3may play a protective role in mucosal barrier homeostasis by maintaining the integrity of junction complexes and in healing capacity of the colon epithelium. 1,25(OH)2D3may represent an attractive and novel therapeutic agent for the adjuvant therapy of IBD.
The distribution of axial length, anterior chamber depth, lens thickness, and vitreous chamber depth in an adult population of Shahroud, Iran
Authors: Hashemi Hassan , Khabazkhoob Mehdi , Miraftab Mohammad , Emamian Mohammad Hassan , Shariati Mohammad , Abdolahinia Tahereh , Fotouhi Akbar 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Background
Ocular biometric parameters can be influenced by race, ethnicity, and genetics; their differences across different populations can probably explain differences in refractive errors in these populations. The aim of this study is to determine the normal range of axial length, anterior chamber depth, lens thickness, and vitreous chamber depth in the population of Shahroud in the north of Iran.

Methods
In the first phase of Shahroud Eye Cohort Study, the 40–64 year old population were sampled cross-sectionally; 6311 were invited and 5190 (82.2%) participated in the study. Biometric examinations were done using the LENSTAR/BioGraph (WaveLight AG, Erlangen, Germany) after vision tests and before cycloplegic refraction tests. Any type of eye surgery, extensive pterygium, and lack of cooperation were used as exclusion criteria, and analyses were done with data from 4869 eyes.

Results
We found a mean axial length of 23.14 mm (95% confidence interval [CI], 23.11-23.17), mean anterior chamber depth of 2.62 mm (95% CI, 2.60-2.63), mean lens thickness of 4.28 mm (95% CI, 4.27-4.29), and the mean vitreous chamber depth was 15.72 mm (95% CI, 15.70-15.75).
Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests showed that the distribution of axial length, anterior chamber depth, lens thickness, and vitreous chamber depth significantly differed from normal; axial length and vitreous chamber depth demonstrated a leptokurtic distribution as well.
Axial length, anterior chamber depth, and vitreous chamber depth significantly decreased with age, and lens thickness significantly increased with age (p < 0.001). All indices were significantly higher in men.

Conclusions
The distributions of axial length, vitreous chamber depth, and lens thickness are reported for the first time in an Iranian adult population. Compared to other studies, axial length was in the mid range, nonetheless, studying axial length components showed that the Iranian population had smaller anterior chamber depth and lens thickness. Age and gender were significantly associated with all indices assessed in this study.
Femtocell interference analysis based on the development of system-level LTE simulator
Authors: Bae Sueng Jae , Kwon Young Min , Lee Mi-Young , Koo Bon Tae , Chung Min Young 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
Although femtocell can confer various benefits to both operators and users, many technical issues, such as interference coordination, network synchronization, self-configuration, and self-optimization must be considered to effectively deploy femtocells in real environments. In this article, we develop a system-level simulator in order to evaluate performance of long-term evolution (LTE)-femtocell systems. The simulator consists of five functional modules which realize packet scheduling and call admission control functionalities and model various wireless channel effects, real and non-real time traffics, and user mobility. These modules are managed by operational modules that follow event-driven programming. In addition, the simulator adopts a graphical user interface (GUI) that facilitates configuration, management, and observation of simulations in real time. Based on the simulator, we analyze effects of signal interference between macro- and femtocells under four scenarios. From the results, we confirm that the developed LTE-femtocell simulator can effectively support performance evaluation and analysis on various femtocell deployment scenarios.
Stability studies of HIV-1 Pr55gagvirus-like particles made in insect cells after storage in various formulation media
Authors: Lynch Alisson , Meyers Ann E , Williamson Anna-Lise , Rybicki Edward P 
Published: September 2012

AbstractBackgroundHIV-1 Pr55gagvirus-like particles (VLPs) expressed by baculovirus in insect cells are considered to be a very promising HIV-1 vaccine candidate, as they have been shown to elicit broad cellular immune responses when tested in animals, particularly when used as a boost to DNA or BCG vaccines. However, it is important for the VLPs to retain their structure for them to be fully functional and effective. The medium in which the VLPs are formulated and the temperature at which they are stored are two important factors affecting their stability.FindingsWe describe the screening of 3 different readily available formulation media (sorbitol, sucrose and trehalose) for their ability to stabilise HIV-1 Pr55gagVLPs during prolonged storage. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was done on VLPs stored at two different concentrations of the media at three different temperatures (4°C, –20°C and −70°C) over different time periods, and the appearance of the VLPs was compared. VLPs stored in 15% trehalose at −70°C retained their original appearance the most effectively over a period of 12 months. VLPs stored in 5% trehalose, sorbitol or sucrose were not all intact even after 1 month storage at the temperatures tested. In addition, we showed that VLPs stored under these conditions were able to be frozen and re-thawed twice before showing changes in their appearance.ConclusionsAlthough the inclusion of other analytical tools are essential to validate these preliminary findings, storage in 15% trehalose at −70°C for 12 months is most effective in retaining VLP stability.
Short bowel syndrome presenting with re-feeding syndrome in a Han Chinese patient: a case report
Authors: Xie Ying , Zhu Weiming , Li Ning , Li Jieshou 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Introduction
Re-feeding syndrome is common in patients with long-term starvation. To the best of our knowledge this case is the first to report a patient with short bowel syndrome developing re-feeding syndrome 12 years after the bowel resection.

Case presentation
A 33-year-old Chinese Han man underwent small bowel resection leaving only 40 cm of bowel, without an ileocecal valve, 12 years previously. At that time he was weaned from total parenteral nutrition and had a normal diet. He later developed features of severe malnutrition, and when parenteral nutrition was given, he developed re-feeding syndrome.

Conclusion
Although re-feeding syndrome is a common complication in patients with any kind of nutritional support, and known to us for many years, high risk patients still need more attention and monitoring. Re-feeding syndrome in this case was not only a macronutrients deficiency but also a micronutrient deficient, and prompt supplement therapy and organ function support proved to be successful.
Fulminant invasive aspergillosis of the mediastinum in an immunocompetent host: a case report
Authors: Shakoor Muhammad Tariq , Ayub Samia , Ayub Zunaira , Mahmood Faisal 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Introduction
Invasive aspergillosis is a serious complication in immunocompromised patients. It is an opportunistic disease, which predominantly occurs in the lungs, although dissemination to virtually any organ is possible. Invasive aspergillosis in an immunocompetent patient with extension to the mediastinum has rarely been reported. Here, we present the case of a patient with no apparent immunodeficiency state, who presented with Aspergillus endocarditis and fulminant invasive aspergillosis with extensive involvement of the mediastinal structures, which ultimately was responsible for her death. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case in the literature on fulminant invasive mediastinal aspergillosis with extension to the pulmonary vasculature and concomitant Aspergillus endocarditis in an apparently immunocompetent patient without pre-existing lung disease.

Case presentation
Our patient was a previously healthy 47-year-old Asian woman, who presented to our emergency room with severe progressive shortness of breath of one month’s duration, associated with orthopnea and unstable vital signs.

Conclusion
Invasive aspergillosis has been described in the presence of pulmonary disease, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, and one case has been reported in a patient without preexistent disease, but none of these have been fatal. Our case is therefore the first reported case of its kind. Our case shows that fulminant aspergillosis can occur in an immunocompetent host and can be fatal. We conclude that invasive aspergillosis should not be excluded from the differential diagnosis on the basis of immunocompetency.
BOOK REVIEW
Authors: Baxter Jonathan , Kaye Lewis , Leger Marc James 
Published: September 2012

Artocracy: Art, Informal Space, and Social Consequence: A Curatorial Handbook in Collaborative Practice, Nuno Sacramento and Claudia Zeiske (2010), Berlin: JovisVerlag
Error: Glitch, Noise, and Jam in New Media Cultures, Mark Nunes (ed.) (2011), New York: Continuum Books.
Critique
of Creativity: Precarity, Subjectivity and Resistance in the ‘Creative Industries’, Gerald Raunig, Gene Ray and Ulf Wuggenig (eds) (2011), London: MayFly Books.
Some Novel Studies of Thermodynamics, Kinetics and Transport Phenomena in Slags
Authors: Muhmood Luckman , Semykina Anna , Iwase Masanori , Seetharaman Seshadri 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThe following paper revolves around the research work conducted in collaboration during Professor Iwase's brief visits to the Materials Process Science Division at Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm. The paper focuses on the thermodynamic aspects of CaO–FeO–SiO2 and CaO–FeO–SiO2–MnO slag oxidation in air and sulfur transport through CaO–Al2O3–SiO2 slag. Thermodynamics of slag oxidation in air opens potential new areas in terms of focus on effective recovery of iron oxide from slag. The slag transport studies are of fundamental nature and focuses on a novel technique to calculate the diffusion of species through slag by analyzing its corresponding concentration in the metal phase.