bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spectral optical coherence tomography findings in patients with ocular toxoplasmosis and active satellite lesions (MINAS Report 1)
Authors: Oréfice Juliana L. , Costa Rogério A. , Scott Ingrid U. , Calucci Daniela , Oréfice Fernando ,   on behalf of the Grupo Mineiro de Pesquisa em Doenças Oculares Inflamatórias (MINAS)
Published: September 2012

Abstract.Purpose:  To characterize the active retinochoroiditis lesion observed in patients with the classic clinical presentation of ocular toxoplasmosis (OT) utilizing spectral optical coherence tomography (SOCT).Methods:  Twenty‐four patients with OT and satellite lesions underwent standardized ophthalmologic examination and multimodal fundus imaging. The SOCT findings observed at presentation were described.Results:  The mean age of the fourteen (58.3%) women and ten (41.7%) men was 27.6 years. The mean LogMAR ETDRS best‐corrected visual acuity was 0.58 (Snellen equivalent, 20/80+1). On SOCT evaluation, the posterior hyaloid was diffusely thickened in 23 (95.8%) of 24 eyes, increased hyper‐reflective signals in the vitreous were observed in 18 (75.0%), and vitreal spherical hyper‐reflective depositions were observed in 12 (50.0%) eyes. In all patients, at the active OT lesion site, the inner retinal layers were abnormally hyper‐reflective with full‐thickness disorganization of the retinal reflective layers (smudge effect); associated choriocapillaris/choroidal optical shadowing was observed in 22 (91.7%) eyes. The retina was thickened in 22 (91.7%) eyes, the retinal pigment epithelium‐Bruch membrane reflective complex was focally increased or contained focal splits in 16 (66.7%) eyes and the choroid appeared thickened in 17 (70.8%) eyes. Disorganization of the outer retinal highly reflective layers adjacent to the active OT lesion was observed in all eyes.Conclusion:  Full‐thickness disorganization of the retinal reflective layers, generally associated with some degree of posterior optical shadowing, was observed in the active OT lesion in all patients. The posterior hyaloid was often thickened and, adjacent to the OT lesion, the outer retina was consistently altered.
Quantification of Yield Losses Due to Anthracnose Stalk Rot on Corn in Brazilian Conditions
Authors: Cota Luciano V. , da Costa Rodrigo V. , Silva Dagma D. , Casela Carlos R. , Parreira Douglas F. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThe anthracnose stalk rot of corn (ASR), caused by Colletotrichum graminicola, is a major disease of this crop and occurs in most Brazilian regions where corn is grown. Despite its widespread occurrence, there are no estimates of the effect of ASR on the yield of corn under the Brazilian conditions. In this study, we evaluated the effect of ASR on corn hybrids yield. Two experiments were conducted (first crop 2007/2008 and second crop, 2009) in areas with a history of occurrence of leaf anthracnose and ASR. Five hybrids were evaluated in the first and second crops: AG1051, BRS 1001, BRS 1010, BRS 1035, P30F80 and BRS 1010, 2B710, P30F80, DKB390, BRS 1035, respectively. At harvest, we evaluated the incidence of plants with anthracnose stalk rot (IPASR), and we selected pairs of healthy and diseased plants to quantify the effect of ASR in the ear weight (EW), grain weight (GW) and the weight of a sample containing 100 kernels (W100). The IPASR was higher in the hybrid BRS 1010 (21.87 and 45.28%, first and second crops, respectively). The EW, GW and W100 were lower in diseased plants in all hybrids. The mean weight loss in the first season was EW 29.03%, GW 27.83% and W100 17.08%, and the second season was EW 27.75%, GW 25.60% and W100 16.99%. The most affected hybrids with weight loss in the first crop were AG1051 (EW 34.31%, GW 33.05%, W100 19.96%) and BRS 1035 (EW 34.74%, GW 34.65%, W100 22.31%). In the second crop, were P30F80 (EW 30.72%, GW 30.92%, W100 19.24%), DKB390 (EW 30.61%, GW 29.81%) and 2B710 (W100 19.27%). Corn yield was strongly affected by ASR.
Genomic and phenotypic architecture of a spruce hybrid zone (Picea sitchensis × P. glauca)
Authors: Hamilton Jill A. , Lexer Christian , Aitken Sally N. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractInterspecific hybridization may enhance the capacity of populations to adapt to changing environments, and has practical implications for reforestation. We use genome‐wide estimates of admixture and phenotypic traits for trees in a common garden to examine the extent and direction of gene flow across aPiceahybrid zone, testing assumptions of the bounded hybrid superiority and tension zone models of hybrid zone maintenance. Seeds were collected from the ecological transition zone spanning from maritime to continental climates across thePicea sitchensis–P. glaucacontact zone, and 721 trees were planted in a common garden experiment within the hybrid zone. Individuals were genotyped using a panel of 384 candidate‐gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) putatively associated with adaptive traits inPicea, and phenotyped at age ten for height and autumn cold hardiness. Low interspecific heterozygosity in hybrids indicated that intrinsic reproductive barriers were too weak to prevent widespread recombination, although introgression appeared asymmetric withP. sitchensisdominating the zone. Whereas marker‐based hybrid index was strongly correlated with climate and geography, phenotypic traits exhibited weak or no significant clines. Our results indicated that exogenous selection appeared to play a strong role in the distribution and structure of this hybrid zone, indicative of an environmentally determined bounded hybrid superiority model of hybrid zone maintenance, although endogenous mechanisms could not be ruled out. This study provides insight into the mechanisms underlying adaptation across ecologically transitional hybrid zones that will ultimately provide an additional tool in managing these economically important tree species.
Simulation in pediatric anesthesiology
Authors: Fehr James J. , Honkanen Anita , Murray David J. 
Published: September 2012

SummarySimulation‐based training, research and quality initiatives are expanding in pediatric anesthesiology just as in other medical specialties. Various modalities are available, from task trainers to standardized patients, and from computer‐based simulations to mannequins. Computer‐controlled mannequins can simulate pediatric vital signs with reasonable reliability; however the fidelity of skin temperature and color change, airway reflexes and breath and heart sounds remains rudimentary. Current pediatric mannequins are utilized in simulation centers, throughout hospitals in‐situ, at national meetings for continuing medical education and in research into individual and team performance. Ongoing efforts by pediatric anesthesiologists dedicated to using simulation to improve patient care and educational delivery will result in further dissemination of this technology. Health care professionals who provide complex, subspecialty care to children require a curriculum supported by an active learning environment where skills directly relevant to pediatric care can be developed. The approach is not only the most effective method to educate adult learners, but meets calls for education reform and offers the potential to guide efforts toward evaluating competence. Simulation addresses patient safety imperatives by providing a method for trainees to develop skills and experience in various management strategies, without risk to the health and life of a child. A curriculum that provides pediatric anesthesiologists with the range of skills required in clinical practice settings must include a relatively broad range of task‐training devises and electromechanical mannequins. Challenges remain in defining the best integration of this modality into training and clinical practice to meet the needs of pediatric patients.
4D patient dose reconstruction using online measured EPID cine images for lung SBRT treatment validation
Authors: Lin Mu‐Han , Li Jinsheng , Wang Lu , Koren Sion , Fan Jiajing , Forkal Eugene , Ma C.‐M. 
Published: September 2012

Purpose:This study aims to develop an EPID‐guided 4D patient dose reconstruction framework and to investigate its feasibility for lung SBRT treatment validation.Methods:Both the beam apertures and tumor movements were detected based on the continuously acquired EPID images during the treatment. Instead of directly using the transit photon fluence measured by the EPID, this method reconstructed the entrance fluence with the measured beam apertures and the delivered MUs. The entrance fluence distributions were sorted into their corresponding phases based on the detected tumor motion pattern and then accumulated for each phase. Together with the in‐room 4DCT taken before every treatment to consider the interfractional‐motion, the entrance fluence was then used for the patient dose calculation. Deformable registration was performed to sum up the phase doses for final treatment assessment. The feasibility of using the transit EPID images for entrance fluence reconstruction was evaluated against EPID in‐air measurements. The accuracy of 3D‐ and 4D‐dose reconstruction was validated by experiments with a motor‐driven cylindrical diode array for six clinical‐SBRT plans.Results:The average difference between the measured and reconstructed fluence maps was within 0.16%. The reconstructed 3D‐dose showed a less than 1.4% difference for the CAX‐dose and at least a 98.3% gamma‐passing‐rate (2%/2 mm) for the peripheral dose. Distorted dose distributions were observed in the measurement with the moving phantom. The comparison between the measured and the reconstructed 4D‐dose without considering temporal information failed the gamma‐evaluation for most cases. In contrast, when temporal information was considered, the dose distortion phenomena were successfully represented in the reconstructed dose (97.6%–99.7% gamma‐passing rate).Conclusions:The proposed method considered uncertainties of the beam delivery system, the interfractional‐ and intrafractional‐motion, and the interplay effect. The experimental validation demonstrates that this method is practical and accurate for online or offline SBRT patient dose verification.
Impact of Expression of Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptors EGFR and ERBB2 on Survival in Stage II/III Gastric Cancer
Authors: Terashima Masanori , Kitada Koji , Ochiai Atsushi , Ichikawa Wataru , Kurahashi Issei , Sakuramoto Shinichi , Katai Hitoshi , Sano Takeshi , Imamura Hiroshi , Sasako Mitsuru ,   for the ACTS-GC Group
Published: September 2012

Abstract
Purpose: EGF receptor (EGFR) and HER2 positivity are considered to be negative prognostic factors in gastric cancer. Biomarker analysis was conducted to evaluate the impact of EGFR and HER2 expression on the outcome of patients enrolled in the Adjuvant Chemotherapy Trial of TS-1 for Gastric Cancer (ACTS-GC), a randomized controlled trial comparing postoperative adjuvant S-1 therapy with surgery alone in 1,059 patients with stage II/III gastric cancer.
Experimental Design: Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded surgical specimens were retrospectively examined in 829 patients (78.3%). The effects of EGFR and HER2 positivity on survival were analyzed on the basis of the 5-year survival data from the study. EGFR positivity was defined as an immunohistochemistry (IHC) score of 3+, and HER2 positivity as an IHC score of 3+ or an IHC score of 2+ with a positive dual-color in situ hybridization status.
Results: EGFR and HER2 were positive in 75 (9.0%) and 113 (13.6%) patients, respectively. The overall and relapse-free survival rates were significantly lower in EGFR-positive patients than in EGFR-negative patients, whereas they were similar in HER2-positive and HER2-negative patients. Multivariate analysis showed that EGFR positivity correlated with poor outcomes [HR = 1.504; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.020–2.149; P = 0.040]. Treatment with S-1 improved survival compared with surgery alone, irrespective of EGFR and HER2 status.
Conclusions: EGFR positivity, but not HER2 positivity, was associated with poor patient outcomes after curative resection of stage II/III gastric cancer. There was no interaction between S-1 and EGFR or HER2 status with respect to survival outcome. Clin Cancer Res; 18(21); 5992–6000. ©2012 AACR.
Effect of Electric Charge on Collisions between Cloud Droplets
Authors: Fletcher Neville H. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractA simple model is presented for the calculation of the effect of electric charges on the collision and coalescence of cloud droplets, a topic that is of importance for coalescence-induced natural rainfall and for the possible effectiveness of techniques for increasing rainfall by injection of ions into the atmosphere. Whereas electric charges of opposite sign enhance the collision efficiency of cloud droplets, the effect when all droplets bear charges of the same sign depends strongly upon the droplet sizes and separations and upon the ratio of charges on each of a droplet pair. The conditions under which coalescence is increased exist for only a very small fraction of actual cloud structures.
The Leading, Interdecadal Eigenmode of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation in a Realistic Ocean Model
Authors: Sévellec Florian , Fedorov Alexey V. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractVariations in the strength of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC) are a major potential source of decadal and longer climate variability in the Atlantic. This study analyzes continuous integrations of tangent linear and adjoint versions of an ocean general circulation model [Océan Parallélisé (OPA)] and rigorously shows the existence of a weakly damped oscillatory eigenmode of the AMOC centered in the North Atlantic Ocean and controlled solely by linearized ocean dynamics. In this particular GCM, the mode period is roughly 24 years, its e-folding decay time scale is 40 years, and it is the least-damped oscillatory mode in the system. Its mechanism is related to the westward propagation of large-scale temperature anomalies in the northern Atlantic in the latitudinal band between 30° and 60°N. The westward propagation results from a competition among mean eastward zonal advection, equivalent anomalous westward advection caused by the mean meridional temperature gradient, and westward propagation typical of long baroclinic Rossby waves. The zonal structure of temperature anomalies alternates between a dipole (corresponding to an anomalous AMOC) and anomalies of one sign (yielding no changes in the AMOC). Further, it is shown that the system is nonnormal, which implies that the structure of the least-damped eigenmode of the tangent linear model is different from that of the adjoint model. The “adjoint” mode describes the sensitivity of the system (i.e., it gives the most efficient patterns for exciting the leading eigenmode). An idealized model is formulated to highlight the role of the background meridional temperature gradient in the North Atlantic for the mode mechanism and the system nonnormality.
The Articulation of an Independent Foreign Policy
Authors: Valiani Salimah 
Published: September 2012

Canadian trade and investment in Latin America in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, an element of British world hegemony and its particular form of free-trade imperialism, laid the groundwork for Canada’s first independent foreign policy toward Latin America. The Canadian state’s articulation of its interest in Latin America in the 1940s was associated with the end of British hegemony and the rise of the United States as the new world hegemon. It is apparent that Canada’s location as a wealthy though politically less powerful nation within the core of the capitalist world system dates to the late nineteenth century and that Canadian capitalists played a significant role in this articulation. El comercio de Canadá y la inversión en América Latina en el siglo XX y principios del XIX, característico de la hegemonía mundial británica y de su forma particular de imperialismo del libre comercio, sentó las bases de la primera política exterior independiente de Canadá hacia América Latina. La articulación del Estado canadiense de su interés en América Latina en la década de 1940 estuvo asociada con el fin de la hegemonía británica y el surgimiento de los Estados Unidos como potencia hegemónica del nuevo mundo. Es evidente que la ubicación de Canadá como una nación rica, aunque políticamente menos potente, en el centro del sistema capitalista mundial se remonta a finales del siglo XIX y que los capitalistas canadienses tuvieron un papel importante en esta articulación.
Two-Year Results of Translating the Diabetes Prevention Program Into an Urban, Underserved Community
Authors: Piatt Gretchen A. , Seidel Miriam C. , Chen Hsiang-Yu , Powell Robert O. , Zgibor Janice C. 
Published: September 2012

Purpose The purpose of the study was to examine the long-term effect of a Group Lifestyle Balance (GLB) program on weight, impaired fasting glucose, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia in an urban, medically underserved community. Methods This study was a single-arm prospective intervention study that was designed to test the effectiveness of a community-based GLB intervention. In sum, 638 residents from 11 targeted neighborhoods were screened for body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m2 and metabolic syndrome. Eligible individuals took part in a 12-week GLB intervention (n = 105) that addressed weight loss and physical activity. Subjects were followed for 24 months. Results The probability of being at risk for diabetes and cardiovascular disease was significantly reduced by 25.7% over the long-term follow-up. Of the participants who lost at least 5% of their body weight following the intervention, 52.6% maintained the 5% weight loss at their last follow-up time, weighing about 20 lb less than they did at baseline. Conclusion Risk reduction and weight loss maintenance are possible following a GLB intervention and have substantial potential for future public health impact.
Efficacy of temporary positive expiratory pressure (TPEP) in patients with lung diseases and chronic mucus hypersecretion. The UNIKO® project: a multicentre randomized controlled trial
Authors: Venturelli Elena , Crisafulli Ernesto , DeBiase Assunta , Righi Daniela , Berrighi Daniele , Cavicchioli Pier Paolo , Vagheggini Guido , Dabrosca Francesco , Balbi Bruno , Paneroni Mara , Bianchi Luca , Vitacca Michele , Galimberti Vittoria , Zaurino Michele , Schiavoni Giorgio , Iattoni Andrea , Ambrosino Nicolino , Clini Enrico M 
Published: September 2012

Objective: To evaluate whether temporary positive expiratory pressure provides benefit in patients with lung diseases and chronic hypersecretion. Design: Single blind multicentre randomized trial. Setting: Five Italian rehabilitation centres. Participants: Ninety-eight patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and/or chronic bronchitis ( n=78), or bronchiectasis ( n=20), with a peak cough expiratory flow >150 l/min and sputum production >30 ml/day, randomly included into two treatment groups. Interventions: For 10 consecutive days, the active group performed twice a day 20-minute cycles of manually assisted breathing techniques in sequence with the addition of 15 minutes of temporary positive expiratory pressure, while the control group was treated by manually assisted breathing techniques alone. Measures: Within and between group changes of arterial oxygenation index, lung volumes and respiratory muscles strength were recorded at enrolment and after 3 and 10 treatment sessions. Pre-to-post treatment change of sputum volume and bronchial encumbrance (Δ-visual analog scale), sputum density and purulence were compared daily within the study period. Results: No significant changes were recorded for the oxygenation index, while dynamic lung volumes and respiratory muscle strength significantly ( P <0.05) improved in the active group. The group comparison analysis of the pre-to-post change showed that inspiratory capacity was significantly higher in the active than in the control group (+19.5% and +2.2%, P=0.044) at day 10. A greater improvement in Δ-visual analog scale was recorded in the active group at day 3 and 8. Conclusions: These preliminary data suggest that temporary positive expiratory pressure improves lung volumes and speeds up the improvement of bronchial encumbrance in patients with lung diseases and hypersecretion.
The Function of the Acromioclavicular and Coracoclavicular Ligaments in Shoulder Motion
Authors: Oki Satoshi , Matsumura Noboru , Iwamoto Wataru , Ikegami Hiroyasu , Kiriyama Yoshimori , Nakamura Toshiyasu , Toyama Yoshiaki , Nagura Takeo 
Published: September 2012

Background: Scapulothoracic dyskinesis is an important consequence of acromioclavicular joint dislocations. However, no reports have described changes in 3-dimensional motions of the scapula and clavicle with respect to the thorax caused by acromioclavicular joint dislocation. Hypothesis: Sectioning of the acromioclavicular (AC) and coracoclavicular (CC) ligaments affects scapular and clavicular motion in a whole-cadaver model. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: We evaluated shoulder girdle motion (scapula, clavicle, and humerus) relative to the thorax of 14 shoulders from 8 whole cadavers after sequential sectioning of the AC and CC ligaments (trapezoid and conoid ligaments). An electromagnetic tracking device measured 3-dimensional kinematics of the scapula and clavicle during humerothoracic elevation in the coronal and sagittal planes and adduction in the horizontal plane. Results: Sectioning of the AC ligament increased clavicular retraction during sagittal plane elevation and horizontal plane adduction. Sectioning of the trapezoid ligament decreased scapular external rotation during sagittal plane elevation and horizontal plane adduction. Sectioning of the conoid ligament decreased scapular posterior tilting during sagittal plane elevation and horizontal plane adduction. Acromioclavicular and CC ligament sectioning also delayed clavicular posterior rotation and increased clavicular upward rotation during coronal plane elevation. Conclusion: Our study revealed that AC and CC ligament disruption affected in vitro shoulder girdle kinematics in the whole-cadaver model. Clinical Relevance: The results of this cadaveric study revealed that AC and CC ligament disruption could cause dyskinesis of the scapula and clavicle. The kinematic changes could be a potential source of pain and dysfunction in the shoulder with AC joint dislocation, and therefore surgical reconstruction may be indicated in certain patients.
Grain Bank Survival and Longevity: Evidence from Orissa
Authors: Bhattamishra Ruchira 
Published: September 2012

We examine the determinants of the likelihood and duration of grain bank survival using survey data from Orissa. The study is motivated by the fact that a large share of grain banks have ceased to function over time. It is also motivated by the fact that despite the high rate of failure, the Government of India and rural development non-governmental organisations are continuing to scale up their grain bank activities. We find that village characteristics appear to matter for both the likelihood and duration of grain bank survival, whereas grain bank member characteristics and grain bank institutional features largely do not appear to matter. The findings suggest the salience of programme placement for grain bank sustainability. JEL Classification: O16, O18, Q18