bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Follow-Up of 316 Molecularly Defined Pediatric Long-QT Syndrome Patients
Authors: Koponen Mikael , Marjamaa Annukka , Hiippala Anita , Happonen Juha-Matti , Havulinna Aki S. , Salomaa Veikko , Lahtinen Annukka M. , Hintsa Taina , Viitasalo Matti , Toivonen Lauri , Kontula Kimmo , Swan Heikki 
Published: June 2015

Background—
Inherited long-QT syndrome (LQTS) is associated with risk of sudden death. We assessed the clinical course and the fulfillment of current treatment strategies in molecularly defined pediatric LQTS type 1 and (LQT1) and type 2 (LQT2) patients.

Methods and Results—

Follow-up data covering a mean of 12 years were collected for 316 genotyped LQT1 and LQT2 patients aged 0 to 18 years. No arrhythmic deaths occurred during the follow-up. Finnish
KCNQ1
and
KCNH2
founder mutations were associated with fewer cardiac events than other
KCNQ1
and
KCNH2
mutations (hazard ratio [HR], 0.33;
P
=0.03 and HR, 0.16;
P
=0.01, respectively). QTc interval ≥500 ms increased the risk of cardiac events compared with QTc <470 ms (HR, 3.32;
P
=0.001). Treatment with β-blocker medication was associated with reduced risk of first cardiac event (HR, 0.23;
P
=0.001). Noncompliant LQT2 patients were more often symptomatic than compliant LQT2 patients (18% and 0%, respectively;
P
=0.03). Treatment with implantable cardioverter defibrillator was rare (3%) and resulted in reinterventions in 44% of cases.

Conclusions—
Severe cardiac events are uncommon in molecularly defined and appropriately treated pediatric LQTS mutation carriers. β-Blocker medication reduces the risk of cardiac events and is generally well tolerated in this age group of LQTS patients.
Applying a Divisive Clustering Algorithm to a Large Ensemble for Medium-Range Forecasting at the Weather Prediction Center
Authors: Brill Keith F. , Fracasso Anthony R. , Bailey Christopher M. 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
This article explores the potential advantages of using a clustering approach to distill information contained within a large ensemble of forecasts in the medium-range time frame. A divisive clustering algorithm based on the one-dimensional discrete Fourier transformation is described and applied to the 70-member combination of the 20-member National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) Global Ensemble Forecast System (GEFS) and the 50-member European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) ensemble. Cumulative statistical verification indicates that clusters selected objectively based on having the largest number of members do not perform better than the ECMWF ensemble mean. However, including a cluster in a blended forecast to maintain continuity or to nudge toward a preferred solution may be a reasonable strategy in some cases. In such cases, a cluster may be used to sharpen a forecast weakly depicted by the ensemble mean but favored in consideration of continuity, consistency, collaborative thinking, and/or the trend in the guidance. Clusters are often useful for depicting forecast solutions not apparent via the ensemble mean but supported by a subset of ensemble members. A specific case is presented to demonstrate the possible utility of a clustering approach in the forecasting process.
The Semicircular Canals of the Inner Ear and the Pneumatization of the Temporal Bone
Authors: Muren C. , Wilbrand H. 
Published: June 2015

In an investigation of 94 plastic casts of temporal bone specimens a wide range of variations both in the general outline of the pyramid and in the anatomy of its specific structures was found. Attempts were made to estimate the transverse and vertical dimensions of the petrous bone. Both the mastoid and the perilabyrinthine pneumatization correlated to the dimensions of some structures, but not to the size and shape of the semicircular canals. References
Ferristene as Intestinal MR Contrast Agent
Authors: Van Beers B. E. , Grandin C. , De Greef D. , Lundby B. , Pringot J. 
Published: June 2015

Purpose: To compare the small bowel distribution and safety of a fast ingestion procedure of ferristene to those of the standard ingestion procedure. Material and Methods: Sixty-four patients received 0.5 g/l ferristene in 800 ml water. Thirty-four patients of the fast ingestion group ingested ferristene with 20 mg of oral metoclopramide during the course of 30 min before MR imaging and received an i.v. injection of an antiperistaltic agent during the MR study. Thirty patients of the standard group ingested ferristene during the course of 2 h, without additional drugs. Ferristene distribution was assessed by 2 reviewers and adverse events were recorded. Results: More than 50% of the small bowel segments analyzed were filled with ferristene in 30 patients in the fast ingestion group and in 28 patients in the standard ingestion group. One patient in each group experienced nausea and/or vomiting. Some bloating or sensation of fullness was reported by 2 patients in the fast ingestion group and by 3 patients in the standard ingestion group. Conclusion: The distribution of ferristene in the small bowel and the safety of the procedure were thus similar in the 2 groups using either a fast ingestion procedure with oral metoclopramide or the more time-consuming standard ingestion procedure.
Ibuprofen sorption and release by modified natural zeolites as prospective drug carriers
Authors: Krajišnik D. , Daković A. , Malenović A. , Kragović M. , Milić J. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThe sorption of ibuprofen by modified natural zeolite composites at three concentration levels (10, 20 and 30 mmol/100 g) of cationic surfactants – benzalkonium chloride and cetylpyridinium chloride, in a buffer solution (pH 7.4), was studied. Characterization of the composites before and after ibuprofen sorption was performed by drug sorption and isotherm studies, zeta potential and Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopic analysis. The biopharmaceutical performance of cationic surfactant-modified zeolites as drug formulation excipients was evaluated by in vitro dissolution experiments from the composites with medium surfactant contents. The drug sorption was influenced by the surfactant type and amount used for the zeolite modification. Prolonged drug release over a period of 8 h (up to ~40%) was achieved with both groups of samples. The kinetic analysis showed that the drug release profiles were best fitted with the Higuchi and the Bhaskar models, indicating a combination of drug diffusion and ion exchange as the predominant release mechanisms.
Application of model-free kinetic analysis methods to dehydration of a HEU-type zeolite rich tuff from Turkey
Authors: Narin Güler 
Published: June 2015

AbstractNon-isothermal dehydration kinetics of a heulandite-type zeolite-rich tuff from Turkey was investigated using thermogravimetric data recorded at three different heating rates (5, 10 and 20°C/min) under nitrogen flow. Isoconversional model-free methods gave a constant activation energy over the temperature range 30–200°C suggesting that the dehydration is a single-step process within this temperature range. The apparent activation energy was determined as: 34.54±1.18, 30.99±1.14 and 27.79±1.42 kJ/mol by the Flynn–Wall–Ozawa, the Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose and the Friedman methods, respectively. The activation energy values determined were less than the activation energy for vaporization of bulk water, indicating control of the dehydration rate by diffusion of water within this temperature range.
Tolerance to the Antinociceptive Effects of Chronic Morphine Requires C-Jun N-Terminal Kinase
Authors: Marcus David J. , Zee Michael , Hughes Alex , Yuill Matthew B. , Hohmann Andrea G. , Mackie Ken , Guindon Josée , Morgan Daniel J. 
Published: June 2015

Background Morphine and fentanyl are opioid analgesics in wide clinical use that act through the μ-opioid receptor (MOR). However, one limitation of their long-term effectiveness is the development of tolerance. Receptor desensitization has been proposed as a putative mechanism driving tolerance to G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) agonists. Recent studies have found that tolerance to morphine is mediated by the c-Jun N-terminal Kinase (JNK) signaling pathway. The goal of the present study was to test the hypotheses that: 1) JNK inhibition will be antinociceptive on its own; 2) JNK inhibition will augment morphine antinociception and; 3) JNK mediates chronic tolerance for the antinociceptive effects of morphine using acute (hotplate and tail-flick), inflammatory (10 μl of formalin 2.5 %) and chemotherapy (cisplatin 5 mg/kg ip once weekly)-induced neuropathic pain assays. Results We found that JNK inhibition by SP600125 (3 mg/kg) produces a greater antinociceptive effect than morphine (6 mg/kg) alone in the formalin test. Moreover, co-administration of morphine (6 mg/kg) with SP600125 (3 mg/kg) produced a sub-additive antinociceptive effect in the formalin test. We also show that pre-treatment with SP600125 (3 or 10 mg/kg), attenuates tolerance to the antinociceptive effects of morphine (10 mg/kg), but not fentanyl (0.3 mg/kg), in the tail-flick and hotplate tests. Pre-treatment with SP600125 also attenuates tolerance to the hypothermic effects of both morphine and fentanyl. We also examined the role of JNK in morphine tolerance in a cisplatin-induced model of neuropathic pain. Interestingly, treatment with SP600125 (3 mg/kg) alone attenuated mechanical and cold allodynia in a chemotherapy-induced pain model using cisplatin. Strikingly, SP600125 (3 mg/kg) pre-treatment prolonged the anti-allodynic effect of morphine by several days (5 and 7 days for mechanical and cold, respectively). Conclusions These results demonstrate that JNK signaling plays a crucial role in mediating antinociception as well as chronic tolerance to the antinociceptive effects of morphine in acute, inflammatory, and neuropathic pain states. Thus, inhibition of JNK signaling pathway, via SP600125, represents an efficacious pharmacological approach to delay tolerance to the antinociceptive effects of chronic morphine in diverse pain models.
Sex differences in the branching position of the nerve to the abductor digiti minimi muscle: an anatomical study of cadavers
Authors: Mizuno Daisuke , Naito Munekazu , Hayashi Shogo , Ohmichi Yusuke , Ohmichi Mika , Nakano Takashi 
Published: June 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe nerve to the abductor digiti minimi muscle (ADMM nerve) is the first branch of the lateral plantar nerve or originates directly from the posterior tibial nerve. Damage to the ADMM nerve is a cause of heel pain and eventually results in ADMM atrophy. It is known that ADMM atrophy occurs more often in females than in males, and the reason remains unclear. This study aimed to explore sex differences in the branching pattern, position, and angle of the ADMM nerve.MethodsForty‐two cadavers (20 males, 22 females) were dissected at Aichi Medical University between 2011 and 2015. Cases of foot deformity or atrophy were excluded and 67 ft (30 male, 37 female) were examined to assess the branching pattern, position, and angle of the ADMM nerve.ResultsThe branching positions of the ADMM nerve were superior to the malleolar–calcaneal axis (MCA) in 37 ft (55 %), on the MCA in 10 ft (15 %), and inferior to the MCA in 20 ft (30 %). There was no case among male feet in which the ADMM nerve branched inferior to the MCA, whereas this pattern was observed in 19 of 37 female feet (51 %). The branching position of the ADMM nerve was significantly closer to the MCA in female feet than in male feet. There were no significant sex differences in the branching pattern and angle of the ADMM nerve.ConclusionsThe ADMM nerve sometimes branches off inferior to the MCA in females, but not in males. This difference may be the reason for the more frequent occurrence of ADMM atrophy in females than in males.
Structural dynamics at boreal forest edges created by a spruce budworm outbreak
Authors: Franklin Caroline , Harper Karen , Murphy Liam 
Published: June 2015

Natural disturbances such as insect outbreaks create boundaries that influence vegetation patterns and ecological processes.Â To better understand the effects of natural edge creation on relatively intact forests and adjacent disturbed areas, we investigated forest structure on both sides of 30 year-old forest edges created by a spruce budworm (Â Clemens) outbreak in the boreal forest of Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Canada.Â Our objectives were: 1) to determine edge influence (compared to interior forest) and forest influence (compared to disturbed areas) on vegetation structure, and 2) to gain insight into the structural development of the edges.Â Canopy cover, tree density, radial growth and deadwood were sampled in 5 m x 20 m plots along 120 m transects across six edges.Â Randomization tests were used to estimate the magnitude and distance of edge and forest influence.Â Narrow transition zones approximately 10 m wide characterized the spruce budworm-induced edges.Â Edge influence did not extend into the forest; however, forest influence on structure was detected up to 40 m from the edge into the disturbed area.Â We found evidence of the insect outbreak in the form of reduced radial growth during the disturbance across the entire disturbed area-forest gradient, which indicates that spruce budworm activity may not have ceased directly at the edge.Â Tree mortality caused by the insect outbreak resulted in snags, many of which have transformed into logs since the outbreak collapsed.Â Spruce budworm outbreak-induced forest edges are narrow but dynamic boundaries separating two distinct vegetation communities in the boreal landscape.Choristoneura fumiferana
Export Process Capability Assessment Model
Authors: Besson Jeremy , Mitasiunas Antanas , Ragaisis Saulius 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
The process capability modeling has become a tool for systematization and codifying knowledge of process-oriented activities. Enterprise SPICE defines a domain independent integrated model for enterprise-wide assessment and continuous improvement. This paper presents the complete export process capability assessment model containing the export body of knowledge expressed in terms of SPICE conformant processes, their outcomes and base practices. The purpose of the developed model is to enable use of domain independent Enterprise SPICE model for the export process improvement.
Online hypergraph coloring with rejection
Authors: Imreh Csanád , Nagy-György Judit 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
In this paper we investigate the online hypergraph coloring problem with rejection, where the algorithm is allowed to reject a vertex instead of coloring it but each vertex has a penalty which has to be paid if it is not colored. The goal is to minimize the sum of the number of the used colors for the accepted vertices and the total penalty paid for the rejected ones. We study the online problem which means that the algorithm receives the vertices of the hypergraph in some order v
1, . . . , vn
and it must decide about vi
by only looking at the subhypergraph Hi
= (Vi
, Ei
) where Vi
= {v
1, . . . , vi
} and E
i
contains the edges of the hypergraph which are subsets of Vi
. We consider two models: in the full edge model only the edges where each vertex is accepted must be well-colored, in the trace model the subsets of the edges formed by the accepted vertices must be well colored as well. We consider proper and conflict free colorings. We present in each cases optimal online algorithms in the sense that they achieve asymptotically the smallest possible competitive ratio.
Empirical study of the greedy heuristic as applied to the link selection problem
Authors: Pusztai Pál , Hajba Tamás 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
Behind the link selection problem there is a practical problem that aims to check efficiently the vehicles on a road network. The checking process is to be realized with license plate reading cameras for checking the valid vignette of vehicles using that part of the network. However this problem should be defined generally and the methods of obtaining a solution can be applied to a wider range of problems independent of the original problem. This paper defines the link selection problem with directed graph, it shows the NP-hard complexity and it gives a heuristic and binary integer programming models to solve the problem. These two kinds of approaches allow us to examine and qualify the heuristic. The computational results of the methods are compared with different sizes of problems.
Some Recent Progress on Numerical Methods for Controlled Regime-Switching Models with
Applications to Insurance and Risk Management
Authors: Jin Zhuo , Stockbridge Rebecca , Yin George 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
This paper provides a survey
on several numerical approximation schemes for stochastic control
problems that arise from actuarial science and finance. The problems to be considered include
dividend optimization, reinsurance game, and quantile hedging for
guaranteed minimum death benefits. To better
describe the complicated financial markets and their inherent uncertainty and randomness,
the so-called regime-switching models are adopted. Such models are more
realistic and versatile, however, far more complicated to handle.
Due to the complexity of the construction, the regime-switching diffusion systems can only be solved
in very special cases. In general, it is virtually impossible to obtain closed-form solutions.
We use Markov chain approximation techniques to construct discrete-time controlled Markov
chains to approximate the value function and optimal controls.
Examples are presented to illustrate the
applicability of the numerical methods.
On the length of functions of κ-valued logic in the class of polynomial normal forms modulo κ
Authors: Bashov Maksim A. , Selezneva Svetlana N. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractPolynomial normal forms for functions of κ-valued logics (for prime values of κ) are considered. A polynomial normal form modulo κ (p.n.f.) is the sum modulo κ of products of variables, or variables with one or several Post negations, taken with some coefficients. The length of a p.n.f. is the number of distinct terms that appear in the form with nonzero coefficients. If κ is a prime number, then each function of κ-valued logic may be represented by various p.n.f. The length of a function of κ-valued logic in the class of p.n.f. is the minimum length of a p.n.f. representing this function. The Shannon function L
The early detection of anaemia and aetiology prediction through the modelling of red cell distribution width (RDW) in cross-sectional community patient data
Authors: Badrick Tony , Richardson Alice M. , Arnott Ashley , Lidbury Brett A. 
Published: June 2015

Abstract

Background: Red cell distribution width (RDW) is a marker of iron-deficient anaemia that can also assist differentiation of other anaemias. RDW also has been suggested as an effective marker for earlier anaemia detection. The RDW-anaemia relationship was investigated in cross-sectional community patient data, and the capacity of RDW to predict the diagnostic value of second tier anaemia markers assessed.

Methods: Routine and second tier assay data were provided by the laboratory Sullivan Nicolaides Pathology. The cohort was divided into male and female groups stratified by age, and correlation analyses assessed associations of RDW to haemoglobin and ferritin. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was performed for both routine and second tier markers to investigate their significance for RDW prediction.

Results: RDW had statistically significant negative correlation with haemoglobin for both sexes and age ranges (p<0.01). The RDW relationship with serum ferritin was non-linear, representing two populations. ANCOVA showed categorical ferritin as a significant RDW predictor for younger females, with vitamin B12 a significant RDW predictor for older men. Haemoglobin, mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and second tier iron markers (e.g., transferrin) were significant RDW predictors for both sexes and ages investigated. An individual longitudinal female case study showed RDW as very sensitive to haemoglobin decrease, with ferritin not as responsive.

Conclusions: RDW had a significant negative association with haemoglobin in cross-sectional community patient data. ANCOVA showed ferritin as a significant RDW predictor for younger females only. This study confirms the utility of RDW as a marker for early anaemia detection, and useful to accelerated diagnoses of anaemia aetiology.
Blood cell changes in complement activation-related pseudoallergy
Authors: Patkó Zsófia , Szebeni János 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThe characteristic physiological changes in complement (C) activation-related pseudoallergy (CARPA) include thrombocytopenia, leukocytosis and leukopenia with or without compensatory leukocytosis. In the background of these phenomena it is known that anaphylatoxins, the triggers of CARPA, can activate white blood cells (WBCs) and platelets, and that this activation can lead to the binding of these cells to each other and also to capillary endothelial cells, entailing microthrombus formation and circulatory blockage mainly in the pulmonary and coronary microcirculation. These changes are key contributors to the hemodynamic alterations in CARPA, and can lead to anaphylactic shock. The goal of this review was to catalogue the blood cell changes in man and different animals undergoing CARPA and focus on some details of the molecular and cellular interactions among anaphylatoxins, other C activation byproducts, platelets, WBCs (mainly monocytes), macrophages and endothelial cells and these cells’ secretory products during CARPA. By discussing the inhibitors of different steps of the complex interplay between reaction mediators and cell surface receptors, the review might help in identifying possible novel drugs candidates against CARPA.
The long and short of verb alternations in Mauritian Creole and Bantu languages
Authors: van der Wal Jenneke , Veenstra Tonjes 
Published: June 2015

AbstractMauritian Creole displays an alternation between a short and a long form of the verb, which is reminiscent of the conjoint–disjoint alternation found in some eastern Bantu languages. Based on comparison with other French-based creoles and socio-historical evidence, we conclude that the Bantu substrate must have had an impact on the grammatical system of Mauritian Creole. We compare the synchronic properties of the alternations in Mauritian Creole and the most likely substrate Bantu languages of northern Mozambique and examine two possible scenarios for the influence of Bantu on the Mauritian verbal alternation, concluding that probably only the (syntactic) basics of the Bantu alternation motivated the persistence of the alternation in Mauritian Creole.
A Comparison Of K-Means And Fuzzy C-Means Clustering Methods For A Sample Of Gulf Cooperation Council Stock Markets
Authors: Al-Augby Salam , Majewski Sebastian , Majewska Agnieszka , Nermend Kesra 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
The main goal of this article is to compare data-mining clustering methods (k-means and fuzzy
c
-means) based on a sample of banking and energy companies on the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) stock markets. We examined these companies for a pattern that reflected the effect of news on the bank sector’s stocks throughout October, November, and December 2012. Correlation coefficients and
t
-statistics for the good news indicator (GNI) and the bad news indicator (BNI) and financial factors, such as PER, PBV, DY and rate of return, were used as diagnostic variables for the clustering methods.