bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Visual Analysis of Trajectories in Multi‐Dimensional State Spaces
Authors: Grottel S. , Heinrich J. , Weiskopf D. , Gumhold S. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractMulti‐dimensional data originate from many different sources and are relevant for many applications. One specific sub‐type of such data is continuous trajectory data in multi‐dimensional state spaces of complex systems. We adapt the concept of spatially continuous scatterplots and spatially continuous parallel coordinate plots to such trajectory data, leading to continuous‐time scatterplots and continuous‐time parallel coordinates. Together with a temporal heat map representation, we design coordinated views for visual analysis and interactive exploration. We demonstrate the usefulness of our visualization approach for three case studies that cover examples of complex dynamic systems: cyber‐physical systems consisting of heterogeneous sensors and actuators networks (the collection of time‐dependent sensor network data of an exemplary smart home environment), the dynamics of robot arm movement and motion characteristics of humanoids.
Predictive factors for quality of life after tonsillectomy among adults with recurrent pharyngitis: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Koskenkorva T. , Koivunen P. , Läärä E. , Alho O.‐P. 
Published: May 2014

ObjectivesTo assess health‐related quality of life (QoL) and clinical factors predicting it after tonsillectomy among adult patients with recurrent pharyngitis.DesignProspective cohort design.SettingTertiary referral centre.ParticipantsAdults (n = 153) who underwent tonsillectomy for recurrent pharyngitis.Main outcome measuresQoL 6 months after tonsillectomy measured by the Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI). Factors predicting high postoperative QoL were sought using multiple linear regression analysis.ResultsOf the 142 patients (93% of all eligible) responding to the GBI questionnaire, 94 (66%) were female; median age was 26 years (range 14–65). GBI Total Scores varied markedly (range −19 to +69), but on average showed improvement (median +27, interquartile range 18–36), most evidently in the GBI Physical Health Score (median +83), after tonsillectomy. Among routinely recorded clinical characteristics, the number of prior pharyngitis episodes, frequent throat pain, untreated dental caries and chronically infected tonsils made up the optimal subset of factors for predicting the GBI Total Score. However, in a random sample of patients (n = 56) for whom preoperative diary‐based data were also available, somewhat better predictive ability was achieved based on just two diary items: number of days with throat pain and with fever during the preceding few months (correlation coefficient, r, between observed and fitted scores improved from 0.39 to 0.55). Yet, the precision of even these predictions was still quite low.ConclusionsAdult patients with recurrent pharyngitis were on average satisfied after tonsillectomy, regardless of the aetiology of the episodes. Clinical factors rather modestly predicted which patients benefited most from the operation.
Clinical correlates of distorted auditory perception in first‐episode psychosis
Authors: Morenz Rachel , Woolverton Cindy , Frost R. Brock , Kiewel Nicole A. , Breitborde Nicholas J.K. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractAimAuditory hallucinations are hypothesized to be based in distorted sensory perceptions, with increasingly distorted perceptions of reality possibly prompting the first psychotic phase of schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Our goal was to examine the association between distorted auditory perceptions and psychotic symptomatology, social functioning and quality of life among individuals with first‐episode psychosis.MethodsForty individuals with first‐episode psychosis completed assessments of distorted auditory perception, psychotic symptomatology, social functioning and quality of life.ResultsBoth negative (greater symptomatology) and positive clinical correlates (better quality of life) were associated with greater distorted auditory perceptions.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that distorted auditory perceptions are associated with both positive and negative clinical correlates among individuals with first‐episode psychosis. These results highlight the potential clinical importance of balancing the goal of symptomatic reduction with the need to maintain healthy coping strategies that may be biologically and psychologically entwined with the symptoms of psychosis, themselves.
T‐cell receptor gene rearrangement analysis of sequential biopsies in cutaneous T‐cell lymphomas with the Biomed‐2 PCR reveals transient T‐cell clones in addition to the tumor clone
Authors: Humme Daniel , Lukowsky Ansgar , Gierisch Maria , Haider Ahmed , Vandersee Staffan , Assaf Chalid , Sterry Wolfram , Möbs Markus , Beyer Marc 
Published: May 2014

AbstractDetection of a dominant T‐cell clone by T‐cell receptor (TCR) gene rearrangement analysis is often essential for the diagnosis of cutaneous T‐cell lymphomas (CTCL). The occurrence of T‐cell clones in addition to the diagnostic T‐cell clone during the course of CTCL has been reported, but the data of these studies have been contradictory. We retrospectively evaluated the data of 114 lesional skin biopsies from 26 patients with Mycosis fungoides and two patients with primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma, which were analysed with the standardized Biomed‐2 PCR for the TCRγ and TCRβ locus. A dominant T‐cell clone was repetitively detected in 93% (26/28) of patients. Additional T‐cell clones appeared temporarily in 39% (11/28) of patients. Correlation with the clinical data did not show an association of the presence of additional T‐cell clones with age, number of treatments, progression of disease or survival. Our findings demonstrate that a persistent T‐cell clone, most likely the disease causing tumor clone, is detectable in almost all CTCL patients. In addition, transiently appearing T‐cell clones frequently occur during the course of disease. The biological relevance of these additional clones has still to be determined. However, it is important to take the possibility of additional T‐cell clones into account for diagnostic analyses.
An analysis of the digital literacy of people with disabilities in Korea: verification of a moderating effect of gender, education and age
Authors: Park Eun‐Young , Nam Su‐Jung 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThis study compares the digital literacy of people with and without disabilities in Korea, using data from the 2011 Information Divide Index Data of the National Information Society Agency (NIA). We extracted Internet and smart device users from the NIA samples and examined the main effects of disability, gender and age, as well as their interaction effects on Internet and smart device use and production literacy. Of the 1500 public individuals examined, 1190 (79.3%) were Internet users and 535 (35.7%) were smart device users. Of the 5300 with disabilities, 2110 (63.9%) were Internet users and 324 (8.8%) were smart device users. Generalized linear modelling showed significant main effects of disability, gender, age and education on Internet use and production literacy. The disability × age and disability × education interaction effects on Internet use literacy were statistically significant. We also observed a significant disability × age interaction effect on Internet production literacy. However, the main and interaction effects of disability, gender and education on smart device use and production literacy were not significant.
Metastatic breast cancer in young women: a population‐based cohort study to describe risk and prognosis
Authors: Tjokrowidjaja A. , Lee C. K. , Houssami N. , Lord S. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBackgroundThere is limited information on the risk of metastatic breast cancer (MBC) to inform younger women, particularly those under 40 years.AimsWe conducted a retrospective analysis of a population‐based cohort study to describe the risk, site and prognosis of MBC in young women under 40 years with an initial diagnosis of non‐metastatic breast cancer and compared with older women.MethodsData were extracted from the New South Wales Central Cancer Registry and the Admitted Patient Data Collection database between 2001–2007. Main outcome measures were 5‐year cumulative incidence of MBC, prognostic factors for MBC and overall survival (OS) from the date of MBC diagnosis.ResultsThree hundred and ninety‐five (6%) of 6640 women with non‐metastatic BC were <40 years. The 5‐year cumulative incidence of MBC was 24% (95% CI 20–29%) for women <40 years with non‐metastatic BC, compared with 9% (95% CI 9–10%) for women ≥40 years. Significant independent risk factors for MBC ≤ 5 years were age <40, regional disease at diagnosis, low socioeconomic status and the presence of other non‐breast primary. At first record of MBC, visceral sites were more common for women <40 years than ≥40 (54% vs 43%; P = 0.03). Median survival for women with MBC within 5 years was not significantly different between young and older women (<40 years 18 months vs ≥40 years 14 months; log–rank P = 0.21).ConclusionsWomen with non‐metastatic BC before age 40 have a higher 5‐year risk of developing MBC than older women. There were no significant differences in median survival following MBC between young and older women.
A new pollinating seed‐consuming mutualism between Rheum nobile and a fly fungus gnat, Bradysia sp., involving pollinator attraction by a specific floral compound
Authors: Song Bo , Chen Gao , Stöcklin Jürg , Peng De‐Li , Niu Yang , Li Zhi‐Min , Sun Hang 
Published: May 2014

Summary

Pollinating seed‐consuming mutualisms are regarded as exemplary models for studying coevolution, but they are extremely rare. In these systems, olfactory cues have been thought to play an important role in facilitating encounters between partners. We present a new pollinating seed‐consuming mutualism from the high Himalayas between the endemic herb, Rheum nobile, and a fly fungus gnat, Bradysia sp.

Seed production resulting from pollination by Bradysia flies and seed consumption by their larvae were measured to determine the outcome of this interaction. Floral scent analyses and behavioural tests were conducted to investigate the role of olfactory cues in pollinator attraction.

Rheum nobile is self‐compatible, but it depends mainly on Bradysia sp. females for pollination. Seed production resulting from pollination by adult flies is substantially higher than subsequent seed consumption by their larvae. Behavioural tests showed that an unusual floral compound, 2‐methyl butyric acid methyl ester, emitted by plants only during anthesis, was attractive to female flies.

Our results indicate that the R. nobile–Bradysia sp. interaction represents a new pollinating seed‐consuming mutualism, and that a single unusual compound is the specific signal in the floral scent of R. nobile that plays a key role in attracting its pollinator.
New Advances in Protection Against Solar Ultraviolet Radiation in Textiles for Summer Clothing
Authors: Aguilera José , de Gálvez María Victoria , Sánchez‐Roldán Cristina , Herrera‐Ceballos Enrique 
Published: May 2014

AbstractClothing is considered one of the most important tools for photoprotection against harmful solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR). The standard for sun‐protective clothing is based on erythema despite other biological effects ofUVRon the skin. We analyzed the potential protection againstUVRin fabrics destined for summer clothing based on several action spectra. We examined 50 garments classified by type of fabric composition, structure of the fiber yarn and color. The ultraviolet protection factor was calculated based on fabric ultraviolet transmittance corrected for erythema according to theEUstandard E‐13758 as well as theUVAtransmittance of fabrics.UVRprotection was also analyzed in base of different action spectra as for previtamin D3, nonmelanoma skin cancer, photoimmunosuppression and photoaging. Most knitted fabrics used for sports T‐shirts offered excellent ratings for ultraviolet protection while normal shirts showed very low ratings, particularly against photoaging. The cover is the most influential variable in fabric photoprotection, having an exponential relationship with theUPF. The relation between cover andUVAprotection was linearly negative. Information about ultraviolet protection in textiles used for summer clothing should be included in labeling as some types of fabrics, especially those used for shirts, offer very lowUVRprotection.
Higher Order Response-Adaptive Urn Designs for Clinical Trials with Highly Successful Treatments
Authors: Ivanova Anastasia , Hoberman Steven 
Published: May 2014

SummaryWe consider a problem of reducing the expected number of treatment failures in trials where the probability of response to treatment is close to 1 and treatments are compared on the basis of the log-odds ratio. We propose a new class of urn designs for randomization of patients in a clinical trial. The new urn designs target a number of allocation proportions including the allocation proportion that yields the same power as equal allocation but significantly less expected treatment failures. The new design is compared with the doubly adaptive biased coin design, the efficient randomized adaptive design and with equal allocation. The properties of the new class of designs are studied by embedding them in a family of continuous time stochastic processes.
School Choice in London and Paris – A Comparison of Middle‐class Strategies
Authors: Benson Michaela , Bridge Gary , Wilson Deborah 
Published: May 2014

AbstractEducation is one major public service in which quasi‐markets and other choice‐based mechanisms are now established methods of delivery. The types of school people choose, and the extent to which their choices are realized, have a fundamental impact on the outcomes of any mechanism of school choice. In this article, we provide a comparative analysis of the school choice strategies of middle‐class families inLondon andParis. We draw on approximately 200 in‐depth interviews carried out across the two cities. This enables us to investigate the extent to which middle‐class school choice strategies transcend the institutional context provided by both the local (state and private) schools market and national education policy inEngland andFrance. We discuss these findings in the context of current school choice policy and consider their implications for future policy design.
Reliability and validity of two in vivo measurements for skin surface topography in aged adults
Authors: Trojahn C. , Schario M. , Dobos G. , Blume‐Peytavi U. , Kottner J. 
Published: May 2014

BackgroundThe non‐contact optical methods phaseshift rapid in vivo measurement of skin (PRIMOS) and surface evaluation of living skin (SELS) are widely applied for measuring skin surface topography. The aims of the present study were to evaluate reliability and validity of these methods and to compare skin roughness intraindividually.MethodsSELS and PRIMOS measurements were performed on four skin areas of the left and right volar forearms in 12 healthy elderly subjects. Reliability and correlations were analyzed for Visioscan® and PRIMOS roughness parameters. Student's t‐tests for estimating differences between contralateral volar forearm sites were applied.ResultsICC coefficients of the Visioscan® roughness estimates ranged between 0.50 and 0.95 and of the PRIMOS measurements between 0.01 and 1.00. The Visioscan® parameters SEr, SEsm, Rmax, and Rz, and the PRIMOS parameters Ra, Rz, Smax, Wt, and Sz showed most significant correlations with each other and to additional roughness parameters. Mean roughness differences between contralateral forearm skin areas ranged between 0.0 (SEsc) and 6.7 (Rmax).ConclusionsThe Visioscan® parameters SEr, Rmax, and Rz showed most reliable and valid values and were largely comparable on contralateral forearm skin sites in elderly subjects. Rmax, Rz, and Ra should be preferred for measuring skin surface topography with PRIMOS.
Isolation of bacterial skin flora of healthy sheep, with comparison between frequent and minimal human handling
Authors: Haarstad Amy C. , Eisenschenk Melissa C. , Heinrich Nicole A. , Weese J. Scott , McKeever Patrick J. 
Published: May 2014

BackgroundFew data are available regarding skin bacterial flora of healthy sheep and meticillin‐resistant Staphylococcus carriage.Hypothesis/ObjectivesTo compare skin, ear and mucosal bacterial populations between minimally and frequently handled sheep; to determine whether the frequency of meticillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus varied between groups.AnimalsOne hundred and three healthy feedlot and show sheep from eight farms.MethodsSwabs were collected from the dorsum, right ear and right nostril of each sheep. Two groups from each farm were evaluated, except from one farm, which had only one group. Bacterial isolates were identified to the genus or species level using phenotypic analysis or matrix‐associated laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing and spa typing were performed on isolates of S. aureus.ResultsSixteen bacterial genera were identified and 11 staphylococcal species, including S. aureus. The skin and mucosal bacterial flora were compared between the groups. The only statistically significant difference in bacteria was Streptococcus spp. on the dorsum (P = 0.0088), with carriage being more common in frequently handled sheep. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing did not find meticillin‐resistant S. aureus. There was no significant difference in S. aureus carriage in the ear (P = 0.33), nostril (P = 0.43) or dorsum (P = 0.053) between frequently and minimally handled sheep. The S. aureus isolates belonged to six different spa types. Three were of the ST398 lineage.Conclusions and clinical importanceSheep are a potential source of livestock‐associated meticillin‐sensitive Staphylococcus aureus ST398.
Effects of ubiquinol with fluid resuscitation following haemorrhagic shock on rat lungs, diaphragm, heart and kidneys
Authors: Bennetts Paul , Shen Qiuhua , Thimmesch Amanda R. , Diaz Francisco J. , Clancy Richard L. , Pierce Janet D. 
Published: May 2014

New Findings
What is the central question of this study?
What are the effects of administering ubiquinol (reduced form of co‐enzyme Q10) following haemorrhagic shock on leucocyte mitochondrial superoxide, diaphragmatic hydrogen peroxide concentration and apoptosis in the lungs, diaphragm, heart and kidneys?
What is the main finding and its importance?
The administration of ubiquinol attenuated damage to the lungs, diaphragm, heart and kidneys following haemorrhagic shock and fluid resuscitation. Leucocyte mitochondrial superoxide was reduced, while hydrogen peroxide and apoptosis in the diaphragm decreased, as did apoptosis in the lungs, heart and kidneys. These findings suggest that ubiquinol could be a potential antioxidant used to reduce the reperfusion injury following haemorrhagic shock.
Haemorrhagic shock (HS) and fluid resuscitation can lead to increased reactive oxygen species (ROS), contributing to ischaemia–reperfusion injury and organ damage. Ubiquinol is a potent antioxidant that decreases ROS. This study examined the effects of ubiquinol administered with fluid resuscitation following controlled HS. Adult male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly assigned to treatment [ubiquinol, 1 mg (100 g body weight)−1] or control groups. Rats were subjected to 60 min of HS by removing 40% of the total blood volume to a mean arterial pressure ∼45–55 mmHg. The animals were resuscitated with blood and lactated Ringer solution, with or without ubiquinol, and monitored for 120 min. At the end of the experiments, the rats were killed and the lungs, diaphragm, heart and kidneys harvested. Leucocytes were analysed for mitochondrial superoxide at baseline, end of shock and 120 min following fluid resuscitation using MitoSOX Red. Diaphragms were examined for hydrogen peroxide using dihydrofluorescein diacetate and confocal microscopy. The apoptosis in lungs, diaphragm, heart and kidneys was measured using fluorescence microscopy with acridine orange and ethidium bromide. Leucocyte mitochondrial superoxide levels were significantly lower in rats that received ubiquinol than in the control animals. Production of hydrogen peroxide and apoptosis were significantly reduced in the organs of rats treated with ubiquinol. These findings suggest that ubiquinol, administered with fluid resuscitation after HS, attenuates ROS production and apoptosis. Thus, ubiquinol is a potent antioxidant that may be used as a potential treatment to reduce organ injury following haemorrhagic events.
Joint hypermobility syndrome subclassification in paediatrics: a factor analytic approach
Authors: Pacey Verity , Adams Roger D , Tofts Louise , Munns Craig F , Nicholson Leslie L 
Published: May 2014

ObjectiveTo determine if exploratory factor analysis can identify subtypes comprising recognisable clinical patterns of the presenting signs and symptoms of children with joint hypermobility syndrome (JHS).PatientsEighty-nine children with JHS aged 6–16 years.MethodsTwelve tests comprising anthropometric, musculoskeletal and functional assessments were conducted. Signs, symptoms and family history were recorded. Exploratory factor analysis was performed, factor scores generated, and correlations calculated to identify associations.ResultsSixty-six percent of the variance in the score set could be accounted for by five JHS subtypes (Eigenvalues >1). Factor 1, ‘joint affected’ JHS, had loadings on multiple joint pain, recurrent joint instability and postural orthostatic hypotension symptoms, and factor scores were associated with worse pain (r=0.48, p<0.01), fatigue (r=−0.54, p<0.01) and reduced health-related quality of life (HRQOL) (r=−0.5, p<0.01). Factor 2, ‘athletic’ JHS, loaded on muscle endurance, balance and motor skill proficiency, and scores were associated with less fatigue (r=0.3, p<0.01) and better HRQOL (r=0.44, p<0.01). Factor 3, ‘systemic’ JHS, loaded on skin involvement, incontinence symptoms, bowel involvement and recurrent joint instability, and was associated with reduced HRQOL (r=−0.24, p=0.03). Factor 4, ‘soft tissue affected’ JHS, loaded on recurrent soft tissue injuries and reduced muscle length, and was associated with greater fatigue (r=−0.43, p<0.01) and reduced HRQOL (r=−0.44, p<0.0001). Factor 5, ‘high BMI’ JHS, had high loadings on body mass index (BMI) for age, muscle endurance and no gastrointestinal involvement, and was associated with higher pain (r=0.33, p<0.01).ConclusionsThe presenting signs and symptoms of children with JHS can be summarised in five clinically recognisable subtypes.