bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An improved border detection in dermoscopy images for density based clustering
Authors: Suer Sait , Kockara Sinan , Mete Mutlu 
Published: October 2011

Abstract

Background
Dermoscopy is one of the major imaging modalities used in the diagnosis of melanoma and other pigmented skin lesions. In current practice, dermatologists determine lesion area by manually drawing lesion borders. Therefore, automated assessment tools for dermoscopy images have become an important research field mainly because of inter- and intra-observer variations in human interpretation. One of the most important steps in dermoscopy image analysis is automated detection of lesion borders. To our knowledge, in our 2010 study we achieved one of the highest accuracy rates in the automated lesion border detection field by using modified density based clustering algorithm. In the previous study, we proposed a novel method which removes redundant computations in well-known spatial density based clustering algorithm, DBSCAN; thus, in turn it speeds up clustering process considerably.

Findings
Our previous study was heavily dependent on the pre-processing step which creates a binary image from original image. In this study, we embed a new distance measure to the existing algorithm. This provides twofold benefits. First, since new approach removes pre-processing step, it directly works on color images instead of binary ones. Thus, very important color information is not lost. Second, accuracy of delineated lesion borders is improved on 75% of 100 dermoscopy image dataset.

Conclusion
Previous and improved methods are tested within the same dermoscopy dataset along with the same set of dermatologist drawn ground truth images. Results revealed that the improved method directly works on color images without any pre-processing and generates more accurate results than existing method.
Social health assistance schemes: the case of Medical Financial Assistance for the rural poor in four counties of China
Authors: Ma Xiao , Zhang Juying , Meessen Bruno , Decoster Kristof , Tang Xiaohui , Yang Yang , Ren Xiaohui 
Published: October 2011

Abstract

Background
Economic transition which took place in China over the last three decades, has led to a rapid marketization of the health care sector. Today inequity in health and poverty resulting from major illness has become a serious problem in rural areas of China. Medical Financial Assistance (MFA) is a health assistance scheme that helps rural poor people cope with major illness and alleviate their financial burden from major illness, which will definitely play a significant role in the process of rebuilding Chinese new rural health system. It mainly provides assistance to cover medical expenditure for inpatient services or the treatment of major illnesses, with joint funding from the central and local government. The purpose of this paper is to review the design, funding, implementation and to explore the preliminary effects of four counties' MFA in Hubei and Sichuan province of China.

Methods
We used an analytical framework built around the main objective of any social assistance scheme. The framework contains six 'targeting' procedural 'steps' which may explain why a specific group does not receive the assistance it ought to receive. More specifically, we explored to what extent the targeting, a key component of social assistance programs, is successful, based on the qualitative and quantitative data collected from four representative counties in central and western China.

Results
In the study sites, the budget of MFA ranged from 0.8 million Yuan to 1.646 million Yuan in each county and the budget per eligible person ranged from 32.67 Yuan to 149.09 Yuan. The preliminary effects of MFA were quite modest because of the scarcity of funds dedicated to the scheme. The coverage rate of MFA ranged from 17.8% to 24.1% among the four counties. MFA in the four counties used several ways to ration a restricted budget and provided only limited assistance. Substantial problems remained in terms of eligibility and identification of the beneficiaries, utilization and management of funds.

Conclusions
MFA needs to be improved further although it evidences the concern of the government for the poor rural people with major illness. Some ideas on how to improve MFA are put forward for future policy making.
Identification of protein-RNA interaction sites using the information of spatial adjacent residues
Authors: Chen Wei , Zhang Shao-Wu , Cheng Yong-Mei , Pan Quan 
Published: October 2011

Abstract

Background
Protein-RNA interactions play an important role in numbers of fundamental cellular processes such as RNA splicing, transport and translation, protein synthesis and certain RNA-mediated enzymatic processes. The more knowledge of Protein-RNA recognition can not only help to understand the regulatory mechanism, the site-directed mutagenesis and regulation of RNA–protein complexes in biological systems, but also have a vitally effecting for rational drug design.

Results
Based on the information of spatial adjacent residues, novel feature extraction methods were proposed to predict protein-RNA interaction sites with SVM-KNN classifier. The total accuracies of spatial adjacent residue profile feature and spatial adjacent residues weighted accessibility solvent area feature are 78%, 67.07% respectively in 5-fold cross-validation test, which are 1.4%, 3.79% higher than that of sequence neighbour residue profile feature and sequence neighbour residue accessibility solvent area feature.

Conclusions
The results indicate that the performance of feature extraction method using the spatial adjacent information is superior to the sequence neighbour information approach. The performance of SVM-KNN classifier is little better than that of SVM. The feature extraction method of spatial adjacent information with SVM-KNN is very effective for identifying protein-RNA interaction sites and may at least play a complimentary role to the existing methods.
The mouseinterleukin (Il)33gene is expressed in a cell type- and stimulus-dependent manner from two alternative promoters
Authors: Talabot-Ayer Dominique , Calo Nicolas , Vigne Solenne , Lamacchia Céline , Gabay Cem , Palmer Gaby 
Published: October 2011

ABSTRACTGenBank entries for mouse Il33 reveal the existence of two transcripts, Il33a and Il33b, with different 5′UTRs but coding for the same protein. We investigated expression of these transcripts in different mouse organs and cell types in basal and inflammatory conditions. Il33a and Il33b mRNAs start with different noncoding first exons, transcribed from different promoter regions, which both contain a consensus TATA-like sequence. Constitutive Il33a mRNA expression was detected in mouse stomach, lung, spleen, and brain, whereas basal Il33b mRNA expression was observed only in the stomach. Expression of both transcripts increased after systemic LPS administration. In vitro, we observed high constitutive expression of Il33 transcripts in MEFs. Constitutive Il33a mRNA expression was observed also in BMDCs, where it was preferentially increased in response to poly(I:C), whereas LPS increased levels of Il33a and Il33b mRNA. In contrast, BMMs and Raw 264.7 cells did not express Il33 mRNA constitutively, and LPS stimulation selectively induced expression of Il33b mRNA in these cells. Our data indicate that the Il33 gene is expressed from two alternative promoters in the mouse and that the relative expression of Il33a and Il33b transcripts is cell type- and stimulus-dependent.
Making Indigenous Archives: The Quilcaycamayoc of Colonial Cuzco
Authors: Burns Kathryn 
Published: October 2011

Abstract
We are rapidly revising Angel Rama’s concept of the “lettered city” (la ciudad letrada) to include indigenous writers and their texts. So far, however, Andeanists have focused mainly on those who wrote in Quechua or used quipu, a distinctively Andean form of record keeping. This article argues the importance of including indigenous writers who wrote in Spanish, particularly native Andean notaries (escribanos de cabildo).
Viceroy Francisco de Toledo ordered such notaries into existence in the 1570s as part of his ordinances concerning Indians. One of Felipe Guaman Poma de Ayala’s most widely reproduced drawings depicts this very figure. He is labeled both “escribano de cabildo” and “quilcaycamayoc” (paper keeper), suggesting a possible connection between these writers and the quipucamayoc who kept Andean quipu archives.
Burns uses evidence from the Cuzco region to flesh out these men’s activities, examine the archives they made, and raise questions about their connections to quipu literacy. Andean notaries are presented as a kind of double-edged sword — as crucial intermediaries vis-à-vis the Spanish colonial bureaucracy who might work both for and against their communities’ interests. The archival traces of this Andean notariate oblige us to rethink our notion of the “lettered city” as an urban phenomenon centered exclusively on elite Spaniards.
MDCT findings in sports and recreational accidents
Authors: Bensch Frank V , Koivikko Mika P , Koskinen Seppo K 
Published: October 2011

Background Sports and recreational accidents involving critical areas of the body occur commonly in the general population. Reports on their demographics and recommendations for screening procedures are, however, few. Purpose To assess injuries of the craniofacial area, spine, and torso resulting from sports and recreational accidents with multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) as primary imaging method in a Level I trauma center. Material and Methods All emergency room CT requests over a time span of 105 months were reviewed retrospectively for trauma mechanism and injury. Patients were identified using an electronic picture archiving and communications system (PACS), and MDCT studies interpreted by two radiologists independently. Results Of a total of 5898 patients, 492 patients (301 boys/men, 191 girls/women, age range 2–76 years, mean 33.5 years, median 29.5 years) with sports or recreational accidents emerged. A total of 102 traumatic findings were diagnosed, thereof 72 (71%) serious. The three most commonly encountered serious injuries were intracranial injury, fractures of facial bones, and vertebral injuries. The three most common injury mechanisms were bicycling, horseback riding, and team ball sports. Patients from recreational activities were on average significantly younger (29.2 years) than those from sports accidents (36.9 years; P < 0.001). Only age groups <21 years and 41–50 years differed in injury severity from the other age groups ( P = 0.004 and P = 0.063, respectively). Of all trauma mechanisms, only bicycling had a significantly increased risk of injury ( P < 0.001). Conclusion Injuries in sports and recreational accidents presented with an overall incidence of 21%, of which 71% are serious. The most common mechanisms of injury were bicycling, horseback riding, and team ball sports. The largest incidence of serious injury involved bicycling. Because of the high probability of a serious injury and the high energies that are often involved in these accidents, we recommend ruling out of internal injury by MDCT as the primary imaging modality.
Presenting a practical model for governmental political mapping on road traffic injuries in Iran in 2008: a qualitative study
Authors: Ainy E , Soori Hamid , Mahfozphoor S , Movahedinejad AA 
Published: October 2011

Objectives This study was conducted to assess political mapping in relation to road traffic injuries (RTIs) management and prevention to present a practical model for RTIs. Design A phenomenological qualitative study was developed to identify stakeholders on RTI in Iran in 2008. Setting The designed questions were discussed by systematic discussion with the relevant specialists. After receiving written consent from the main responsible stakeholders, the questionnaire was filled in by trained experts. Themes were determined and content was analysed in each part. Participants Main responsible stakeholders. Main outcome measures By comparing other countries' political mappings which were found in the library and by Internet searching, political mapping of RTI in Iran was suggested. Results Subjects were 26 experts from governmental and nongovernmental organizations. The main proposed leading agencies were traffic police and presidency (13% each). Findings showed that only 31% of our political mapping was formed according to the World Health Organization (WHO). In 94% of cases, the involved organizations had unspecified roles; the reason was poor monitoring for RTI in 39% of organizations. Lack of adequate authority and suitable legislation, appropriate laws and tasks definition were 94% and 18%, respectively. The most essential policy to overcome problems was defined as appropriate legislation (21%), and the most frequent type of support needed was mentioned as adequate budgeting (25%). Conclusion Traffic police can play the leading agency role by government support, with strong leadership, appropriate legislation, defined tasks and adequate budget.
9p21 and the Genetic Revolution for Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Roberts Robert , Stewart Alexandre F R 
Published: October 2011

Abstract

BACKGROUND
It has long been recognized that 50% of the susceptibility for coronary artery disease (CAD) is due to predisposing genetic factors. Comprehensive prevention is likely to require knowledge of these genetic factors.

CONTENT
Using a genomewide association study (GWAS), the Ottawa Heart Genomic Study and the deCODE group simultaneously identified the first genetic risk variant, at chromosome 9p21. The 9p21 variant became the first risk factor to be identified since 1964. 9p21 occurs in 75% of the population except for African Americans and is associated with a 25% increased risk for CAD with 1 copy and a 50% increased risk with 2 copies. Perhaps the most remarkable finding is that 9p21 is independent of all known risk factors, indicating there are factors contributing to the pathogenesis of CAD that are yet unknown. 9p21 in individuals with premature CAD is associated with a 2-fold increase in risk, similar to that of smoking and cholesterol. Routine genetic testing will probably remain controversial until a specific treatment is developed. Over a period of 5 years, however, GWASs have identified 30 genetic variants for CAD risk, of which only 6 act through the known risk factors.

SUMMARY
The 9p21 variant has now been established as an independent risk factor for CAD and, along with the additional 29 risk genetic variants recently identified, is likely to provide the thrust for genetic testing and personalized medicine in the near future.
Studies on hydrolytic and radiolytic stability ofN,N,N´,N´-tetra-(2-ethylhexyl) thiodiglycolamide T(2EH)TDGA
Authors: Ruhela R. , Sharma J. N. , Tomar B. S. , Singh K. K. , Kumar M. , Bajaj P. N. , Hubli R. C. , Suri A. K. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractHydrolytic and radiolytic stability of T(2EH)TDGA solvent system has been investigated to establish its application in separation and recovery of palladium from High Level Liquid Waste (HLW) solutions. Hydrolysis of T(2EH)TDGA solvent system with nitric acid was not observed. Moreover, unlike other “S” donor extractants used for the said purpose, the oxidation of thioetheric sulphur to sulphoxide or sulphones was also not observed. However, radiolytic degradation was notably observed and found to increase with increase in absorbed dose.n-dodecane was found to sensitize the degradation of T(2EH)TDGA. At gamma radiation dose of 0.2 MGy, no significant loss of T(2EH)TDGA was observed. The degradation products were identified by GC-MS. The major products were found to be formed by cleavage of thioetheric and amidic bonds of T(2EH)TDGA molecule. The extraction studies of palladium with irradiated solvent indicate that with 0.025 M T(2EH)TDGA/n-dodecane, there was no significant change inDPdup to an absorbed dose of 0.2 MGy above which it decreases significantly. However, with 0.05 M T(2EH)TDGA/n-dodecane, there is gradual decrease inDPdwith increase of absorbed dose. Further, the radiolysis does not affect the stripping behavior of palladium. Extraction studies of Pd(II) and other fission products from simulated high level liquid waste (SHLW) solutions to irradiated solvent system showed that, except palladium, any other element is hardly extracted thus retaining its remarkable selectivity.
Investigation of direct production of 68Ga with low energy multiparticle accelerator
Authors: Szelecsényi Ferenc , Kovács Zoltán , Nagatsu K. , Fukumura K. , Suzuki K. , Mukai K. 
Published: October 2011

Abstract
Experimentally measured cross sections are presented for the natCu(α, xn)66,67,68Ga and 68Zn(p, xn)67,68Ga nuclear processes up to 36 and 20 MeV, respectively. Based on these results and the reliable cross section data available in the literature, the possible thick target yields were also calculated. Two different 68Ga production routes (Cu+α and Zn+p) are discussed in detail, especially with regard to the 66Ga and 67Ga contamination levels as a function of the target enrichment level and the incident bombarding energies. Both processes can be used for in-house 68Ga production with low (<1%) 66Ga and/or 67Ga EOB contamination using enriched 68Zn (>80%) or 65Cu (>95%) target. The maximum available yield on 100% enriched 68Zn and 65Cu (irradiation time: 2.25 h; bombarding energy: Ep=20 MeV and E
α
=18 MeV) is 352.45 mCi/μA (13.04 GBq/μA) and 14.28 mCi/μA (528.36 MBq/μA), respectively.
Relative Dating of the Rhetoric to Alexander and Aristotle's Rhetoric: A Methodology and Hypothesis
Authors: Chiron Pierre 
Published: October 2011

Les données externes permettent de situer la Rh. Al. entre 340 et 300, tandis que la Rhétorique émane probablement de plusieurs périodes de la carrière d'Aristote, dont la période académique (années 350) et le second séjour à Athènes (années 330). Ces données font supposer une composition ≪en sandwich≫ et donc des influences réciproques.
Le problème est de localiser précisément les similitudes entre les deux traités, de déterminer le sens de l'influence et de discriminer les influences réciproques d'une commune dépendance par rapport à un ou plusieurs même(s) modèle(s). Nous proposons ici un cadre méthodologique pour ce type d'investigation.
A Novel Mixed‐Type Stem Cell Pellet for Cementum/Periodontal Ligament–Like Complex
Authors: Xie Han , Liu Hongwei 
Published: October 2011

Background: Functional tissue regeneration underscores the construction of favorable extracellular matrix environment and neovascularization. In this study, we propose a mixed‐type stem cell–pellet cultivation system for human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs) to recreate a favorable regeneration microenvironment.Methods: The hPDLSCs were cocultured with human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMMSCs) and mixed by osteoinduced ceramic bovine bone (CBB) powder as a mixed‐type stem cell sheet. The influence of osteoinduced CBB on hPDLSCs was analyzed by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and osteogenic differentiation assays. The effects of hBMMSCs on hPDLSCs were estimated by proliferating cell nuclear antigen, ALP, real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, and Western blot assays. The mixed‐cell sheet was the preliminary observations in vitro that laid the foundation for additional implantation. After the cells were detached, the mixed‐type sheet spontaneously contracted to produce a mixed‐type stem cell pellet, which was transplanted into immunocompromised mice.Results: In vitro, the results showed that osteoinduced CBB could upregulate ALP activity and accelerate mineralization of hPDLSCs. When the hPDLSCs were cocultured with hBMMSCs, the ALP activity and proliferation kinetics were upregulated and also indicated in the expression of collagen I, osteocalcin, and vascular endothelial growth factor. It was found that, in vivo, the mixed‐type hPDLSC pellets support cementum/periodontal ligament (PDL)–like tissue regeneration with neovascularization.Conclusions: These results suggest that the mixed‐type hPDLSC pellet could mimic the microenvironment of PDL and enhance the reconstruction of physiologic architecture of a dental cementum/PDL‐like complex. This tissue mimicking may also be a promising alternative to promote periodontal defect repair for additional clinical applications.
Correction of Hypophosphatasia‐Associated Mineralization Deficiencies In Vitro by Phosphate/Pyrophosphate Modulation in Periodontal Ligament Cells
Authors: Rodrigues Thaisângela L. , Foster Brian L. , Silverio Karina G. , Martins Luciane , Casati Marcio Z. , Sallum Enilson A. , Somerman Martha J. , Nociti Francisco H. 
Published: October 2011

Background: Mutations in the liver/bone/kidney alkaline phosphatase (ALPL) gene in hypophosphatasia (HPP) reduce the function of tissue non‐specific alkaline phosphatase (ALP), resulting in increased pyrophosphate (PPi) and a severe deficiency in acellular cementum. We hypothesize that exogenous phosphate (Pi) would rescue the in vitro mineralization capacity of periodontal ligament (PDL) cells harvested from HPP‐diagnosed patients, by correcting the Pi/PPi ratio and modulating expression of genes involved with Pi/PPi metabolism.Methods: Ex vivo and in vitro analyses were used to identify mechanisms involved in HPP‐associated PDL/tooth root deficiencies. Constitutive expression of PPi‐associated genes was contrasted in PDL versus pulp tissues obtained from healthy individuals. Primary PDL cell cultures from patients with HPP (monozygotic twin males) were established to assay ALP activity, in vitro mineralization, and gene expression. Exogenous Pi was provided to correct the Pi/PPi ratio.Results: PDL tissues obtained from healthy individuals featured higher basal expression of key PPi regulators, genes ALPL, progressive ankylosis protein (ANKH), and ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase 1 (ENPP1), versus paired pulp tissues. A novel ALPL mutation was identified in the twin patients with HPP enrolled in this study. Compared to controls, HPP‐PDL cells exhibited significantly reduced ALP and mineralizing capacity, which were rescued by addition of 1 mM Pi. Dysregulated expression of PPi regulatory genes ALPL, ANKH, and ENPP1 was also corrected by adding Pi, although other matrix markers evaluated in our study remained downregulated.Conclusion: These findings underscore the importance of controlling the Pi/PPi ratio toward development of a functional periodontal apparatus and support Pi/PPi imbalance as the etiology of HPP‐associated cementum defects.