bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Production Forecasting of Taiwan's Technology Industrial Cluster: A Bayesian Autoregression Approach
Authors: Lee Jack C. , Wang Chi‐Hsiu , Hsu Po‐Hsuan , Lai Hsien‐Che 
Published: September 2010

AbstractThis study proposes a forecasting method that combines the clustering effect and non‐informative diffuse‐prior Bayesian vector autoregression (NDBVAR) model to forecast the productions of technology industries. Two empirical cases are examined to verify the proposed method: the semiconductor industry and computer manufacturing industry in Taiwan. It is found that the NDBVAR model outperforms the other three conventional time series models including the autoregression (AR), vector autoregression (VAR), and Litterman Bayesian VAR (LBVAR) models. Moreover, the NDBVAR model also outperforms the forecast reports from leading market information providers over the past several years. The forecasting method proposed is therefore concluded to be a feasible approach for production prediction, especially for technology industries in volatile environments.RésuméLa présente étude propose une méthode prévisionnelle qui combine les effets de regroupement et le non‐informative diffuse‐prior Bayesian vector autoregression model (NDBVAR) pour prévoir les productions des industries de technologie. Pour évaluer la méthode proposée, l'étude examine deux cas empiriques: les industries taiwanaises du semiconducteur et de fabrication d'ordinateur. Elle révèle que le modèle NDBVAR est plus performant que les trois modèles conventionnels en série chronologique notamment le modèle d'autoregression (AR), le modèle de vecteur d'autoregression (VAR), et le modèle Litterman Bayesian (LBVAR). L'étude montre aussi qu'au cours des dernières années, les modèles NDBVAR ont été plus performants que les rapports prévisionnels des prestataires d'informations qui dominent le marché. Elle débouche sur la constatation que la méthode prévisionnelle proposée est une approche réalisable pour la prévision de la production, en particulier pour les industries de la technologie dans un environnement volatile.
Phase II Study of Daily Sunitinib in FDG-PET–Positive, Iodine-Refractory Differentiated Thyroid Cancer and Metastatic Medullary Carcinoma of the Thyroid with Functional Imaging Correlation
Authors: Carr Laurie L. , Mankoff David A. , Goulart Bernardo H. , Eaton Keith D. , Capell Peter T. , Kell Elizabeth M. , Bauman Julie E. , Martins Renato G. 
Published: September 2010

Abstract
Purpose: We conducted a phase II study to assess the efficacy of continuous dosing of sunitinib in patients with flurodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET)–avid, iodine-refractory well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma (WDTC) and medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) and to assess for early response per FDG-PET.
Experimental Design: Patients had metastatic, iodine-refractory WDTC or MTC with FDG-PET–avid disease. Sunitinib was administered at 37.5 mg daily on a continuous basis. The primary end point was response rate per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST). Secondary end points included toxicity, overall survival, and time to progression. We conducted an exploratory analysis of FDG-PET response after 7 days of treatment.
Results: Thirty-five patients were enrolled (7 MTC, 28 WDTC), and 33 patients were evaluable for disease response. The primary end point, objective response rate per RECIST, was 11 patients (31%; 95% confidence interval, 16-47%). There were 1 complete response (3%), 10 partial responses (28%), and 16 patients (46%) with stable disease. Progressive disease was seen in 6 patients (17%). The median time to progression was 12.8 months (95% confidence interval, 8.9 months-not reached). Repeat FDG-PET was done on 22 patients. The median percent change in average standardized uptake values was −11.7%, −13.9%, and 8.6% for patients with RECIST response, stable disease, and progressive disease, respectively. Differences between response categories were statistically significant (P = 0.03). The most common toxicities seen included fatigue (11%), neutropenia (34%), hand/foot syndrome (17%), diarrhea (17%), and leukopenia (31%). One patient on anticoagulation died of gastrointestinal bleeding.
Conclusion: Continuous administration of sunitinib was effective in patients with iodine-refractory WDTC and MTC. Further study is warranted. Clin Cancer Res; 16(21); 5260–8. ©2010 AACR.
Changes in Mitral Annular Geometry and Dynamics With β-Blockade in Patients With Degenerative Mitral Valve Disease
Authors: Ennis Daniel B. , Rudd-Barnard Gabriel R. , Li Bo , Fonseca Carissa G. , Young Alistair A. , Cowan Brett R. , Stewart Ralph A.H. 
Published: September 2010

Background—
Remodeling of the mitral annulus contributes to progression of mitral regurgitation (MR). In patients with moderate-to-severe MR, short-term treatment with β-blockers has been shown to increase left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic and end-systolic volume, and this could deleteriously increase mitral valve annular dimensions. The objective of this study was to quantify the effects of a short duration of β-blocker treatment on mitral annular dimensions and dynamics in patients with MR due to primary degenerative valve disease.

Methods and Results—

Twenty-five patients with moderate-to-severe degenerative MR and normal LV systolic function were studied in a double-blind crossover experiment using a β1-selective adrenergic blocker and placebo administered for 14±3 days. Cardiac MRI images were acquired after each treatment period to quantify mitral annular dimensions. At end diastole, there was no change in annular area (1659±331 versus 1632±299 mm
2
;
P
<0.19), annular perimeter (154.3±16.4 versus 152±13.9 mm;
P
<0.13), septal-lateral (SL) dimension (38.0±5 versus 39.0±4.5 mm;
P
<0.15), or annular height (9.8±3.8 versus 9.5±2.5 mm;
P
<0.53). β-blockade resulted in significant end-diastole decreases in commissure-commissure dimension (48.9±4.6 versus 47.2±4.0 mm;
P
<0.01) and eccentricity (1.3±0.2 versus 1.2±0.1;
P
<0.01). At end systole (ES), β-blockade conferred a small, but significant decrease in annular perimeter (161.0±19.3 versus 156.8±16.9 mm;
P
<0.04) and eccentricity (1.2±0.1 versus 1.1±0.1;
P
<0.02), and the SL dimension significantly increased (41.5±5.7 versus 43.0±5.3 mm;
P
<0.03). Commissure-commissure dimension, annular area, and annular height at ES were not significantly different.

Conclusions—
Despite significant increases in LV end-diastolic and end-systolic volume, short-term β-blocker treatment of patients with moderate-to-severe MR reduced or preserved all mitral annular dimensions except SL at ES.
The Involvement of Posterior Parietal Cortex in Feature and Conjunction Visuomotor Search
Authors: Lane Alison R. , Smith Daniel T. , Schenk Thomas , Ellison Amanda 
Published: September 2010

Abstract
Successful interaction with the environment often involves the identification and localization of an item. Right posterior parietal cortex (rPPC) is necessary for the completion of conjunction but not feature visual search, regardless of the attentional requirements. One account for this dissociation is that the rPPC is primarily involved in processing spatial information. For target identification, conjunction tasks require that spatial information is used to determine if features occur at the same location, whereas feature search does not require such a process. This account suggests that if the requirement to localize the target is made explicit, then rPPC may also be necessary for feature search. This was examined using TMS and by manipulating the response mode: Participants were either required to press a button indicating the presence/absence of the target or else had to point to the target. TMS over rPPC did not disrupt performance of the feature task when a button press was required but significantly increased response time and movement time for the same task in the pointing condition. Conjunction search in both response conditions was significantly impaired by TMS. Performance on a task that required pointing to a target in the absence of distractors and thus did not involve visual search was unaffected by rPPC stimulation. We conclude that rPPC is involved in coding and representing spatial information and is therefore crucial when the task requires determining whether two features spatially co-occur or when search is combined with explicit target localization via a visuomotor transformation.
Causal Role of the Sensorimotor Cortex in Action Simulation: Neuropsychological Evidence
Authors: Tomasino Barbara , Skrap Miran , Rumiati Raffaella Ida 
Published: September 2010

Abstract
Interest in sensorimotor cortex involvement in higher cognitive functions has recently been revived, although whether the cortex actually contributes to the simulation of body part movements has not yet been established. Neurosurgical patients with selective lesions to the hand sensorimotor representation offer a unique opportunity to demonstrate that the sensorimotor cortex plays a causal role in hand action simulations. Patients with damage to hand representation showed a selective deficit in simulating hand movements compared with object movements (Experiment 1). This deficit extended to objects when the patients imagined moving them with their own hands while maintaining the ability to visualize them rotating in space (Experiment 2). The data provide conclusive evidence for a causal role of the sensorimotor cortex in the continuous update of sensorimotor representations while individuals mentally simulate motor acts.
Ciliary ganglioplegic migraine: Migraine-related prolonged mydriasis
Authors: Barriga FJ , de Silanes C López , Gili P , Pareja JA 
Published: September 2010

Background: Transient, unilateral mydriasis has been reported in migraine patients, and this has been regarded as a possible co-morbidity between migraine and Adie’s tonic pupil. Mydriasis that outlasts the duration of migraine attacks is rare. Methods: Through an eight-year period we have studied all patients referred to our neurological clinic because of migraine attack with mydriasis. All the patients underwent thorough neurologic and ophthalmologic examinations including MRI of the brain and testing of the pupil response to ocular instillation of dilute pilocarpine (0.125%). Results: Seven women and two men, with a mean age of 33.8 ± 12.3 years (range: 19–52) were included. The patients presented during one hemicranial migraine attack with an ipsilateral mydriasis that persisted for a mean of three months, while migraine headaches remained with their typical episodic course. In all the patients a cholinergic supersensitivity in the symptomatic pupil was demonstrated, thus pointing to a dysfunction of the ipsilateral ganglionic parasympathetic fibers. Conclusions: Synchronous co-localization of the features suggests a pathogenic link between the pupil dysfunction and migraine, rather than a simultaneous coexistence of two independent disorders. Likely explanations include a latent Adie’s pupil that could have been triggered during a particular migraine attack; a ciliar ganglionic lesion/dysfunction produced by the migrainous process; an ophthalmoplegic migraine with selective parasympathycoparesis; or an episodic ciliar ganglionitis with migrainous features. Ciliary ganglioplegic migraine is proposed as a nominal term pointing to the possible anatomic source of the migrainous-related pupil dysfunction; the pathogenesis remains unknown.
Near-Infrared Spectroscopy for Arthroscopic Evaluation of Cartilage Lesions
Authors: Spahn Gunter , Klinger Hans Michael , Baums Mike , Hoffmann Martin , Plettenberg Holger , Kroker Anne , Hofmann Gunther O. 
Published: September 2010

Background Mechanical tests to grade cartilage damage are limited by the instruments used and by the ability to access all areas of cartilage within a joint. Better methods to diagnose cartilage injury or degeneration are needed. Purpose/Hypothesis To detect the interobserver variance of arthroscopic cartilage grading by subjective judgment using the International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) score and by objective measurement using near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy. We hypothesized that objective measurement of cartilage lesions by NIR spectroscopy will yield more valid results than routine grading using the ICRS score. Study Design Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2. Methods Fifteen patients undergoing arthroscopic knee operations were evaluated by 4 experienced arthroscopists independently. The cartilage lesions within the medial knee compartment were estimated by each observer using the ICRS grade and by measurements with a special arthroscopic NIR spectroscopy probe. Results The ICRS grading had a poor interobserver agreement, with a mean Fleiss kappa index of κ = 0.173. Only in 10% (6 of 60) of judged cartilage areas did all 4 surgeons grade the cartilage areas with the same result. In 17 areas (28.3%), the surgeons had a variance of 2 or more grades. In the remaining cases, the surgeons varied within 1 grade. The objective NIR spectroscopy-obtained measurements of cartilage resulted in a significant correlation within the observers of R = 0.885 ± 0.036 (P < .001). Conclusion Our results of interobserver evaluation in real-time arthroscopic cartilage grading suggest that this subjective grading is not satisfactory. This study emphasizes the need for objective measurement techniques for arthroscopic cartilage grading. Near-infrared spectroscopy has a good interobserver correlation. Thus, this method could be developed in the future as a precise method of measuring cartilage lesions.
In Vivo Stability and Clinical Comparison of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Using Low or High Femoral Tunnel Positions
Authors: Seon Jong Keun , Park Sang Jin , Lee Keun Bae , Seo Hyoung Yeon , Kim Myung Sun , Song Eun Kyoo 
Published: September 2010

Background: Several biomechanical studies have supported placing the femoral tunnel at a low position (10 or 2 o’clock) to achieve anterior and rotational knee stabilities after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. However, no firm consensus has been reached regarding the merits and demerits of ACL reconstruction using a low femoral tunnel versus a high femoral tunnel (11 or 1 o’clock). Hypothesis: A low femoral tunnel position during ACL reconstruction provides better intraoperative stability (especially, rotational stability) and clinical outcomes than does a high femoral tunnel position. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence 2. Methods: Sixty-two patients who underwent ACL reconstruction were equally allocated to low and high femoral tunnel groups; 58 were followed up for a minimum of 2 years (29 in the each group). After reconstruction and using a navigation system, the authors compared intraoperative anterior, internal rotational, and external rotational stabilities at 0°, 30°, 60°, and 90° of knee flexion and compared clinical outcomes, including Lysholm knee scores, Tegner activity scores, Lachman and pivot-shift test findings, and radiographic stabilities at final follow-up visits. Results: The low group showed significantly better intraoperative internal rotational stability at 0° and 30° of flexion but not at other angles (60° and 90°). Intraoperatively, no significant intergroup differences were found for anterior and external rotational stabilities at any flexion angle. Furthermore, clinical outcomes, including Lysholm knee and Tegner activity scores, showed no significant differences between the 2 groups at final follow-up visits ( P > .05), and Lachman and pivot-shift test stability results and radiological stability data obtained at final follow-up were not significantly different between the 2 groups ( P > .05). Conclusion: The low femoral tunnel group showed better internal rotational stability at time zero during ACL reconstruction but similar anterior and external rotational stabilities. No significant differences were observed between the 2 groups in terms of clinical outcomes and stabilities after a minimum follow-up of 2 years.
Neither retinal nor brain atrophy can be shown in patients with isolated unilateral optic neuritis at the time of presentation
Authors: Kallenbach Klaus , Sander Birgit , Tsakiri Anna , Wanscher Benedikte , Fuglø Dan , Larsen Michael , Larsson Henrik , Frederiksen Jette L 
Published: September 2010

Background:Acute monosymptomatic optic neuritis (ON) may be the earliest manifestation of multiple sclerosis (MS). Atrophy has been shown to be a prominent feature of MS with great impact on disability. Objectives:The objectives of this study were to evaluate retinal and brain atrophy and possible associations at the earliest possible stages of MS. Methods:In a prospective observational cohort study we included 60 untreated patients with monosymptomatic ON and 19 healthy volunteers. Unaffected fellow eyes were examined with optical coherence tomography (OCT) and normalized brain volumes were calculated based on MRI. Additionally, visual evoked potentials (VEPs) were recorded. Results:Neither OCT measurements nor brain volume measures revealed signs of localized or generalized atrophy in patients compared with healthy volunteers. Stratification of patients into high risk based on the presence of white matter lesions did not reveal differences. The association between OCT measures and brain volumes previously found could not be confirmed at the time of the first clinical event. VEP latency was significantly prolonged in patients with white matter lesions compared to those without lesions. A trend towards a relationship between VEP amplitude of fellow eyes and brain volumes was noted. Conclusions:In this cohort we were not able to show atrophic features in the retina or the brain, and the association between structural measures of the retina and the brain as indicated in the later stages of MS could not be reproduced. These findings suggest that atrophy does require time to evolve and indicate the complexity of the relationship between local and general structural measures.
Return to Sports for Professional Baseball Players After Surgery of the Shoulder or Elbow
Authors: Cohen Steven B. , Sheridan Scott , Ciccotti Michael G. 
Published: September 2010

Background: The purpose of this study was to assess major and minor league baseball players’ return to professional baseball at a preinjury level or higher after surgery of the shoulder or elbow. Hypothesis: The majority of athletes will be able to return to their preinjury level after surgery. Study Design: Case series. Methods: Over a 4-season period, prospective injury and surgery records were reviewed for one professional baseball club. Forty-four players underwent 51 procedures (28 shoulder and 23 elbow) by multiple experienced surgeons; 7 players underwent more than 1 procedure. Results: Twenty-eight shoulder surgeries were performed on 27 players: 19 pitchers and 8 position players. The majority of the procedures were labral repairs (n = 21). Nine players returned to their preoperative level; 2 advanced to a higher level; 5 returned to a lower level; and 11 retired from professional baseball. Only 2 of the 12 players at the high professional level (Major League Baseball, triple-A, double-A) returned to the same level. Twenty-three elbow surgeries were performed on 21 players (20 pitchers). The majority of the procedures were ulnar collateral ligament reconstructions (n = 12). Seven players returned to their preoperative level; 4 advanced to a higher level; 4 returned to a lower level; and 6 retired from professional baseball. Of the 12 players at the high professional level, 3 returned to the same or higher level. Conclusion: Following surgery, 21 of 44 players (48%) returned to the same or higher level of professional baseball. For those players performing at a high professional level, 5 of 22 (23%) returned to the same or higher level. Return to the same or higher level was more likely with elbow surgery than with shoulder surgery. Clinical Relevance: Elite throwing athletes may not return to the same level at a high rate following shoulder or elbow surgery.
Gene therapy augments the efficacy of hematopoietic cell transplantation and fully corrects mucopolysaccharidosis type I phenotype in the mouse model
Authors: Visigalli Ilaria , Delai Stefania , Politi Letterio S. , Di Domenico Carmela , Cerri Federica , Mrak Emanuela , D'Isa Raffaele , Ungaro Daniela , Stok Merel , Sanvito Francesca , Mariani Elisabetta , Staszewsky Lidia , Godi Claudia , Russo Ilaria , Cecere Francesca , del Carro Ubaldo , Rubinacci Alessandro , Brambilla Riccardo , Quattrini Angelo , Di Natale Paola , Ponder Katherine , Naldini Luigi , Biffi Alessandra 
Published: September 2010

AbstractType I mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS I) is a lysosomal storage disorder caused by the deficiency of α-L-iduronidase, which results in glycosaminoglycan accumulation in tissues. Clinical manifestations include skeletal dysplasia, joint stiffness, visual and auditory defects, cardiac insufficiency, hepatosplenomegaly, and mental retardation (the last being present exclusively in the severe Hurler variant). The available treatments, enzyme-replacement therapy and hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplantation, can ameliorate most disease manifestations, but their outcome on skeletal and brain disease could be further improved. We demonstrate here that HSC gene therapy, based on lentiviral vectors, completely corrects disease manifestations in the mouse model. Of note, the therapeutic benefit provided by gene therapy on critical MPS I manifestations, such as neurologic and skeletal disease, greatly exceeds that exerted by HSC transplantation, the standard of care treatment for Hurler patients. Interestingly, therapeutic efficacy of HSC gene therapy is strictly dependent on the achievement of supranormal enzyme activity in the hematopoietic system of transplanted mice, which allows enzyme delivery to the brain and skeleton for disease correction. Overall, our data provide evidence of an efficacious treatment for MPS I Hurler patients, warranting future development toward clinical testing.
Early treatment of obstructive apnoea and stroke outcome: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Parra O. , Sánchez-Armengol Á. , Bonnin M. , Arboix A. , Campos-Rodríguez F. , Pérez-Ronchel J. , Durán-Cantolla J. , de la Torre G. , González Marcos J.R. , de la Peña M. , Carmen Jiménez M. , Masa F. , Casado I. , Luz Alonso M. , Macarrón J.L. 
Published: September 2010

The aim of the present study was to assess the impact of nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) in ischaemic stroke patients followed for 2 yrs.Stroke patients with an apnoea–hypopnoea index ≥20 events·h−1were randomised to early nCPAP (n = 71; 3–6 days after stroke onset) or conventional treatment (n = 69). The Barthel Index, Canadian Scale, Rankin Scale and Short Form-36 were measured at baseline, and at 1, 3, 12 and 24 months.The percentage of patients with neurological improvement 1 month after stroke was significantly higher in the nCPAP group (Rankin scale 90.9versus56.3% (p<0.01); Canadian scale 88.2versus72.7% (p<0.05)). The mean time until the appearance of cardiovascular events was longer in the nCPAP group (14.9versus7.9 months; p = 0.044), although cardiovascular event-free survival after 24 months was similar in both groups. The cardiovascular mortality rate was 0% in the nCPAP group and 4.3% in the control group (p = 0.161).Early use of nCPAP seems to accelerate neurological recovery and to delay the appearance of cardiovascular events, although an improvement in patients’ survival or quality of life was not shown.