bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Random-Weight Particle Filtering of Continuous Time Processes
Authors: Fearnhead Paul , Papaspiliopoulos Omiros , Roberts Gareth O. , Stuart Andrew 
Published: July 2010

SummaryIt is possible to implement importance sampling, and particle filter algorithms, where the importance sampling weight is random. Such random-weight algorithms have been shown to be efficient for inference for a class of diffusion models, as they enable inference without any (time discretization) approximation of the underlying diffusion model. One difficulty of implementing such random-weight algorithms is the requirement to have weights that are positive with probability 1. We show how Wald’s identity for martingales can be used to ensure positive weights. We apply this idea to analysis of diffusion models from high frequency data. For a class of diffusion models we show how to implement a particle filter, which uses all the information in the data, but whose computational cost is independent of the frequency of the data. We use the Wald identity to implement a random-weight particle filter for these models which avoids time discretization error.
A Flexible Model for Estimating Price Dynamics in On-Line Auctions
Authors: Jank Wolfgang , Shmueli Galit , Zhang Shu 
Published: July 2010

SummaryThe path that the price takes during an on-line auction plays an important role in understanding and forecasting on-line auctions. Price dynamics, such as the price velocity or its acceleration, capture the speed at which auction information changes. The ability to estimate price dynamics accurately is especially important in realtime price forecasting, where bidders and sellers must make quick decisions or react to changes in market conditions. Existing models for estimating price paths from observed bid data suffer from issues of non-monotonicity, high variability or computational inefficiency. We propose a flexible two-parameter beta model which adequately captures a wide range of auction price paths. The model is computationally efficient and has several properties that make it especially advantageous in the on-line auction context. We compare the beta model with non-parametric and parametric alternatives empirically, when used in a variety of forecasting models. Using bidding data from eBay auctions, we find that the beta model leads to fast and high accuracy price predictions. This behaviour is consistent across various forecasting models and data sets. The implication for practice is the usefulness of the beta model for obtaining accurate and realtime bidding and selling decisions in on-line markets.
Management of minor acute cutaneous wounds: importance of wound healing in a moist environment
Authors: Korting HC , Schöllmann C , White RJ 
Published: July 2010

AbstractMoist wound care has been established as standard therapy for chronic wounds with impaired healing. Healing in acute wounds, in particular in minor superficial acute wounds – which indeed are much more numerous than chronic wounds – is often taken for granted because it is assumed that in those wounds normal phases of wound healing should run per se without any problems. But minor wounds such as small cuts, scraps or abrasions also need proper care to prevent complications, in particular infections. Local wound care with minor wounds consists of thorough cleansing with potable tap water or normal saline followed by the application of an appropriate dressing corresponding to the principles of moist wound treatment. In the treatment of smaller superficial wounds, it appears advisable to limit the choice of dressing to just a few products that fulfil the principles of moist wound management and are easy to use. Hydroactive colloid gels combining the attributes of hydrocolloids and hydrogels thus being appropriate for dry and exuding wounds appear especially suitable for this purpose – although there is still a lack of data from systematic studies on the effectiveness of these preparations.
Circumscribed palmo‐plantar hypokeratosis: a disease of desquamation? Immunohistological study of five cases and literature review
Authors: Kanitakis J , Lora V , Chouvet B , Zambruno G , Haftek M , Faure M 
Published: July 2010

AbstractBackground  Circumscribed palmoplantar hypokeratosis (CPH) is a recently recognized, rarely reported dermatosis that shows characteristic clinicopathological features; however, its pathogenesis remains unknown.Objective  The aim of this study was to get further insight into the pathogenesis of CPH.Methods  An immunohistological study was performed on five cases of CPH to investigate the expression of several epidermal proliferation and differentiation proteins, with emphasis on those involved in corneocyte desquamation [including corneodesmosin, kallikrein 5 and lympho‐epithelial Kazal type inhibitor (LEKTI)].Results  In three of five cases, a decreased expression of LEKTI, corneodesmosin and filaggrin was found, along with an increased expression of kallikrein 5 and keratin 6. The expression of several other antigens (including involucrin, Ki67, p63, CD138/syndecan I, EGF‐R) did not present a consistently different pattern as compared with the unaffected epidermis.Conclusion  The immunohistopathologic features of CPH suggest that an altered (accelerated) corneocyte desquamation process could be the main pathological mechanism underlying the development of lesions.
Structure of the seminal receptacle and sperm storage in the Japanese pygmy squid
Authors: Sato N. , Kasugai T. , Ikeda Y. , Munehara H. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractTo examine the mechanism of sperm storage in Idiosepius paradoxus, here we describe aspects of the mating behavior of I. paradoxus and the morphology of the spermatozoa and the seminal receptacle after copulation. The seminal receptacle is located in the ventral portion of the buccal membrane surrounding the buccal mass, and opens inside the buccal membrane. It branches into approximately six sacs, similar in appearance to a bunch of bananas, and its wall consists of cuboidal ciliated epithelial cells (with oval nuclei) surrounded by a connective tissue. Multiple vacuoles are distributed in the bottom region of each sac. These histological and morphological characteristics differ from previous reports for loliginid squids and cuttlefish. In all except one receptacle observed in this study, sperm were stored near the bottom of each sac, and each sperm was facing the sac bottom. We observed spermatozoa in the entrance of the seminal receptacle in only one squid. These results suggest that spermatozoa were actively moving, and that sperm actively swam to the seminal receptacle. The volume of sperm in the seminal receptacles of the squid that had copulated eight times was the same as that in the squid that had copulated 29 times, which suggests that the seminal receptacle was filled after approximately eight copulation events. A squid that had copulated nine times retained a significant number of sperm in the seminal receptacle after spawning, suggesting that all of the sperm in the receptacle was not depleted after one spawning event.
Risk factors for incomplete healing of the uterine incision after caesarean section
Authors: Vikhareva Osser O , Valentin L 
Published: July 2010

Please cite this paper as: Vikhareva Osser O, Valentin L. Risk factors for incomplete healing of the uterine incision after caesarean section. BJOG 2010;117:1119–1126.Objective  To determine which factors increase the risk of large caesarean scar defects as assessed by transvaginal ultrasound.Design  Observational cross‐sectional study.Setting  University Hospital.Population  One hundred and eight women who had undergone one caesarean section.Methods  Transvaginal ultrasound examination of the scar in the uterus 6–9 months after the caesarean. Published ultrasound definitions of large scar defects were used. Clinical information was obtained from medical records after all ultrasound images had been evaluated.Main outcome measures  Factors increasing the risk of large caesarean scar defects.Results  Twenty‐two (20%) women had a large caesarean scar defect. The odds of a large defect increased with cervical dilatation at caesarean (0 cm, 1–4 cm, 5–7 cm, 8 cm or more; odds ratio [OR] 4.4 [95% CI 0.7–28.5]; 26.5 [4.3–161.8]; and 32.4 [6.1–171.0]; P < 0.001), station of the presenting part at caesarean below pelvic inlet (OR 14.1 [4.6–43.1]; P < 0.001), duration of labour at caesarean (0 hour, 1–4 hours, 5–9 hours, 10 hours or more; OR 2.0 [0.2–23.8]; 13.0 [2.2–76.6]; and 33.1 [6.6–166.9]; P < 0.001), oxytocin augmentation (OR 6.3, [2.3–17.3]; P < 0.001), retroflexed uterus at ultrasound examination (OR 2.9 [1.0–8.3]; P = 0.047). According to multivariate logistic regression no variable added information to cervical dilatation or the station of the presenting fetal part at caesarean.Conclusions  Caesarean in advanced labour is associated with increased risk of incomplete healing of the uterine incision as determined by transvaginal ultrasound.
Reduced birthweight in short or primiparous mothers: physiological or pathological?
Authors: Zhang X , Mumford SL , Cnattingius S , Schisterman EF , Kramer MS 
Published: July 2010

Please cite this paper as: Zhang X, Mumford S, Cnattingius S, Schisterman E, Kramer M. Reduced birthweight in short or primiparous mothers: physiological or pathological?. BJOG 2010;117:1248–1254.Objective  Customisation of birthweight‐for‐gestational‐age standards for maternal characteristics assumes that variation in birth weight as a result of those characteristics is physiological, rather than pathological. Maternal height and parity are among the characteristics widely assumed to be physiological. Our objective was to test that assumption by using an association with perinatal mortality as evidence of a pathological effect.Design  Population‐based cohort study.Setting  Sweden.Population  A total of 952 630 singletons born at ≥28 weeks of gestation in the period 1992–2001.Methods  We compared perinatal mortality among mothers of short stature (<160 cm) versus those of normal height (≥160 cm), and primiparous versus multiparous mothers, using an internal reference of estimated fetal weight for gestational age. The total effects of maternal height and parity were estimated, as well as the effects of height and parity independent of birthweight (controlled direct effects). All analyses were based on fetuses at risk, using marginal structural Cox models for the estimation of total and controlled direct effects.Main outcome measures  Perinatal mortality, stillbirth, and early neonatal mortality.Results  The estimated total effect (HR; 95% CI) of short stature on perinatal death among short mothers was 1.2 (95% CI 1.1–1.3) compared with women of normal height; the effect of short stature independent of birthweight (controlled direct effect) was 0.8 (95% CI 0.6–1.0) among small‐for‐gestational‐age (SGA) births, but 1.1 (95% CI 1.0–1.3) among non‐SGA births. Similar results were observed for primiparous mothers.Conclusions  The effect of maternal short stature or primiparity on perinatal mortality is partly mediated through SGA birth. Thus, birthweight differences resulting from these maternal characteristics appear not only to be physiological, but also to have an important pathological component.
The relationship between urethral mobility and parity
Authors: Dickie KJ , Shek KL , Dietz HP 
Published: July 2010

Please cite this paper as: Dickie K, Shek K, Dietz H. The relationship between urethral mobility and parity. BJOG 2010;117:1220–1224.Objective  Urethral mobility is associated with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and urodynamic stress incontinence, and this is particularly true for mid‐urethral mobility. The purpose of this study was to determine whether there is a significant relationship between segmental urethral mobility and vaginal parity in women undergoing urodynamic testing for prolapse or lower urinary tract symptoms.Design  Retrospective study.Setting  Tertiary referral service for multichannel urodynamic testing.Population  Women undergoing urodynamic testing for lower urinary tract symptoms or pelvic organ prolapse.Methods  The stored 3D translabial ultrasound volume data sets of 648 women were assessed. Measurements were performed using post‐processing software in volumes obtained at rest and on maximal Valsalva manoeuvre. Analysis was based on a co‐ordinate system using the dorsocaudal margin of the pubic symphysis. The urethral length was traced and divided into five equal segments. Mobility vectors are determined by the formula √[(yV − yR)2 + (xV − xR)2], where V indicates Valsalva and R indicates rest, with ‘x’ as the vertical distance and ‘y’ as the horizontal distance from the dorsocaudal margin of the pubic symphysis.Main outcome measures  Mobility vector lengths.Results  The distal urethra is consistently the least mobile part of the organ, regardless of parity. Vaginal childbirth seems to increase urethral mobility by about 20% for all urethral segments (all P ≤ 0.009). The first vaginal delivery showed the greatest effect, particularly on mid‐urethral mobility.Conclusions  There is a significant association between urethral mobility and vaginal delivery in women seen for symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction, affecting all segments of the urethra equally. Most of this effect seems to result from the first vaginal birth.
The multidisciplinary colposcopy meeting: recommendations for future service provision and an analysis of clinical decision making
Authors: Palmer JE , Wales K , Ellis K , Dudding N , Smith J , Tidy JA 
Published: July 2010

Please cite this paper as: Palmer J, Wales K, Ellis K, Dudding N, Smith J, Tidy J. The multidisciplinary colposcopy meeting: recommendations for future service provision and an analysis of clinical decision making. BJOG 2010;117:1060–1066.Objective  In 2004 the NHS Cervical Screening Programme (NHSCSP) recommended that multidisciplinary meetings should be incorporated into patient management. No data has been provided since then regarding its functionality or benefits. We aim to address this issue.Design  Retrospective review.Setting  Jessop Wing colposcopy multidisciplinary meeting (MDM), Sheffield, UK.Population  All women referred to the MDM from September 2003 to September 2009.Methods  Retrospective review of the colposcopy database (Sept 2003–Sept 2009), cross‐referenced with multidisciplinary team (MDT) letters, patient notes and the hospital results reporting system. Baseline statistics were used for data analysis.Main outcome measures  Indications for MDT referral; concordance rates from cytopathology and histopathology review; concordance rates between MDT treatment decisions and final patient management.Results  A total of 535 cases were discussed at 62 MDT meetings during the allocated study period. Discrepancy between referral cytology and cervix punch biopsy was the most common referral (49%). Cytology and histology review concurred with the initial reports in 75.8 and 97.8% of cases, respectively; the MDT decision was concordant with the final patient management in 97% of cases. The main reason for discordance (67%) resulted from patient factors.Conclusions  When significant discrepancies exist between colposcopy, cytology and histopathology, then MDT discussion seems pertinent as MDT discussion can lead to the avoidance of over‐treatment. To improve timeliness of treatment, MDT meetings should occur at least monthly. The results of each case discussion should be recorded in the patient case notes, the minutes of each meeting should be circulated to all MDT members and a letter describing MDT recommendations must be sent to the colposcopist responsible for patient care.
Audiocardiography in the cardiovascular evaluation of the morbidly obese
Authors: McCullough Peter A. , Zerka Melissa , Heimbach Esther , Musialcyzk Maria , Spring Thomas , DeJong Adam , Jafri Syed S. , Coleman Catherine , Washington Tamika , Raheem Shaheena , Vanhecke Thomas , Zalesin Kerstyn C. 
Published: July 2010

SummaryMorbid obesity is believed to limit cardiovascular auscultation. We compared audiocardiography to senior attending physicians using conventional stethoscopes in 190 individuals with morbid obesity. Overall, there were 128 (67·4%) women and 62 (32·6%) men with mean ages of 44·9 ± 12·3 and 51·3 ± 10·8 , respectively (P = 0·001). The overall body mass index (BMI) was 47·3 ± 8·5 kg m−2. Of those with an S3 by audiocardiography (n = 7), one had a history of coronary artery disease (CAD), none had a history of heart failure, and one had a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <45%. The mean LVEF was 58·6 ± 9·9 versus 61·6 ± 5·3 for those with and without an S3 by audiocardiography (P = 0·16). By contrast, of those (n = 6) with an S3 by stethoscope, one had a history of CAD, two had histories of heart failure, and 3 had LVEF < 45%. The mean LVEF of those with and without S3 by stethoscope was 53·7 ± 2·3 and 61·6 ± 5·5%, respectively (P = 0·02). There were 40 (21·1%) patients with an S4 (S4 strength >5) identified by acoustic cardiography while there were 42 (22·1%) heard by the stethoscope and it was heard with both methods in nine patients (21·4% concordance). There were no significant correlations between BMI or peak oxygen consumption and S3 or S4 strength by audiocardiography. Acoustic cardiography performed with an electronic device was not helpful in assisting the cardiovascular examination of the morbidly obese. These data suggest the careful clinical exam with attention to traditional cardiac auscultation using a stethoscope in a quiet room should remain the gold standard.
Role of mitochondria in contraction and pacemaking in the mouse uterus
Authors: Gravina FS , Parkington HC , Kerr KP , De Oliveira RB , Jobling P , Coleman HA , Sandow SL , Davies MM , Imtiaz MS , Van Helden DF 
Published: July 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSEUterine spontaneous contraction and pacemaking are poorly understood. This study investigates the role of the mitochondrial Ca2+store in uterine activity.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHWe investigated the effects of mitochondrial and sarco‐endoplasmic reticulum (SER) inhibitors on contraction, membrane potential (Vm) and cytosolic Ca2+concentration ([Ca2+]c) in longitudinal smooth muscle of the mouse uterus.KEY RESULTSThe mitochondrial agents rotenone, carbonylcyanide‐3‐chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP), 7‐chloro‐5‐(2‐chlorophenyl)‐1,5‐dihydro‐4,1‐benzothiazepin‐2(3H)‐one (CGP37157) and kaempferol decreased the force of contractions. The ATP synthase inhibitor oligomycin had no significant effect. The effects of these agents were compared with those of SER inhibitors cyclopiazonic acid (CPA), 2‐amino ethoxyphenylborate (2‐APB) and caffeine. All agents, except CPA and oligomycin, decreased contractile force. CPA and CCCP transiently increased contraction frequency, which returned to control levels, whereas rotenone, CGP37157, kaempferol and 2‐APB decreased frequency and caffeine had no significant effect. Application of the mitochondrial agents when CPA functionally inhibited stores did not change contraction frequency but, with the exception of kaempferol, decreased force. CCCP caused depolarization and maintained increase in [Ca2+]cor depolarization/transient hyperpolarization and transient increase in [Ca2+]cfor oestrus and di‐oestrus tissues respectively. Rotenone caused hyperpolarization and maintained increase in [Ca2+]c. CGP37157 and kaempferol caused hyperpolarization but no measurable change in [Ca2+]c. Application of a range of K+channel blockers indicated a role of Ca2+‐activated K+(KCa) channels in the CCCP‐ and CGP37157‐induced actions.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONSMitochondria have a modulatory role on uterine contractions, with mitochondrial inhibition reducing contraction amplitude and pacemaker frequency by changes in Vm, [Ca2+]cand/or Ca2+influx.
Predictors of a sustained virological response in patients with genotype 4 chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Gad Rita Raafat , Males Sylvia , El Makhzangy Hesham , Shouman Soheir , Hasan Aboubakr , Attala Mohamed , El Hoseiny Mostafa , Zalata Khaled , Abdel‐Hamid Mohamed , Fontanet Arnaud , Mohamed Mostafa K. , Esmat Gamal 
Published: July 2010

AbstractObjectives: To determine the clinical, biological, virological and histological predictive factors associated with a sustained virological response (SVR) to combined interferon therapy among Egyptian patients infected by genotype 4 hepatitis C virus (HCV).Patients and Methods: Individual data from 250 patients with genotype 4 chronic hepatitis C, treated with different regimens of combined interferon, were analysed. The primary end point was SVR defined as undetectable HCV RNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) 24 weeks after the end of treatment. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to select the independent prognostic parameters associated with SVR.Results: A sustained virological response was achieved among 137/250 (54.8%) patients. Baseline factors independently and negatively associated with SVR were serum α‐fetoprotein (AFP) level (above 0.3 upper limit of normal) [odds ratio (OR)=0.5, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.2–0.8], severe fibrosis (Metavir score >F2) (OR=0.4, 95% CI: 0.2–0.8), presence of steatosis (OR=0.5, 95% CI: 0.3–0.97) and standard interferon treatment (OR=0.4, 95% CI: 0.2–0.8).Conclusions: Among genotype 4 chronic hepatitis C patients, severe fibrosis, severe steatosis, treatment with standard interferon and a high serum AFP level were all negatively associated with SVR. Pretreatment serum AFP level should be considered in the routine assessment of factors predictive of a treatment response.
Treatment for Mechanical Valve Thrombosis in the Right Heart: Combined Pharmacological and Mechanical Thrombolysis
Authors: Aoyagi Shigeaki , Fukunaga Shuji , Teshima Hideki 
Published: July 2010

AbstractWe report clinical results of combined pharmacological and mechanical thrombolysis for mechanical prosthetic valve thrombosis (PVT) in the right heart. Between January 1992 and December 2008, combined thrombolysis, which consisted of an intravenous infusion of urokinase together with mechanical disruption of thrombus in a prosthetic valve by temporarily increasing the cardiac pacing rate, was performed in three patients with four cases of mechanical PVT in the right heart. The prosthetic valve in all three patients was a bileaflet mechanical valve, and was located in the tricuspid position in two patients and in the pulmonary position in the remaining patient. PVT was diagnosed by echocardiography and cineradiography. Thrombolysis was successful in all four cases in the three patients, and no hemorrhagic complications or clinically symptomatic pulmonary embolisms were observed. Mechanical disruption of thrombus using a pacemaker appears to be an effective adjunctive modality to thrombolysis with fibrinolytic agents for PVT in the right heart. Combined pharmacological and mechanical thrombolysis may improve success rates and reduce the time required for thrombolysis of PVT.