bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Linear Surface Reconstruction from Discrete Fundamental Forms on Triangle Meshes
Authors: Wang Y. , Liu B. , Tong Y. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractWe present a linear algorithm to reconstruct the vertex coordinates for a surface mesh given its edge lengths and dihedral angles, unique up to rotation and translation. A local integrability condition for the existence of an immersion of the mesh in 3D Euclidean space is provided, mirroring the fundamental theorem of surfaces in the continuous setting (i.e. Gauss's equation and the Mainardi–Codazzi equations) if we regard edge lengths as the discrete first fundamental form and dihedral angles as the discrete second fundamental form. The resulting sparse linear system to solve for the immersion is derived from the convex optimization of a quadratic energy based on a lift from the immersion in the 3D Euclidean space to the 6D rigid motion space. This discrete representation and linear reconstruction can benefit a wide range of geometry processing tasks such as surface deformation and shape analysis. A rotation‐invariant surface deformation through point and orientation constraints is demonstrated as well.
The Co‐movement Dynamics of European Frontier Stock Markets
Authors: Kiviaho Jarno , Nikkinen Jussi , Piljak Vanja , Rothovius Timo 
Published: June 2012

AbstractWe examine, through application of wavelet coherency, the co‐movement of European frontier stock markets with the USA and developed markets in Europe. We find that the strength of co‐movement varies considerably across the frontier markets, at different frequencies (time horizons), and over time. Co‐movement is relatively weaker for the frontier markets of Central and Southeastern Europe than in the Baltic region. Of the markets examined, Slovakia in particular shows low dependence, whereas Lithuania seems to be the most dependent market. Co‐movement is stronger at lower frequencies (longer horizons) and increases during the turbulent period of the global financial crisis of 2008/2009. We identify several macroeconomic factors related to variations in co‐movement at different time frequencies.
Cerebral small vessel disease in aging and Alzheimer's disease: a comparative study using MRI and SPECT
Authors: Makedonov I. , Black S. E. , MacIntosh B. J. 
Published: June 2012

BackgroundWhite matter hyperintensities (WMH) are associated with aging and are prevalent in various brain pathologies. The purpose of the current study was to characterize WMH perfusion in age‐matched elderly controls (ECs) and patients with Alzheimer's disease (ADs).MethodsFifty ECs (23 men) and 61 ADs (33 men) underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), 99mTc‐ECD single‐photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and cognitive testing. Brain tissue type was classified on T1 weighted images, and WMH were identified on interleaved proton density/T2 weighted images. Co‐registered MR images were used to characterize SPECT perfusion patterns.ResultsWMH perfusion was lower than normal appearing white matter (NAWM) perfusion (P < 0.001) in both EC and AD groups. There was no WMH perfusion difference between groups when considering the mean perfusion from all WMH voxels (P > 0.43). However, locations that were likely to be considered WMH tended to have lower perfusion in ADs compared with ECs. Perfusion gradients along watershed white matter regions were significantly different between EC and AD groups (P < 0.05). A relationship was found between the volume of a WMH lesion and its mean perfusion (P < 0.001) in both ECs and ADs.ConclusionGlobal WMH were hypoperfused compared with NAWM to the same degree in EC and AD participants, which suggests a common WMH etiology between groups. However, white matter locations that were likely to contain WMH tended to be hypoperfused in ADs compared with healthy aging. This finding is suggestive of AD‐specific pathology that reduces the perfusion at anatomic locations susceptible to the formation of WMH through either the neurodegenerative process or AD‐related vasculopathy or both.
Efficacy of intravenous thrombolysis according to stroke subtypes: the Madrid Stroke Network data
Authors: Fuentes B. , Martínez‐Sánchez P. , de Leciñana M. Alonso , Egido J. , Reig‐Roselló G. , Díaz‐Otero F. , Sánchez V. , Simal P. , Ximenez‐Carrillo A. , García‐Pastor A. , Ruiz‐Ares G. , García‐García A. , Masjuan J. , Vivancos‐Mora J. , Gil‐Nuñez A. , Díez‐Tejedor E. ,   on behalf of the Madrid Stroke Network
Published: June 2012

ObjectivesTo identify possible differences in the early response to intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) or in stroke outcome at 3 months, based on stroke subtype in patients with acute ischaemic stroke (IS).MethodsMulticentre stroke registry data were used, with prospective inclusion of consecutive patients with acute IVT‐treated IS in five acute stroke units. We compared clinical improvement (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, NIHSS) at 24 h and at day 7 as well as functional outcome at 3 months (Modified Rankin Scale, mRS) amongst the different stroke subtypes (ICD‐10).ResultsIn total, 1479 patients were included; 178 (12%) had large vessel disease (LVD) with carotid stenosis ≥ 50%, 175 (11.8%) had other LVD, 638 (43%) had cardioembolism, 60 (4.1%) had lacunar infarction, 72 (4.9%) were patients with IS of other/unusual cause and 356 (24.1%) had unknown/multiple causes. Patients with lacunar infarction had lower stroke severity (median NIHSS 6) whilst cardioembolic IS was the most severe (median NIHSS 14) (P < 0.001). No differences in NIHSS improvement were found at 24 h. LVD patients with carotid stenosis (odds ratio 0.544; 95% CI 0.383–0.772; P = 0.001) were less likely to improve at day 7 after adjustment for age, gender, vascular risk factors and stroke severity. However, adjusted multivariate analysis showed no influence of stroke subtype on stroke outcome (mRS) at 3 months. Age, systolic blood pressure on admission and stroke severity were independently associated with mRS > 2 at 3 months.ConclusionAlthough LVD patients with arterial stenosis ≥ 50% improve less than the other aetiologies at day 7, stroke aetiological subtype does not determine differences in IS outcome at 3 months after IVT.
Impaired health‐related quality of life predicts progression of disability in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Benito‐León J. , Mitchell A. J. , Rivera‐Navarro J. , Morales‐González J. M. 
Published: June 2012

Background and purposeTo determine the value of health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) in predicting progression of disability in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) over a period of 2 years.MethodsPatients with MS were recruited in 13 outpatient clinics in Madrid, Spain. Baseline HRQOL was quantified using the Functional Assessment of MS (FAMS) and disability with Kurtzke Expanded Disability Status (EDSS). A clinical meaningful deterioration of disability was defined as an increased of ≥1 point in baseline EDSS scores of ≤5.5 and an increase of ≥0.5 point in baseline EDSS scores of ≥6.0. We dichotomized the change in disability according to clinical meaningful deterioration (dependent variable) and performed a logistic regression analysis with the tertiles of the FAMS scores (the upper tertile [high HRQOL] was the reference) as independent variable, adjusting by socio‐demographic and clinical variables.ResultsOut of 371 enrolled patients, 61 patients with MS dropped out during the 2‐year follow‐up. Of the remaining 310, 94 (30.3%) had clinical meaningful deterioration of disability. The odds of clinical meaningful deterioration of disability were higher as HRQOL decreased with a significant dose‐dependent effect. Adjusted odds ratios were 2.61 [95% confidence interval (CI) 95% = 1.12–6.09], [middle tertile vs. upper tertile (reference)]; and 3.27 (95% CI = 1.31–8.18), (lower tertile vs. upper tertile).ConclusionsThe identification of those patients with MS with poor HRQOL may be important in assessing the risk of future disability progression. Clearly, impaired HRQOL should be one of the primary concerns amongst clinicians who provide treatment to patients affected by MS.
Understanding influences on teenage food choices in a Durban High School with a view to improving praxis
Authors: Kroone Déirdre , Alant Busisiwe 
Published: June 2012

AbstractDiets in post‐apartheid South Africa have changed from low‐fat, high‐fibre traditional food to a high‐fat, low‐fibre diet characterized by the habitual intake of ‘junk’ food. This type of food is rich in refined carbohydrates and sugars, which cause a rapid rise in blood sugar levels, associated with the development of diabetes. As a result, diabetes is on the increase in South Africa.If a further increase in diabetes in South Africa is to be prevented, it is vital that teachers of Consumer Studies engage teenage consumers in making food choices that will control blood sugar levels. However, today's teenagers are exposed to the advertising tactics of food and beverage companies, the sole aim of which is to increase sales and maximize profits. In the face of these external influences, how can teachers encourage teenagers to make healthy food choices?The aim of this study was to highlight the influence of development on the contemporary food choices of South African teenagers. The research is underpinned by a complex theoretical framework that is presented as an interconnected trilogy. A methodology of participatory action research was used in this empirical study on teenage food choices in a peri‐urban high school in Durban. The main objective was to develop a better understanding of how development impacts on teenage food choices in South Africa. This knowledge could be used by Consumer Studies teachers to engage teenagers in making food choices that will reduce the risk of developing diabetes later in life.
Investigating consumer knowledge of global warming based on Rogers' knowledge stage of the innovation decision process
Authors: Dos Santos Maria A.O. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractConsumers' aggregate contribution to global warming is significant when their demand for goods and services and their own personal consumption behaviours are taken into account. The purpose of this study was to determine consumers' knowledge of global warming issues. Primary data was collected using a specially designed questionnaire that incorporated statements relating to the knowledge stage of Rogers' innovation decision process. The results revealed that consumers were aware that human activities contributed to this phenomenon and gaps existed in their knowledge about its causes and consequences. Demographic comparisons based on gender, age, population group and education revealed that different global warming knowledge needs of consumers could probably be distinguished by population group although further research in this area is needed. If the emission of greenhouse gases is to be reduced, consumers need to be knowledgeable about global warming causes and consequences in order to adopt the innovation and participate in mitigation measures. Relevant gaps in consumers' global warming knowledge needs to be addressed by relevant stakeholders in their communications to the relevant target market.
Assessment of expressive attributes of functional apparel product developed for cosmetologists in Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Thompson Dorothy , Anyakoha Elizabeth 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to assess the expressive attributes of functional apparel developed for cosmetologists in order to ascertain the acceptability of the product by in different size categories. The study was carried out in Lagos, Nigeria. The population comprised 3820 cosmetologists and 151 judges. Purposive sampling technique was employed to select 24 cosmetologists and 22 judges. The instrument used was a 17‐item Functional Apparel Design Assessment Instrument for Cosmetologists/Functional Apparel Design Assessment Instrument for Judges. The internal consistency of the instruments was established. Three research questions and two hypotheses guided the study. Findings indicated mean values for both cosmetologists and judges > 4.00 (; standard deviation = 0.761). Also, no significant differences (P > 0.05) occurred between the judges’ and cosmetologists’ mean ratings in the expressive variable cluster (t = −1.787; t‐crit. = 0.081). The implementation of the findings of this study will afford cosmetologists the opportunity to have an identity that is suggestive of their role in the society.
The Impact of Health Information Technology Adoption by Outpatient Facilities on Pregnancy Outcomes
Authors: Deily Mary E. , Hu Tianyan , Terrizzi Sabrina , Chou Shin‐Yi , Meyerhoefer Chad D. 
Published: June 2012

ObjectiveExamine whether health information technology (HIT) at nonhospital facilities (NHFs) improves health outcomes and decreases resource use at hospitals within the same heath care network, and whether the impact of HIT varies as providers gain experience using the technologies.Data SourcesAdministrative claims data on 491,832 births in Pennsylvania during 1998–2004 from the Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council and HIT applications data from the Dorenfest Institute.Study DesignFixed‐effects regression analysis of the impact of HIT at NHFs on adverse birth outcomes and resource use.Principal FindingsGreater use of clinical HIT applications by NHFs is associated with reduced incidence of obstetric trauma and preventable complications, as well as longer lengths of stay. In addition, the beneficial effects of HIT increase the longer that technologies have been in use. However, we find no consistent evidence on whether or how nonclinical HIT in NHFs affects either resource use or health outcomes.ConclusionsClinical HIT applications at NHFs may reduce the likelihood of adverse birth outcomes, particularly after physicians and staff gain experience using the technologies.
Abortion Providers' Experiences with Medicaid Abortion Coverage Policies: A Qualitative Multistate Study
Authors: Dennis Amanda , Blanchard Kelly 
Published: June 2012

ObjectiveTo evaluate the implementation of state Medicaid abortion policies and the impact of these policies on abortion clients and abortion providers.Data SourceFrom 2007 to 2010, in‐depth interviews were conducted with representatives of 70 abortion‐providing facilities in 15 states.Study DesignIn‐depth interviews focused on abortion providers' perceptions regarding Medicaid and their experiences working with Medicaid and securing reimbursement in cases that should receive federal funding: rape, incest, and life endangerment.Data ExtractionData were transcribed verbatim before being coded.Principal FindingsIn two study states, abortion providers reported that 97 percent of submitted claims for qualifying cases were funded. Success receiving reimbursement was attributed to streamlined electronic billing procedures, timely claims processing, and responsive Medicaid staff. Abortion providers in the other 13 states reported reimbursement for 36 percent of qualifying cases. Providers reported difficulties obtaining reimbursement due to unclear rejections of qualifying claims, complex billing procedures, lack of knowledgeable Medicaid staff with whom billing problems could be discussed, and low and slow reimbursement rates.ConclusionsPoor state‐level implementation of Medicaid coverage of abortion policies creates barriers for women seeking abortion. Efforts to ensure policies are implemented appropriately would improve women's health.
The mutation spectrum of the JK‐null phenotype in the Chinese population
Authors: Guo Zhonghui , Wang Chen , Yan Kangfeng , Xie Jingwen , Shen Wei , Li Qin , Zhang Jiamin , Ye Luyi , Zhu Ziyan 
Published: June 2012

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to analyze the mutation spectrum of the JK‐null phenotype in the Chinese population. The JK gene encoding the Kidd blood group antigen protein and JK*A/JK*B polymorphism caused by a G‐to‐A mutation at nt838 are well described. However, the molecular basis of the JK‐null phenotype in Chinese populations remains unclear.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Sixteen unrelated JK‐null phenotype donors detected by red blood cell urea lysis resistance assay of 201,194 Chinese blood donors were confirmed in serologic agglutination tests. JK‐null alleles were analyzed by MnlI polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism and sequencing of all JK gene coding regions.RESULTS: In addition to the well‐known Polynesian JK‐null allele JK*B(IVS5‐1g>a) and two alleles discovered in Taiwan, JK*B(896G>A) and JK*B(222C>A), seven JK‐null allele types were detected in this study including four novel JK‐null alleles: a nonsense mutation, JK*B(512G>A); two types of missense point mutations, JK*B(536C>G) and JK*B(437T>C); and a splice mutation, JK*A(IVS8+5g>a), resulting in skipping of Exon 8.CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the frequency and heterogeneity of the JK‐null phenotype in Chinese populations. Based on our findings, the mechanisms underlying the Chinese Jk(a−b−) phenotype are quite different from other ethnic groups. The two most common types of JK‐null alleles were JK*B(IVS5‐1g>a) and JK*B(896G>A) in Chinese persons. Four novel JK‐null alleles were noted to be associated with the Jk(a−b−) phenotype.
Clinical experience with oral versus intravenous vitamin K for warfarin reversal (CME)
Authors: Meehan Robert , Tavares Maria , Sweeney Joseph 
Published: June 2012

BACKGROUND: Reversal of warfarin with plasma accounts for a large amount of fresh‐frozen plasma transfused in the United States. The use of vitamin K is an alternate strategy.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Records of vitamin K prescriptions for warfarin reversal were examined and recipients identified where data were available on dosage, route of administration (oral [PO] and intravenous [IV]) and the availability of both pre‐ and postadministration international normalized ratio(s) (INRs).RESULTS: A total of 135 administration events were evaluated: 81 PO and 54 IV. The median (range) preadministration INRs were 5.8 (1.9‐16.5) versus 5.0 (1.4‐16.5; p = 0.61) and the median (range) for the postadministration INRs were 2.4 (1.0‐10.4) and 2.1 (1.2‐8.2; p < 0.01) for the PO and IV routes, respectively. The median (range) doses were 2.5 (1‐10) and 2.0 (1‐10) mg for PO and IV, respectively (p < 0.01). A total of 44% of the IV vitamin K group achieved an INR of 2 or less within 12 hours versus 14% for the PO route (p < 0.01). In multilinear regression the preadministration INR (r = 0.14, p < 0.01) and time after administration (r = −0.05, p < 0.01) were independent variables influencing the postadministration INR but the dose administered (r = 0.09, p = 0.07) was not.CONCLUSION: Vitamin K needs to be given IV if urgent partial correction (<12 hr) of warfarin is required. No influence of dose administered in the range 1 to 10 mg on the postadministration INR was observed.
Soft tissue response to zirconia and titanium implant abutments: an in vivo within‐subject comparison
Authors: van Brakel Ralph , Meijer Gert J. , Verhoeven Jan Willem , Jansen John , de Putter Cornelis , Cune Marco S. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractAimTo compare the health of the soft tissues towards zirconia and titanium abutments in man, as observed using histological data.Material and MethodsTwenty patients received two mandibular implants with either a zirconia or titanium abutment (split mouth study design, left‐right randomization). After 3 months soft tissue biopsies were prepared for histological evaluation. They were subjected to blind evaluation. The number of blood vessels per surface unit and an inflammation grading scale score ranging from 1 to 4 were determined.ResultsPaired samples from 17 patients were suitable for analysis, 3 with unsevered implant‐abutment connections and 14 solely containing soft tissue. All showed a well‐keratinized stratified squamous epithelium which was continuous with the barrier (junctional) epithelium that faced the abutment surface. The normal epithelial build‐up could be recognized with little signs of inflammation. No statistically significant difference in tissues adjacent to zirconia and titanium abutment surfaces were seen with respect to vascular density (20.5 SD 4.4 and 20.7 SD 3.2) or inflammation grading scale scores (3.2 SD 0.7 versus 3.1 SD 0.7).ConclusionNo differences in soft tissue health were seen in peri‐implant mucosa adjacent to zirconia and titanium abutment surfaces.
Differential Expression of CXC Chemokines CXCL10 and CXCL12 in Term and Pre‐term Neonates and Their Mothers
Authors: Aminzadeh Fariba , Ghorashi Zohreh , Nabati Saeedeh , Ghasemshirazi Mohsen , Arababadi Mohammad Kazemi , Shamsizadeh Ali , Karimabad Mojgan Noroozi , Khorramdelazad Hossein , Darakhshan Shokoofeh , Hassanshahi Gholamhossein 
Published: June 2012

Background and AimPre‐term delivery is a mostly unknown frequent disorder worldwide. This project aimed to investigate the circulating levels of CXCL12 (SDF‐1) and CXCL10 (IP‐10) in cord blood of term and pre‐term delivered fetuses and their corresponding mothers.Material and MethodsCord and peripheral blood samples were collected from 50 pre‐term and 50 term infants and their mothers. Serum levels of CXCL12 and CXCL10 were measured by ELISA.ResultsThe findings of this study indicated that the circulating levels of CXCL10 were elevated in mothers bearing pre‐term infants, while CXCL12 was only increased in pre‐term infants.ConclusionThe results suggested that the pathophysiological status of both mother and infant are involved in prematurity. Moreover, these findings suggest an inflammatory response in pre‐term labor, which probably is controlled by inducible chemokines such as CXCL10.
Salivary secretion effects of the antipsychotic drug olanzapine in an animal model
Authors: Godoy T , Riva A , Ekström J 
Published: June 2012

Oral Diseases (2012)Objective:  Olanzapine, introduced as an alternative to clozapine in schizophrenia therapy, is thought to display a receptor affinity similar to that of clozapine. Antipsychotics are well‐known xerogenic drugs. However, clozapine exerts both antagonistic and agonistic salivary effects (‘clozapine‐induced sialorrhea’), the latter probably via muscarinic M1 type of receptor. We hypothesise that olanzapine also has dual salivary effects.Material and methods:  Effects of intravenous olanzapine were examined in rats, including those subjected to chronic preganglionic parasympathetic denervation (submandibular glands) or combined postganglionic parasympathetic and sympathetic denervation (parotid glands). Secretion was evoked reflexly, and by intravenous methacholine and the tachykinin substance P.Results:  At 0.01–1 mg kg−1, olanzapine dose dependently reduced secretion in response to methacholine or reflex stimulus but not that to substance P. At 10 mg kg−1, olanzapine evoked a long‐lasting secretion, independent of the autonomic innervation as well as of α‐ and β‐adrenergic receptors and muscarinic receptors. The secretion was reduced, but not abolished, by a substance P receptor antagonist.Conclusions:  Like clozapine, olanzapine evoked secretion. The response to olanzapine was greater and, in contrast to clozapine, involved non‐traditional gland receptors (such as substance P receptors). The findings imply that olanzapine plays an excitatory role via tachykinin receptors in humans.