bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Granulomatous Dermatitis due to Malassezia sympodialis
Authors: Desai Harsha B , Perkins Philip L , Procop Gary W 
Published: August 2011

A 67-year-old man, with multiple skin lesions that appeared over 2 years, had biopsies that disclosed granulomatous dermatitis with associated small yeasts. The urinary antigen test results were negative for Histoplasma infection; cultures from the biopsies did not grow any fungi or other potential pathogens. The chest roentgenogram results were normal. Morphologic examination revealed features of a Malassezia species. Broad-range fungal polymerase chain reaction and DNA sequencing disclosed that the infecting fungus was Malassezia sympodialis, a lipid-dependent yeast. This report supports one other case report that Malassezia species may cause granulomatous dermatitis; in the previous case, the etiologic agent was Malassezia pachydermatis, a nonlipid-dependent species. We recommend the use of lipid-supplemented culture media for specimens from patients with granulomatous dermatitis because several Malassezia species are dependent on lipid; the absence of lipid supplementation in routine cultures likely explains the negative culture results for this patient. This, to our knowledge, is the first report of granulomatous dermatitis caused by M sympodialis.
Mesenchymal stem cells expanded in human platelet lysate display a decreased inhibitory capacity on T‐ and NK‐cell proliferation and function
Authors: Abdelrazik Heba , Spaggiari Grazia M. , Chiossone Laura , Moretta Lorenzo 
Published: August 2011

AbstractThe use of fetal bovine serum (FBS) for the culture and expansion of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) limits their possible clinical applications. Although some recent studies recommended substituting FBS with human platelet lysate (HPL) for the expansion of MSCs for clinical use, the functional capacity of the expanded cells has only been partially explored. 10% FBS and two other commercial FBS‐containing media (MesenCult and MesenPro) were compared with 10% HPL‐containing medium for their ability to support MSCs expansion and immunomodulation. We demonstrate that HPL sustained MSC proliferation and expansion in vitro. However, the cumulative cell numbers recovered were comparable with those obtained in MesenPro medium. Moreover, we show that HPL alters the expression of some relevant MSC surface molecules, namely the DNAM‐1 ligands PVR and Nectin‐2, the NKG2D ligand ULBP3, the adhesion molecules CD49d and αvβ3 and the fibroblast‐associated protein. In addition, MSCs cultured in HPL displayed impaired inhibitory capacity on T‐cell proliferation to alloantigen and NK‐cell proliferation and cytotoxicity. Finally, they showed decreased constitutive PGE2 production while IL‐6, IL‐8 and RANTES secretion were upregulated. These results imply some limitations in the use of HPL for the expansion of MSCs to be used as immunomodulators in clinical applications.
Quantification of pH gradients and implications in insulator‐based dielectrophoresis of biomolecules
Authors: Gencoglu Aytug , Camacho‐Alanis Fernanda , Nguyen Vi Thanh , Nakano Asuka , Ros Alexandra , Minerick Adrienne R. 
Published: August 2011

AbstractDirect current (DC) insulator‐based dielectrophoretic (iDEP) microdevices have the potential to replace traditional alternating current dielectrophoretic devices for many cellular and biomolecular separation applications. The use of large DC fields suggest that electrode reactions and ion transport mechanisms can become important and impact ion distributions in the nanoliters of fluid in iDEP microchannels. This work tracked natural pH gradient formation in a 100 μm wide, 1 cm‐long microchannel under applicable iDEP protein manipulation conditions. Using fluorescence microscopy with the pH‐sensitive dye FITC Isomer I and the pH‐insensitive dye TRITC as a reference, pH was observed to drop drastically in the microchannels within 1 min in a 3000 V/cm electric field; pH drops were observed in the range of 6–10 min within a 100 V/cm electric field and varied based on the buffer conductivity. To address concerns of dye transport impacting intensity data, electrokinetic mobilities of FITC were carefully examined and found to be (i) toward the anode and (ii) 1 to 2 orders of magnitude smaller than H+ transport which is responsible for pH drops from the anode toward the cathode. COMSOL simulations of ion transport showed qualitative agreement with experimental results. The results indicate that pH changes are severe enough and rapid enough to influence the net charge of a protein or cause aggregation during iDEP experiments. The results also elucidate reasonable time periods over which the phosphate buffering capacity can counter increases in H+ and OH− for unperturbed iDEP manipulations.
A new logarithmic method to minimize the size of low‐pass filter using multilayer and defected ground structure technique
Authors: Boutejdar Ahmed , Omar Abbas , Burte Edmund , Batmanov Anatoliy , Mikuta Reinhard 
Published: August 2011

AbstractA novel three‐pole low‐pass filter is designed using metal‐loaded slots etched in the ground plane, and low impedance microstrip line as microstrip capacitor. An equivalent circuit model of a defected ground structure (DGS) is applied to study the characteristics of DGS. Parameters of the model are extracted from the EM simulation results by matching it to a one‐pole Butterworth low‐pass filter. The theory is validated against the commercial Microwave Office. The new low‐pass filter (LPF) is very compact and provides sharp transition band and a wide stop‐band. Additional to the new mathematical method (natural logarithm function), a multilayer technique will be used to improve the compactness of the structure. Finally, the proposed structure is implemented, and the measurement results are found to be in good agreement with the simulation results. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 53:2561–2566, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26352
Volatility forecasts evaluation and comparison
Authors: Laurent Sébastien , Violante Francesco 
Published: August 2011

AbstractThis article surveys the most important developments in volatility forecast comparison and model selection. We review a number of evaluation methods and testing procedures for predictive accuracy based on statistical loss functions. We also review recent contributions on the admissible form of loss functions ensuring consistency of the ordering when forecast performances are evaluated with respect to an imperfect volatility proxy. The techniques discussed are illustrated using artificial and EUR/USD exchange rate data. WIREs Comp Stat 2012, 4:1–12. doi: 10.1002/wics.190This article is categorized under:

Statistical Models > Time Series Models
Data: Types and Structure > Time Series, Stochastic Processes, and Functional Data
Applications of Computational Statistics > Computational Finance
Learning to cooperate in the Iterated Prisoner’s Dilemma by means of social attachments
Authors: Bazzan Ana L. C. , Peleteiro Ana , Burguillo Juan C. 
Published: August 2011

AbstractThe Iterated Prisoner’s Dilemma (IPD) has been used as a paradigm for studying the emergence of cooperation among individual agents. Many computer experiments show that cooperation does arise under certain conditions. In particular, the spatial version of the IPD has been used and analyzed to understand the role of local interactions in the emergence and maintenance of cooperation. It is known that individual learning leads players to the Nash equilibrium of the game, which means that cooperation is not selected. Therefore, in this paper we propose that when players have social attachment, learning may lead to a certain rate of cooperation. We perform experiments where agents play the spatial IPD considering social relationships such as belonging to a hierarchy or to coalition. Results show that learners end up cooperating, especially when coalitions emerge.
Distribution of human papillomavirus genotypes in archival cervical tissue from women with cervical cancer in urban Sri Lanka
Authors: Samarawickrema Nirma A. , Tabrizi Sepehr N. , Hewavisenthi Janaki , Leong Trishe , Garland Suzanne M. 
Published: August 2011

AbstractObjectiveTo identify the contributions of various human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes in tissue samples from women diagnosed with cervical cancer in Sri Lanka.MethodsIn a retrospective study, archival cervical tissues samples (n = 108) obtained from Sri Lankan women diagnosed with histologically proven invasive squamous cell carcinoma between 2006 and 2007 were tested for HPV. Genotyping of HPV DNA was performed using an INNO‐LiPA assay.ResultsOverall, 93% of tumor samples tested positive for HPV DNA. HPV types 16 and 18 accounted collectively for 83.4% of the positive samples.ConclusionThe findings suggest that the HPV genotypes responsible for causing cervical cancer in Sri Lanka are similar to those reported elsewhere worldwide. Consequently, women in Sri Lanka could benefit from currently available prophylactic HPV vaccines should they be implemented.
H1N1 influenza pandemic and maternal mortality in Antioquia, Colombia
Authors: Velásquez Jesús , Vélez Gladis , Zuleta John , Franco Francisco , Gómez Joaquín 
Published: August 2011

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the impact of the H1N1 influenza pandemic on maternal mortality in the province of Antioquia, Colombia, in 2009.MethodsThe present study was a descriptive, retrospective, cross‐sectional study of maternal deaths in Antioquia in 2009 caused by H1N1‐related pneumonia. The study formed part of the epidemiologic surveillance process undertaken by the Health and Social Protection Directorate of Antioquia and the particular healthcare institutions involved in the cases.ResultsIn 2009, there were 42 maternal deaths in Antioquia, corresponding to a maternal mortality ratio of 46 per 100 000 live births. Ten deaths were due to pneumonia, 9 of which occurred after the H1N1 outbreak was first reported in early 2009. In 3 cases, the women were confirmed to have H1N1 virus infection, and the remainder fulfilled probable case criteria. The main factors contributing to the deaths were underestimation of H1N1 symptoms, and delays in administration of antiviral medication and in hospitalization.ConclusionFor the population subgroup of pregnant women in Antioquia, it is crucial to remain alert regarding H1N1 virus infection, guaranteeing patients adequate monitoring and/or timely administration of immunization, medication, and hospitalization.
A clinicopathologic study of gynecologic organ involvement at radical cystectomy for bladder cancer
Authors: Salem Hosni , El‐Mazny Akmal 
Published: August 2011

AbstractObjectiveTo report the clinicopathologic analysis of women who underwent radical cystectomy for bladder cancer in Egypt from 1997 to 2005.MethodsClinicopathologic data for 250 women who underwent radical cystectomy for bladder cancer at 3 centers in Cairo were retrospectively reviewed from hospital charts and pathology sheet records. Cystectomy specimens were evaluated pathologically for involvement of internal genitalia.ResultsThe uterus was not available for histopathologic examination in 11 specimens; 1 ovary was absent from 18 specimens; and both ovaries were absent from 2 specimens. Uterine involvement was observed in 1 case of transitional cell carcinoma. Benign uterine pathology was detected in 25 cases. All patients had normal ovaries, and the vagina was involved in 11 cases. There was urethral involvement in 10% of patients. Of the 50 patients available for follow‐up, 11 had 1 ovary preserved and 2 had the uterus plus both ovaries preserved. None of them experienced late ovarian or uterine recurrence.ConclusionInvolvement of female internal genitalia in bladder cancer is uncommon. Thus, preservation of these organs in young women undergoing radical cystectomy should be considered in selected cases after careful preoperative assessment.
Influence of ethnicity on the clinical and biologic expression of pre‐eclampsia in the ECLAXIR study
Authors: Anselem Olivia , Girard Guillaume , Stepanian Alain , Azria Elie , Mandelbrot Laurent 
Published: August 2011

AbstractObjectiveTo determine whether ethnic origin is related to the clinical and biologic expression of pre‐eclampsia.MethodsIn a secondary analysis of information collected in the ECLAXIR study in France between May 2003 and October 2006, the data from 284 white European, 84 Maghrebian and 158 African women were evaluated in a case–control study of the genetic and endothelial determinants of pre‐eclampsia.ResultsAfrican origin was a risk factor for pre‐eclampsia before 28 weeks of gestation. Symptoms related to hypertension, such as neurologic signs and changes in biologic parameters (e.g. hemolysis elevated liver enzymes, low platelet count [HELLP] syndrome), occurred more frequently among white European women. After logistic regression, gestational age at delivery was lower for African women than for white European women (33.4 weeks versus 34.4 weeks of gestation, P = 0.04).ConclusionThe results suggest that ethnic origin may have a role in the expression of pre‐eclampsia, and should therefore be taken into account in prenatal surveillance. Further research on the genetic factors involved in endothelial dysfunction is warranted.
Oral misoprostol for the management of incomplete abortion in Ecuador
Authors: Montesinos Rolando , Durocher Jill , León Wilfrido , Arellano Mónica , Peña Melanie , Pinto Ernesto , Winikoff Beverly 
Published: August 2011

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the feasibility of introducing misoprostol for the treatment of incomplete abortion in Quito, Ecuador.MethodsIn a randomized prospective study conducted at a large tertiary‐level maternity hospital and a private secondary‐level clinic between November 2006 and November 2007, women with incomplete abortion were treated with either 600 μg of oral misoprostol (n = 122) or manual vacuum aspiration (MVA) (n = 120). All participants were requested to return for follow‐up care on day 7 to determine the success of the treatment and to document their satisfaction with the method and the adverse effects experienced.ResultsSixteen percent of women (39/242) did not return for their follow‐up visit and their outcomes are unknown. Among those who did return, 94% (100/106) of women showed successful completion of abortion after treatment with misoprostol, as compared with 100% (97/97) of women treated with MVA. Most women described their adverse effects after treatment as tolerable (misoprostol, 95%; MVA, 91%). Nearly all women reported being satisfied with their treatment (196/203); there were no differences among the women's reports of satisfaction according to treatment received.ConclusionAn oral dose of 600 μg of misoprostol was found to be an acceptable and effective non‐surgical option for treating incomplete abortion. Clinical trials.gov NCT00674232.
A national review of cesarean delivery in Ethiopia
Authors: Fesseha Nebreed , Getachew Atnafu , Hiluf Mihret , Gebrehiwot Yirgu , Bailey Patricia 
Published: August 2011

AbstractObjectiveTo describe Ethiopian national population‐based and institutional cesarean delivery rates by sector, and to describe indications for cesarean delivery, fetal and maternal outcomes, and aspects of quality of care.MethodsThe data source was the national baseline assessment of emergency obstetric and newborn care—a cross‐sectional, facility‐based survey of 797 facilities. Two instruments were used to collect the data for the present paper: a retrospective record review of 267 cesarean deliveries based on the last 3 performed in each facility; and a 12‐month summary of each facility's statistics on vaginal and abdominal deliveries.ResultsThe national population‐based cesarean delivery rate was 0.6%, with regional rates varying from 0.2% to 9%. The overall institutional rate was 18%, which varied between 46% in the private for‐ profit sector and 15% in the public sector. Maternal indications accounted for 66% of the cesareans reviewed, and fetal indications for 34%. Three‐quarters of the cesareans were recorded as emergencies, but only 12% of these had their labor monitored with a partograph. The interval between decision and delivery was within 30 minutes for 36% of the women, 31–60 minutes for 23%, and more than 5 hours for 19%. Antibiotics were given in 94% of the reviewed cases; nevertheless, 12% of the cases reported wound infection. There were 2 maternal deaths and 14% of the newborns were stillbirths or died shortly after birth.ConclusionThe study showed little progress in the proportion of all births delivered by cesarean and a high rate of cesarean among women attended in the private sector—indicating a need to monitor the appropriateness of obstetric care in all sectors and to increase access in rural areas. Clinical management protocols for obstetric and newborn care are needed, and audits of cesareans should be performed at all institutions, especially in the private sector. The importance of improving record keeping is crucial for informed local decision‐making.
Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Employment Outcomes for Persons With Traumatic Brain Injury: A Longitudinal Investigation 1‐5 Years After Injury
Authors: Arango‐Lasprilla Juan Carlos , Ketchum Jessica M. , Lewis Allen N. , Krch Denise , Gary Kelli W. , Dodd Brett Anthony 
Published: August 2011

ObjectiveTo determine whether differences exist in employment rates between whites, blacks, and Hispanics with traumatic brain injury (TBI) at 1, 2, or 5 years after injury; to determine whether changes occur in postinjury employment rates over time for whites, blacks, and Hispanics; and to determine whether changes in postinjury employment rates over time are different for whites, blacks, and Hispanics.SettingSixteen TBI Model System centers.Patients or Other ParticipantsPersons (3,940) with moderate‐to‐severe TBI who self‐reported as white, black, or Hispanic.Main Outcome MeasurementsEmployment status dichotomized as competitively employed versus not competitively employed.ResultsThe odds of competitive employment were significantly greater for whites versus blacks at 1, 2, and 5 years after injury and were greater for whites versus Hispanics at 1 and 2 years after injury; whites and Hispanics did not differ significantly at 5 years after injury; and blacks and Hispanics were not significantly different at 1, 2, or 5 years after injury. The odds of employment increased significantly from 1‐2, 2‐5, and 1‐5 years after injury for whites and Hispanics, whereas the odds of employment increased from 2‐5 and 1‐5 years after injury for blacks, with no significant difference between 1 and 2 years after injury for blacks. No evidence was found that the changes in employment rates over time were significantly different among the race and/or ethnicity groups.ConclusionFuture researchers should seek to identify causative factors for employment disparities, and rehabilitation professionals should work to mitigate inequalities in employment among racial and ethnic groups with TBI.
Ethnic Configuration and State-Making: A Fujian Case
Authors: KE FAN 
Published: August 2011

AbstractThis paper examines the relationship between ethnic configuration and state social policy in a Chinese context. Why did the Chinese communist government have to implement a preferential policy towards ethnic minorities, and to what extent has this policy come to reshape peoples’ consciousness of their group membership? As well as analysing the reasons and intents of the Chinese Communist Party when dealing with the minority issue before and after it attained power, this paper argues that categorizing of the population served to establish the state apparatus. Why the project of ethnic identification was first initiated in Fujian (a province best known for its overwhelming Han culture) is also discussed. By unfolding the process of searching for ethnic representation in Fujian in the early 1950s, this paper further argues that the major concern of the party-state regarding ethnic minorities is to hold onto its power. Finally, this paper documents how government agents, when investigating ethnicity, interacted with the local population. The Fujian case implies as well as exemplifies how ethnicity can be invented, constructed or reconstructed as a particular representation in relation to state formation.
PID and inverse-model-based control of a twin rotor system
Authors: Toha S. F. , Tokhi M. O. 
Published: August 2011

SUMMARYThe use of active control techniques has intensified in various control applications, particularly in the field of aircraft systems. This paper presents an investigation into the control of rigid-body and flexible motion of a twin rotor multi-input multi-output system (TRMS) using intelligent inverse-model-based control schemes. The TRMS is an aerodynamic test rig representing the control challenges of modern air vehicle. The augmented feedback PID and feedforward inverse-model-based control has led to good tracking response and vibration reduction of the TRMS, with the use of particle swarm optimisation (PSO). As a comparison, methods using PID controllers are also presented. Experimental results are obtained using the test rig, confirming the viability and effectiveness of the proposed methodology as opposed to conventional PID controllers. The results and evidence from this method are justified, presented and discussed.
Heuristic control of bipedal running: steady-state and accelerated
Authors: Perkins A. D. , Waldron K. J. , Csonka P. J. 
Published: August 2011

SUMMARYThe design, control, and actuation of legged robots that walk is well established, but there remain unsolved problems for legged robots that run. In this work, dynamic principles are used to develop a set of heuristics for controlling bipedal running and acceleration. These heuristics are then converted into control laws for two very different bipedal systems: one with a high-inertia torso and prismatic knees and one with a low-inertia torso, articulated knees, and mechanical coupling between the knee and ankle joints. These control laws are implemented in simulation to achieve stable steady-state running, accelerating, and decelerating. Stable steady-state running is also achieved in a planar experimental system with a semiconstrained torso.
Synge Scholarship: Nothing to Do with Nationalism?
Authors: COLLINS CHRISTOPHER 
Published: August 2011

John Millington Synge (1871–1909) is the fulcrum upon which Irish drama and theatre studies is balanced. Synge's nodal position is predicated upon the dramatist's rock ‘n’ roll recalcitrance towards the dramaturgical praxis of his contemporaries; his subject matter was as shocking as the Anglo-Irish idiom in which it was articulated. After Synge's premature death in 1909, W. B. Yeats's fundamental concern was that Synge scholars would attempt ‘to mould . . . some simple image of the man’. However, W. J. McCormack's concentric biography of Synge, The Fool of the Family: A Life of J. M. Synge, and Ann Saddlemyer's The Collected Letters of John Millington Synge, have demonstrated that Synge's life was complex, multifaceted and in deep dialogue with Irish culture. But with respect to Synge's drama a simple image has surrounded critical discourse: the politics of Irish nationalism.