bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Polyclonal Immunoglobulin Free Light Chain Levels Predict Survival in Myeloid Neoplasms
Authors: Pardanani Animesh , Lasho Terra L. , Finke Christy M. , Rajkumar S. Vincent , Singh Preet Paul , Ketterling Rhett P. , Hanson Curtis A. , Katzmann Jerry A. , Tefferi Ayalew 
Published: February 2012

Purpose We hypothesized that surrogate markers of host immune response may predict survival in myeloid malignancies. Because of immediate practical applicability, we chose plasma immunoglobulin free light chain (FLC) concentration as the biomarker of interest. Patients and Methods Two independent cohorts of patients with primary myelofibrosis (PMF) or myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) were studied. Kappa (κ) and lambda (λ) FLCs were measured by a quantitative nephelometric assay. Patients with monoclonal FLC were excluded. Results Values that were above the upper limit of normal for κ or λ FLC were documented in 33% of 240 patients with PMF and 46% of 74 patients with MDS. Increased FLC was significantly associated with increased creatinine, and advanced age in PMF (P < .001) and hemoglobin less than 10 g/dL in MDS (P = .005). In multivariable analysis, increased FLC predicted shortened survival in both PMF and MDS, independent of age, creatinine, and other conventional risk factors. Cutoff levels based on receiver operating characteristic analysis for κ plus λ total FLCs delineated risk groups with highly significant differences in overall survival; International Prognostic Scoring System–adjusted hazard ratio in PMF was 1.9 (95% CI, 1.3 to 2.7), and was 6.3 (95% CI, 2.7 to 16.6) in MDS. No correlations were seen with leukemia-free survival, karyotype, or JAK2, MPL, or IDH mutations. In patients with PMF who were studied by cytokine profiling, the prognostic value of an increased FLC level was independent of that from circulating interleukin-2 receptor (IL-2R) or IL-8 levels. Conclusion Increased plasma FLC concentration predicts inferior survival in both PMF and MDS. Its lack of correlation with leukemia-free survival and tumor-specific genetic markers suggests a primarily host-driven biologic phenomenon that might be more broadly applicable.
Research Note—The Cost Impact of Spam Filters: Measuring the Effect of Information System Technologies in Organizations
Authors: Caliendo Marco , Clement Michel , Papies Dominik , Scheel-Kopeinig Sabine 
Published: February 2012

Dealing with spam is very costly, and many organizations have tried to reduce spam-related costs by installing spam filters. Relying on modern econometric methods to reduce the selection bias of installing a spam filter, we use a unique data setting implemented at a German university to measure the costs associated with spam and the costs savings of spam filters. Our methodological framework accounts for effect heterogeneity and can be easily used to estimate the effect of other IS technologies implemented in organizations. The majority of costs stem from the time that employees spend identifying and deleting spam, amounting to an average of approximately five minutes per employee per day. Our analysis, which accounts for selection bias, finds that the installation of a spam filter reduces these costs by roughly one third. Failing to account for the selection bias would lead to a result that suggests that installing a spam filter does not reduce working time losses. However, cost savings only occur when the spam burden is high, indicating that spam filters do not necessarily reduce costs and are therefore no universal remedy. The analysis further shows that spam filters alone are a countermeasure against spam that exhibits only limited effectiveness because they only reduce costs by one third.
Temporal Convergence of Dynamic Cell Assemblies in the Striato-Pallidal Network
Authors: Adler Avital , Katabi Shiran , Finkes Inna , Israel Zvi , Prut Yifat , Bergman Hagai 
Published: February 2012

The basal ganglia (BG) have been hypothesized to implement a reinforcement learning algorithm. However, it is not clear how information is processed along this network, thus enabling it to perform its functional role. Here we present three different encoding schemes of visual cues associated with rewarding, neutral, and aversive outcomes by BG neuronal populations.We studied the response profile and dynamical behavior of two populations of projection neurons [striatal medium spiny neurons (MSNs), and neurons in the external segment of the globus pallidus (GPe)], and one neuromodulator group [striatal tonically active neurons (TANs)] from behaving monkeys. MSNs and GPe neurons displayed sustained average activity to cue presentation. The population average response of MSNs was composed of three distinct response groups that were temporally differentiated and fired in serial episodes along the trial. In the GPe, the average sustained response was composed of two response groups that were primarily differentiated by their immediate change in firing rate direction. However, unlike MSNs, neurons in both GPe response groups displayed prolonged and temporally overlapping persistent activity. The putamen TANs stereotyped response was characterized by a single transient response group. Finally, the MSN and GPe response groups reorganized at the outcome epoch, as different task events were reflected in different response groups.Our results strengthen the functional separation between BG neuromodulators and main axis neurons. Furthermore, they reveal dynamically changing cell assemblies in the striatal network of behaving primates. Finally, they support the functional convergence of the MSN response groups onto GPe cells.
Fast chemical separations and laser mass spectrometry – tools for nuclear research
Authors: Trautmann N. , Wendt K. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractFast chemical separation procedures applied in nuclear research require dedicated experimental techniques. Rapid discontinuous separation procedures are illustrated by an example to isolate technetium from fission products. The use of a gas jet and its combination with a thermochromatographic separation and with the continuous solvent extraction technique SISAK is described and examples are given for the investigation of short-lived fission products. The potential of resonance ionization mass spectrometry (RIMS) as a highly sensitive technique using different experimental systems is outlined for ultra trace analysis of long-lived plutonium and neptunium isotopes, including isotope ratio measurements of the plutonium isotopes. In addition, the precise determination of the first ionization potentials (IP) of ten actinide elements up to einsteinium and of technetium carried out by using the photoionization threshold method and requiring sample sizes of ∼ 1012atoms is presented.
Work Ability Index (WAI) and Its Association with Psychosocial Factors in One of the Petrochemical Industries in Iran
Authors: Mazloumi Adel , Rostamabadi Akbar , Saraji Gabraeil Nasl , Foroushani Abbas Rahimi 
Published: February 2012

Work Ability Index (WAI) and Its Association with Psychosocial Factors in One of the Petrochemical Industries in Iran: Adel MAZLOUMI, et al. Department of Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran—ObjectivesIn recent decades, work ability index (WAI) has been a common practical tool to measure individuals' work ability in many European, Asian and South American countries. However, there is no study concerning work ability in Iran. The aim of this study was to determine the work ability index in an Iranian petrochemical job setting and to examine its relationship with psychosocial factors.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was conducted among 420 male workers in various occupations. Work ability was evaluated using the WAI questionnaire developed by FIOH; the Job content questionnaire (JCQ) was used to assess psychosocial factors.ResultsThe mean WAI score was 39.1 (SD=5.7) among workers in the studied petrochemical industry. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed a significant association between mean WAI score and age, job tenure, educational level, rest and sleep status and vocational education. Moreover, the results showed that skill discretion, coworker support and supervisor support were positively associated with the mean WAI score. On the other hand, it was inversely associated with job demands, job strain and job insecurity.ConclusionsThis study was the first research to determine WAI in an important industry in Iran. Overall, work ability was in the “Good” category among the workers in the studied field. On the basis of the WAI guidelines, this level should be maintained and promoted to excellent level by providing supportive countermeasures. The WAI score was significantly associated with psychosocial factors. The results showed that even in heavy physical work, factors such as job insecurity, skill discretion, job strain and social support play an important role in maintaining work ability. A positive combination of “psychosocial characteristics” of the job with “individual resources” can promote work ability in such occupations.
Quality Measures for Primary Care of Complex Pediatric Patients
Authors: Chen Alex Y. , Schrager Sheree M. , Mangione-Smith Rita 
Published: February 2012

OBJECTIVES:A well-recognized gap exists in assessing and improving the quality of care for medically complex patients. Our objective was to examine evidence for primary care based on the patient-centered medical home model and to identify valid and meaningful quality measures for use in complex pediatric patients.METHODS:We conducted literature searches on Medline and the National Quality Measures Clearinghouse for existing measures, as well as evidence to inform the development of new quality measures. We used a 3-step process to select relevant sources from published literature: (1) the titles were screened by 2 independent reviewers; (2) the abstracts were reviewed for quality-of-care contents or constructs; and (3) full-text articles were obtained and reviewed for measure specification. All materials were reviewed for the Oxford Centre For Evidence-Based Medicine level of evidence and for relevance to primary care of complex pediatric patients. A national expert panel was convened to evaluate and rate the measures by using the Rand/University of California Los Angeles Appropriateness Method.RESULTS:We presented 74 quality measures to the expert panel for review and discussion. The panel rated and accepted 35 measures as valid and feasible for assessing primary care quality in complex pediatric patients. The final set of quality measures was grouped in the following domains: primary care–general (14), patient/family-centered care (8), chronic care (2), coordination of care (9), and transition of care (2).CONCLUSIONS:By using the patient-centered medical home framework of accessible, continuous, family-centered, coordinated, and culturally effective care, a national expert panel selected 35 primary care quality measures for complex pediatric patients.
Nonconvulsive Status Epilepticus: The Encephalopathic Pediatric Patient
Authors: Greiner Hansel M. , Holland Katherine , Leach James L. , Horn Paul S. , Hershey Andrew D. , Rose Douglas F. 
Published: February 2012

OBJECTIVE:A high prevalence of nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) has been reported in critically ill adults and neonates. Recent prospective pediatric studies focus on critically ill children and show wide variability in the frequency of NCSE. This study examines prevalence of pediatric NCSE regardless of inpatient setting and retrospectively identifies risk factors indicating a need for urgent continuous EEG.METHODS:Medical records from patients aged 3 months to 21 years were identified either by (1) searching a clinical EEG database (n = 18) or (2) consecutive inpatient EEG referrals for NCSE over an 8-month period (n = 57).RESULTS:Seventy-five children, mean age of 7.8 years, were studied. NCSE was identified in 26 patients (35%) and in 8 of 57 (14%) patients referred for possible NCSE. More than half of the patients referred were outside of the ICU. A witnessed clinical seizure was observed in 24 of 26 (92%) patients with NCSE. Acute cortical neuroimaging abnormalities were significantly more frequent in patients with NCSE. The presence of clinical seizures and acute neuroimaging abnormality was associated with an 82% probability of NCSE. All but 1 patient with NCSE had electrographic or electroclinical seizures within the first hour of monitoring.CONCLUSIONS:A high prevalence of NCSE was observed, comparable to adult studies, but within a wider range of inpatient settings. Children with acute encephalopathy should undergo continuous EEG. This evaluation is more urgent if certain clinical risk factors are present. Optimal duration of monitoring and the effect of NCSE on prognosis should be studied.
Trends in Computed Tomography Utilization in the Pediatric Emergency Department
Authors: Menoch Margaret J. A. , Hirsh Daniel A. , Khan Naghma S. , Simon Harold K. , Sturm Jesse J. 
Published: February 2012

OBJECTIVE:
The purpose of this study was to determine the overall trend of computed tomography (CT) utilization in the pediatric emergency department (PED) from 2003 to 2010 and to determine trends categorized by common chief complaints.

METHODS:
Electronic chart records at 2 tertiary care PEDs within a large pediatric health care system were reviewed from January 2003 through December 2010. The annual CT utilization rate, by anatomic location, was determined. Annual CT utilization rates were compared with alternative imaging trends for visits with chief complaints of head injury, seizure, and abdominal pain. Analysis was performed with linear regression.

RESULTS:
There was no change in overall CT utilization from 2003 to 2010 (β 0.25, 95% confidence interval [CI] [−1.61 to 2.73]) or within anatomic subgroups. Head CT utilization for the chief complaints of seizure (β −0.97, 95% CI [−1.44 to −0.90]) and head injury (β −0.93, 95% CI [−1.71 to −0.73]) showed significant declines. Although there was no change in the abdominal CT utilization rate for abdominal pain, abdominal ultrasound utilization for abdominal pain significantly increased (β 0.89, 95% CI [0.25–0.79]).

CONCLUSIONS:
Our data showed no overall increase in CT utilization through 2010. In areas where alternative non–radiation-based modalities were options, there were decreased CT trends and increased use of potential alternative non–radiation-based modalities. This is the first large PED cohort study to show a decrease in CT utilization in recent years in a regional pediatric referral center and may correlate with increased awareness of radiation risk in children.
Effect of Ce4+ and Th4+ Ion Substitution in Uranium Dioxide
Authors: Behera Rakesh K. , Deo Chaitanya S. 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACTUranium dioxide is the most common fuel used in commercial light water nuclear reactors. The fission of the fuel generates fission products (FPs) and minor actinides (MAs), which affects the thermo-physical properties of the fuel. The understanding of the physical and chemical properties of the FPs and MAs is still limited. In this study we have used atomic level simulations to estimate the effect of Ce4+ and Th4+ ions in urania matrix. Our results show that the structural variation depends on the elastic effect, which is guided by the ionic radius of the substituted ion. Ce4+ (ionic radius 0.97 Å) reduces the overall lattice parameter, while Th4+ (ionic radius 1.05 Å) increases the overall lattice parameter of the urania matrix (U4+ ionic radius 1.00 Å). In addition bulk modulus of the U1-xCexO2 system does not change with substitution while the modulus of U1-xThxO2 reduces with an increase in Th4+ ion concentration. This observation is in accordance with Vegard’s law prediction based on the modulus values of bulk UO2, CeO2 and ThO2 systems.
Emergence of blue emission with decreasing film thickness and grain size for ZnO grown via thermal oxidation of Zn-metal films
Authors: Covington L.R. , Stansell R. , Moore J.C. 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACTWe have investigated the photoluminescence properties of ZnO grown on sapphire substrates via the thermal oxidation of Zn-metal films at various temperatures and thicknesses. X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectra indicate that the resulting films possess a polycrystalline hexagonal wurtzite structure without preferred orientation. For films having a thickness of 200 nm, crystal grain size was observed to decrease with increasing annealing temperature up to 600ºC, and then increase at higher temperatures. Thicker films demonstrated a modest increase in grain size as temperature increased from 300ºC to 1200ºC. The influence of film thickness on the optical properties was investigated using room temperature photoluminescence (PL). Specifically, PL spectra indicate four emission bands: excitonic ultraviolet, blue, and deep-level green and yellow emission. The strongest UV emission and narrowest full width at half maximum (0.09 eV) was observed for films having a thickness of 200 nm and annealed at low temperature (300ºC). As film thickness decreased, we observed the emergence of blue emission. The emergence of blue emission when depletion width grows relative to the bulk suggests that the origin of the blue emission is related to the negatively charged Zinc interstitials found within the deletion region near the interface.
Synthesis of 3,7-Dialkylthieno[2’,3’:4,5]thieno[3,2-b]thieno[2,3-d]thiophenes (DCnFT4) and their Application in Semi-conducting Polymers
Authors: Hu Jieyu , Matthews James R. , He Mingqian 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACTRecently much interest has been directed toward solution processable polymeric semi-conductor materials containing thiophene based moieties.[1] In particular, dialkylated tetrathienoacene (fused thiophene) copolymers have been used as high mobility semiconductors in field-effect transistors with a field-effect hole mobility exceeding 0.3 cm2/Vs.[2] Expansion of this class of materials to include new materials with either linear (DCnFT4) or branched (DbCnFT4) di-alkyl-substituted fused thiophenes has been achieved with the development of two distinct synthetic routes for ring formation and the introduction of the side-chains.DC17FT4 was prepared from tetrabromothieno[3,2-b]thiophene through a sequence of diketone formation, cyclization, hydrolysis and decarboxylation. Synthesis of the new compound di-2,4,4-trimethylpentyl-FT4 (DbC8FT4) has been accomplished in a more complex 8 step process, featuring a mono-ketone-ester as a key intermediate.DCnFT4 can be brominated in the 2- and 6-positions with NBS. The dibromide can then be used to form copolymers through cross coupling reactions. These polymers are solution processable semi-conductors. The polymers have been characterized by GPC and within organic thin-film transistor (OTFT) devices.
Posterior Pharyngeal Fat Grafting for Velopharyngeal Insufficiency
Authors: Lau Darryl , Oppenheimer Adam J. , Buchman Steve R. , Berger Mary , Kasten Steven J. 
Published: February 2012

Objective To determine if autologous fat grafting to the posterior pharynx can reduce hypernasality in patients with cleft palate and mild velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI). Design Retrospective case series. Setting Tertiary care center. Patients Eleven patients with cleft palate status after palatoplasty (with or without secondary speech surgery) with nasendoscopic evidence of VPI. Interventions Autologous fat was harvested and injected into the posterior pharynx under general anesthesia. Main Outcome Measures Pre- and postoperative subjective, nasometry, and nasendoscopy data. Apnea-hypopnea indices (AHIs) were also assessed. Comparisons were made using Fisher's exact test, Student's t tests, and relative risk (RR) assessments. Results An average of 13.1 mL of fat was injected (range: 5 to 22 mL). Mean follow-up was 17.5 months (range: 12 to 25 months). Statistically significant improvements in speech resonance were identified in nasometry (Zoo passage; p = .027) and subjective hypernasality assessment ( p= .035). Eight of the patients (73%) demonstrated normal speech resonance after posterior pharyngeal fat grafting (PPFG) on subjective or objective assessment ( p = .001). All five patients with previous secondary speech surgeries demonstrated normal speech resonance on similar assessment (RR = 1.8; p = .13). Complete velopharyngeal closure was observed in seven patients on postoperative nasendoscopy. No changes in AHIs were observed ( p=.581). Conclusion PPFG may be best used as an adjunct to secondary speech surgery. In this series, PPFG was not accompanied by the negative sequelae of hyponasality, sleep apnea, or airway compromise.
Outbreak of equine piroplasmosis in Florida
Authors: Short Michael A. , Clark Carol K. , Harvey John W. , Wenzlow Nanny , Hawkins Ian K. , Allred David R. , Knowles Donald P. , Corn Joseph L. , Grause Juanita F. , Hennager Steven G. , Kitchen Diane L. , Traub-Dargatz Josie L. 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
Case Description—A 7-year-old Quarter Horse gelding was hospitalized in Ocala, Fla, because of lethargy, fever, anorexia, and swelling of distal aspects of the limbs. A tentative diagnosis of equine piroplasmosis (EP) was made on the basis of examination of a blood smear. The case was reported to the Florida State Veterinarian, and infection with Babesia equi was confirmed. The subsequent investigation included quarantine and testing of potentially exposed horses for B equi and Babesia caballi infections, tick surveillance, and owner-agent interviews.
Clinical Findings—210 horses on 25 premises were tested for infection with EP pathogens. Twenty B equi–infected horses on 7 premises were identified; no horses tested positive for B caballi. Seven horses, including the index case, had clinical findings consistent with EP Dermacentor variabilis was considered the only potential tick vector for B equi collected, and all D variabilis specimens tested negative for Babesia organisms via PCR assay. Results of the epidemiological investigation suggested that B equi was spread by use of shared needles and possibly blood transfusions. All horses that tested positive were involved in nonsanctioned Quarter Horse racing, and management practices were thought to pose substantial risk of transmission of blood-borne pathogens.
Treatment and Outcome—Final outcome of B equi–infected horses was euthanasia, death from undetermined causes, or shipment to a US federal research facility.
Clinical Relevance—This investigation highlights the importance of collaboration between private veterinary practitioners, state veterinary diagnostic laboratories, and regulatory officials in the recognition, containment, and eradication of foreign animal disease.