bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Some Modifications of the Furlow Palatoplasty in Wide Clefts—A Preliminary Report
Authors: Gupta Richie , Kumar Sanjeev , Murarka Anil Kumar , Mowar Apoorva 
Published: January 2011

Objectives Authors encounter a large percentage of wide cleft palates while operating in a Third World situation. They define the terms wide clefts and unrepairable clefts in terms of measurement. They describe their technique, which they developed to deal with wide clefts. They describe some previously unreported modifications. They also report the velar lengthening obtained. Methods A total of 77 cases of primary cleft palate repaired with this technique by a single author, during the period May 2006 to February 2009, were selected for the study. These were divided into two groups on the basis of measurements. Group B consisted of all clefts deemed wide or unrepairable. Group A consisted of all other cleft palates. Difference in fistula rate was studied. Velar lengthening was measured in all patients. Observations Two fistulae occurred in Group B. The overall fistula rate for the series was 2.6%. The series consisted of 44% wide clefts, which included one case of unrepairable cleft. Lengthening in the velum ranged from 20% to 155%. Statistically significant correlations were found between narrow clefts and age group 0 to 1 year ( p = .0094) and Veau Group 4 with wide clefts ( p = .0194). Conclusions The Furlow technique as originally described has shortcomings. The authors describe their technique of incorporating the Furlow repair, which enables them to use it as a primary palatoplasty, in a scenario consisting of a large percentage of wide clefts in an older age group, thereby minimizing the fistula rate while increasing palatal length.
“I Do the Best I Can”: Caregivers' Perceptions of Informal Caregiving for Older Adults in Belize
Authors: Vroman Kerryellen , Morency Jamme 
Published: January 2011

In this first study of informal caregiving for older adults in Belize, 29 caregivers described their experiences of caregiving, how they perceived and managed the role, and what critical resources they needed. The three main themes identified in the caregiver interviews were the experiences of caregivers, the rewards of caregiving, and navigating the caregiver role. Caregivers identified positively with the role of care provider and they did not describe it as burdensome nor did they describe role strain. However, caregivers' complaints of poor physical health might be construed as somatic expressions of strain. The caregivers' religiosity was salient to how they viewed and coped with their caregiver role. In conclusion, culture appears to influence positively caregivers' beliefs and perceptions of caregiving in Belize. However, the expected increase in the older population and current circumstances of many caregivers and care recipients means there is a critical need for resources to support caregivers and promote aging in place.
Geographic Analysis of Diagnosis of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Children: Eastern Wisconsin, USA
Authors: Baumgardner Dennis J. , Schreiber Andrea L. , Havlena Jeffrey A. , Bridgewater Farrin D. , Steber Dale L. , Lemke Melissa A. 
Published: January 2011

Objective: To perform a novel geographic analysis of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) diagnosis in Midwest United States. Method: Primary care children age 5–17 with ADHD diagnosis ( N = 6833; 13.5%) were compared to those receiving well child care without ADHD diagnosis ( N = 43,630) in a Wisconsin integrated medical system. Street addresses, demographic, and block group level U.S. Census 2000 data were mapped and analyzed using ArcGIS, CrimeStat III, and SaTScan. Lead levels from a State database were linked to 2,837 subjects. Univariate analysis was done by chi-square test or Mann-Whitney U test, multivariate analysis by logistic regression. Results: ADHD cases were 74% male ( p = 0.0001), and more frequently diagnosed in White children (17.3%) than Blacks (10.6%), Hispanics (9.4%), or Asians (3.7%; all p values < 0.001). Overall, male gender, white race, lower block group median household income and population density, and greater distance to nearest park and airport were more predictive of ADHD ( p values < 0.001). In urban Milwaukee County (865 cases/10,493 controls) male gender, white race, suburban residence, and younger age were more predictive of ADHD ( p values < 0.01). Among children with ADHD diagnosis and linked lifetime lead values, those with a maximum level of 10 μg/dl or more differed significantly from controls (9.3% vs. 5.6%; p = 0.003); elevated lead remained a significant predictor of ADHD diagnosis in multivariate analysis. Conclusions: Further studies are needed to determine if geographic distribution of ADHD diagnosis can be partially explained by differential efficiency of referral for diagnosis by school districts, by race/ethnicity, and/or built environment.
Using a Brief 10–Item Generic Measure of Quality of Life in English and Spanish Speaking Diabetic Patients
Authors: Zapata-Vega Maria I. , Rivera James , Tarlin Nancy , Bijan Inci , Maurer Martin 
Published: January 2011

Objectives: Validation of the Multicultural Quality of Life Index (MQLI), a 10-item self-rated generic multilingual quality of life (QOL) measure in ethnically-diverse diabetic patients. Methods: Diabetic adult patients ( n = 180) in New York City completed the MQLI, English or Spanish version. Its internal consistency, factorial structure, and construct validity were analyzed. Depression screening (PHQ-9) scores were used to divide subjects into two sub-samples with presumed different QOL levels. Results: A Cronbach's alpha of 0.92 demonstrated its internal consistency (English-version = 0.90, Spanish-version = 0.94). A one-single factor structure was documented (all items loadings > 0.64), accounting for 59% of the items variance in the total sample; similar results were found for each language version. Correlation of the MQLI and PHQ-9 scores yielded an r = −0.58. Mild negative correlations with self-disclosed diagnosis of depression or other mental disorders, diabetes duration, and abnormal sensation on foot exam were found, but were non-significant with other diabetes aspects (e.g., HbA1c, retinopathy). A significant difference ( p < 0.001) between the scores of two subsamples with presumed different levels of QOL (means = 8.02 vs. 5.84) was found. Conclusions: The MQLI demonstrated coherence around the QOL concept. It correlated significantly with mental health (particularly depression), duration of diabetes, and possible neuropathy, but not with some diabetes-related factors. Its use in diabetic care settings is recommended, possibly supplemented by QOL diabetic-specific instruments.
The Effect of Meditation on Psychological Distress among Buddhist Monks and Nuns
Authors: Verma Gauri , Araya Ricardo 
Published: January 2011

Objective: This study aimed to ascertain whether there is an association between meditation and psychological distress. Method: Within a cohort of meditating Monks and Nuns who have accomplished varying levels of skill in the art of meditation, we studied whether there are varying degrees of psychological distress, and if so, whether this correlates to how advanced the meditators are. In this cross-sectional study, Monks and Nuns were recruited from monasteries, nunneries, and volunteer centres throughout Dharamshala, Northern India. A total of 331 Monks and Nuns participated. Psychological distress was measured using the GHQ-12, and the expertise on meditation was assessed through the number of years practising meditation and the maximum length of time held in concentration in one sitting. Results: A dose response association was found with more years meditating associated with increasingly lower GHQ scores. There was 0.21 points drop in GHQ scores for every year meditating ( p = 0.001). Conclusion: This study shows that Monks and Nuns who are more advanced in practicing meditation show fewer signs of psychological distress than Monks and Nuns who are less advanced in the art of meditation. The practice of meditation may have therapeutic value in the management of psychological distress, and could be offered as a non-pharmacological treatment alternative in patients with anxiety and depression. This is a preliminary study with limitations. More robust evidence is needed before we can confidently establish a causal link between meditation and psychological wellbeing. Our findings should, however, encourage further research in this area to generate better evidence for the health benefits of what is a long established practice in Buddhist communities.
Expression of human melanocortin 4 receptor in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Ignatovica Vita , Petrovska Ramona , Fridmanis Davids , Klovins Janis 
Published: January 2011

Abstract
The melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) is involved in the regulation of energy homeostasis and is known as one of the major hypothalamic regulators of food intake. Several studies have shown that replacement of aspartic acid at position 126 of the MC4R abolishes the ligand binding. We used the modified yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain MMY28 to functionally express the MC4R and characterise the importance of this amino acid for ligand based activation of the receptor. The efficiency of the functional expression system was estimated by activation with αMSH, ACTH and THIQ and compared with cAMP response in mammalian cells. We generated the library of MC4R mutants randomised at the amino acid position 126. Recombinant MC4R clones were screened for the αMSH induced activity in yeast. From 9 different amino acids obtained only the natural aspartic acid displayed the ligand dependent activity of MC4R. The MC4R variants with glutamic acid and leucine at position 126, however, displayed higher background activity than other amino acid substitutions. The results suggest that the yeast expression system is suitable for screening of the MC4R receptor ligands and that the substitution of aspartic acid at position 126 of MC4R by different amino acids functionally inactivates the receptor.
Stieda process versus Haglund’s deformity: An uncommon presentation of posterior ankle impingement
Authors: Perdikakis Evangelos , Karantanas Apostolos 
Published: January 2011

AbstractPosterior ankle impingement syndrome represents an important cause of chronic ankle pain and has been extensively described in the orthopaedic and radiology literature. A rare case of this painful hindfoot disorder that resulted from two concurrent developmental anomalies is presented herein.
RNA interference and its therapeutic potential
Authors: Ghosal Anubrata , Kabir Ahmad , Mandal Abul 
Published: January 2011

AbstractRNA interference is a technique that has become popular in the past few years. This is a biological method to detect the activity of a specific gene within a cell. RNAi is the introduction of homologous double stranded RNA to specifically target a gene’s product resulting in null or hypomorphic phenotypes. This technique involves the degradation of specific mRNA by using small interfering RNA. Both microRNA (miRNA) and small interfering RNA (siRNA) are directly related to RNA interference. RNAi mechanism is being explored as a new technique for suppressing gene expression. It is an important issue in the treatment of various diseases. This review considers different aspects of RNAi technique including its history of discovery, molecular mechanism, gene expression study, advantages of this technique against previously used techniques, barrier associated with this technique, and its therapeutic application.
Modal operators on commutative residuated lattices
Authors: Kondo M. 
Published: January 2011

Abstract
We prove some fundamental properties of monotone modal operators on bounded commutative integral residuated lattices (CRL). Moreover we give a positive answer to the problem left open in [RACHŮNEK, J.—ŠALOUNOV Á, D.: Modal operators on bounded commutative residuated Rℓ-monoids, Math. Slovaca 57 (2007), 321–332].
Asymptotic approximation of solutions of nonlinear third order difference equations
Authors: Parhi N. , Panda Anita 
Published: January 2011

Abstract
In this paper, we obtain asymptotic bounds, under appropriate conditions, of solutions of third order difference equations of the form $$
\Delta (p_{n - 1} \Delta (r_{n - 1} \Delta y_{n - 1} )) = f(n,y_n \Delta y_{n - 1} ) + g(n,y_n \Delta y_{n - 1} ),
$$ where {p
n} and {r
n} are sequences of positive real numbers, and f, g: ℕ×ℝ2 → ℝ. Different forms of discrete Gronwall inequality are used to obtain these results.
Lattice of retracts of monounary algebras
Authors: Jakubíková-Studenovská Danica , Pócs Jozef 
Published: January 2011

Abstract
We investigate lattices of retracts of monounary algebras. Semimodularity and concepts related to semimodularity (M-symmetry and Mac Lane’s condition) are dealt with. Further, we give a description of all connected monounary algebras with modular retract lattice.
Intron 2 Splice Mutation at CYP21 Gene in Patients with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia in the Republic of Macedonia
Authors: Anastasovska V , Kocova M 
Published: January 2011

Intron 2 Splice Mutation at CYP21 Gene in Patients with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia in the Republic of MacedoniaCongenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is an autosomal recessive disorder. In 90-95% of cases it results from mutations in the gene for 21-hydroxylase (CYP21, also termed CYP21A2 and P450c21). The IVS-II-656 (C/A>G) mutation leaves ~2.0% enzyme activity, and comprises 25% of the classic CYP21 deficiency alleles and 51% of alleles in the salt-wasting form.We performed direct molecular diagnosis of the IVS-II mutation in 41 Macedonian patients with different clinical forms of CAH and 55 of their healthy parents and siblings from 37 unrelated families, using the differential polymerase chain reaction/amplification created restriction site method (PCR/ACRS). The IVS-II mutation was detected in 41.5% patients (29.3% were homozygotes and 12.2% were heterozygotes). All homozygotes had a severe classical CAH phenotype (of which 91.7% were salt-wasting and 8.3% were simple virilizing). Three of the heterozygotes had a salt-wasting (SW) phenotype and were compound heterozygotes. The IVS-II mutation was also found in 30.9% of the family members (18.2% were homozygous and 12.7% were heterozygous) and none had any clinical manifestation. The frequency of the IVS-II mutation (41.5%) in these subjects was similar to that reported elsewhere.
Complement Factor H Y403H Polymorphism in the Turkish Population
Authors: Yunus Arikan , Türker Bilgen , Ibrahim Keser 
Published: January 2011

Complement Factor H Y403H Polymorphism in the Turkish PopulationComplement factor H (CFH) is an important regulator protein of the alternative pathway of the complement system. TheCFHmutations and polymorphisms in CFH have been associated with diseases of the kidney and eye. We investigated the allelic frequency of the most commonCFHpolymorphism, c.1277 T>C (Y402H), in 100 healthy Turkish volunteers from the Antalya Province by direct sequencing of the corresponding genomic region. We found a frequency of 0.65% for the T and 0.35% for the C alleles. The frequency of the TT, CT and CC genotypes was 0.40, 0.49 and 0.11% respectively. Thus, the disease-related C allele has a frequency in Turkey similar to that of Caucasian populations.
Value of the Combined Test in Prenatal Diagnostics
Authors: Lončar D 
Published: January 2011

Value of the Combined Test in Prenatal DiagnosticsCongenital anomalies are the cause of 20.0-25.0% of cases of perinatal death, while 3.0% of children are born with malformations of varying size. We examined the predictive values and defined the credibility ratio of the combined test results. Of 317 examined pregnant women, 16 (5.05%) gave a pathological karyotype after amniocentesis: of these, nine (2.84%) had chromosomal number aberrations and seven (2.21%) had chromosomal structure aberrations. We determined the ultrasonographic parameters using the standards of the Fetal Medicine Foundation (location please). We measured free β-subunit of choriogronadotropin (β-HCG) and pregnancy associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) in venous blood from pregnant women using a combined commercial assay. Sensitivity of the test is 94.0%, and specificity is 99.0%. The positive likelihood ratio [likelihood ratio test (LR+)] is 94.00, a negative likelihood ratio is [likelihood ratio test (LR-)] 0.06. The pretest probability that pregnant women carry a fetus with chromosomal abnormality is 1:250. Posttest odds after the combined test to discover this abnormality is 0.3760, and probability of the same case is 0.2732 if it happens that the test result is positive. The result of our study confirms the justification of combined test usage in routine clinical practice, since the posttest odds rate in the case of a positive screening increases several times over (almost 90 times); the probability of detecting a chromosomal abnormality was about 70 times. The combined screening test, if used methodologically correctly, has a high predictive value in detecting fetal congenital anomalies.
Multi-Agent Based Intelligent Tutoring System Source Code Generation Using MASITS Tool
Authors: Lavendelis Egons , Grundspenkis Janis 
Published: January 2011

Multi-Agent Based Intelligent Tutoring System Source Code Generation Using MASITS ToolSeveral agent development tools have been proposed. At the same time, specific tools for agent based Intelligent Tutoring System (ITS) development do not exist. However, ITSs have some specific characteristics that must be taken into consideration during the development. General purpose Agent Oriented Software Engineering (AOSE) methodologies and therefore development tools do not sufficiently correspond to the characteristics of ITSs. Additionally, the general purpose AOSE methodologies and tools do not allow plugging in domain specific rules and diagrams. Thus, usage of knowledge gained in ITS research during the development process is limited. In the absence of general tools that allow plugging in knowledge from ITS research, a specific tool named MASITS has been developed. The tool supports a specific agent based ITS development methodology named MASITS which takes into consideration specific characteristics of ITSs and integrates knowledge from ITS research. The tool supports all phases of ITS development, starting from requirements analysis and ending with deployment. Requirements analysis and design phases are supported by appropriate diagram creation tools. Implementation is supported by source code generation from diagrams created during the design phase. JADE platform is used for agent implementation. Thus, Java classes for ontology, agents and behaviours are generated from the design diagrams. The paper includes a brief overview of diagrams used in the source code generation and detailed algorithms for source code generation from the diagrams.
Testing and Traceability Aspects in the Context of the Model Driven Architecture (MDA)
Authors: Grave Andrejs 
Published: January 2011

Testing and Traceability Aspects in the Context of the Model Driven Architecture (MDA)
With the growth of complexity of the software systems it becomes more complicated to ensure and evaluate quality of the software being built. This paper discusses quality of the software in the context of the Model Driven Architecture. Paper analyses factors that affect quality of the software in the software development projects that are developed using MDA. As one of the important factor that affects quality of the software, is traceability. This paper provides description of the traceability property and importance of it within development of the software. Within context of this paper traceability is considered as a property of a system description technique that allows changes in one of the system descriptions to be traced to the corresponding portions of the other descriptions. This paper is focused on such aspects of the software development as testing and traceability in the context of MDA. Paper contains in review of traceability, MDA and traceability within MDA. Also paper contains description of the method for formal definition of the problem domain - called Topological functioning modeling for model driven architecture (TFMfMDA). This paper introduces method of the application of the TFM as the traceability tool. TFM as the traceability tool can be used to analyze impact of the changes and select most important tests.
Tool Integration to Support SPEM Model Transformations in Eclipse
Authors: Nikulsins Vladimirs , Nikiforova Oksana 
Published: January 2011

Tool Integration to Support SPEM Model Transformations in Eclipse
This paper propose the approach for integrating SPEM modeling tools with the Query/View/Transformation (QVT) tools using Eclipse Modeling Framework (EMF). The aim of tool integration is to support the adoption of Model Driven Architecture within the organizations, which currently use "traditional" software development approaches. The software development process lifecycle of organization is supposed to be expressed with the help of OMG SPEM language. The approach presented in the paper is based on the model-level integration using EMF based interfaces, which will help to link the MOF based Ecore models with the QVT transformation tools. The outcomes of the work are: (i) the design of EMF based tool integration, (ii) solution prototype for Eclipse environment (iii) QVT Relations transformation rules. Model transformations are performed using mediniQVT tool, which is able to operate with the models expressed as Ecore metamodels and provides debugging features and transformation rules tracing. The QVT Relations transformations are applied to the source model, which corresponds to the "traditional" software development lifecycle. The outcome of such unidirectional transformation is the new software development process, which corresponds to the model-driven software development process. The generated target model is SPEM compliant, and can be imported into the external tool supporting SPEM models in Ecore.
The Characteristics of the Map Merging Methods: A Survey
Authors: Andersone Ilze 
Published: January 2011

The Characteristics of the Map Merging Methods: A SurveyThe development of the autonomous mobile robots is a popular field of research in the artificial intelligence for more than twenty years. An important prerequisite for creation of autonomous robot is the ability to create a map of the environment. However there are several problems in the robotic mapping that are still not completely solved. The use of multiple robots for mapping solves some of these problems, but in this case several new problems, specific to multi-robot mapping, arise. One of the problems in multi-robot mapping is merging all of the local maps that robots have created into one global map. The application of the robot teams in the exploration is a relatively new research field and initially methods for multi-robot mapping were just extended single robot mapping methods. Consequently the map merging problem was simplified. The research of map merging has only recently evolved, thus existing papers on the map merging describe specific map merging methods and there are no comprehensive surveys on the state of the art in the field of map merging. Therefore the goal of this paper is to describe the situation in the field of the map merging and to identify the main characteristics of the map merging methods. The interrelations of these characteristics can then be identified and the corresponding map merging approaches of each characteristic set named.