bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Caudate Volume Predicts Neurocognitive Performance in Youth with Heavy Prenatal Alcohol Exposure
Authors: Fryer Susanna L. , Mattson Sarah N. , Jernigan Terry L. , Archibald Sarah L. , Jones Kenneth Lyons , Riley Edward P. 
Published: May 2012

BackgroundFetal alcohol spectrum disorders result from heavy prenatal alcohol exposure and are characterized, in some cases, by central nervous system anomalies and cognitive impairment. Regional patterns of neuroanatomical abnormalities suggest that alcohol exerts selective damage on the developing fetal brain. This study assessed brain–behavior relationships in a sample of youth with histories of heavy prenatal alcohol exposure. The aim was to characterize how structural brain alterations observed in our previous studies relate to cognitive deficits commonly reported in individuals with histories of heavy prenatal alcohol exposure.MethodsTwenty‐one youth (mean age 13 years) with histories of heavy prenatal alcohol exposure and 7 nonexposed healthy comparison subjects underwent structural magnetic resonance imaging and neurobehavioral testing. Regional brain volumes within the alcohol‐exposed group were correlated with neuropsychological measures of cognitive control and verbal learning/recall, as these aspects of cognition have previously been shown to be vulnerable to alcohol teratogenesis.ResultsBetween‐group effect sizes revealed moderate to large cognitive performance and brain volume decrements in alcohol‐exposed subjects, compared with typically developing peers. Within the alcohol‐exposed group, volume of the caudate nuclei was the most consistent predictor of neuropsychological performance, after controlling for potentially confounding variables including total brain volume, IQ, and age.ConclusionsThese data are consistent with previous research associating gestational alcohol exposure with structural and functional changes of the caudate nucleus. Our findings extend this previous work by demonstrating that volume reductions of the caudate have behavioral relevance for this population, in relation to cognitive control and verbal learning and recall abilities.
Ethanol Disrupts the Mechanisms of Induction of Long‐Term Potentiation in the Mouse Nucleus Accumbens
Authors: Mishra Devesh , Zhang Xiaoqun , Chergui Karima 
Published: May 2012

BackgroundLong‐term changes in the efficacy of glutamatergic synaptic transmission in reward‐related brain regions such as the nucleus accumbens (NAc) are proposed to contribute to neuroadaptations that lead to drug addiction. Although alcohol is a widely used addictive substance, the cellular mechanisms by which it influences synaptic plasticity in the NAc are not elucidated. We therefore examined whether acute ethanol (EtOH) alters long‐term potentiation (LTP) in the core region of the NAc and investigated the possible underlying mechanisms.MethodsWe measured field excitatory postsynaptic potential/population spike (fEPSP/PS) amplitude in mouse brain slices containing the NAc. We also used amperometry to detect, with carbon fiber electrode, evoked dopamine release in brain slices.ResultsIn control slices, high‐frequency stimulation (HFS) induced a stable LTP. LTP was reduced in slices perfused with EtOH (50 mM). Given that induction of LTP is dependent on glutamate acting on N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) receptors and group I metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs), we studied the ability of EtOH to modulate these 2 classes of receptors. NMDA (20 μM) depressed the amplitude of the fEPSP/PS, but this effect was not altered by EtOH in our experimental conditions. However, EtOH reversed the ability of the group I mGluR agonist (S)‐3,5‐Dihydroxyphenylglycine (DHPG) (50 μM) to potentiate the depressant action of NMDA on the fEPSP/PS. We also examined whether EtOH could modulate dopamine release given that dopamine plays important roles in mediating the reinforcing actions of abused drugs and in the induction of LTP in the NAc. We found that EtOH reversibly decreased action potential‐dependent dopamine release evoked by single stimulation pulses and by HFS trains in NAc slices.ConclusionsThese results show that EtOH impairs the induction of LTP possibly through several mechanisms that include inhibition of group I mGluR‐mediated potentiation of NMDA receptor function and of evoked dopamine release. This study provides additional support for a key role of glutamatergic and dopaminergic neurotransmission in the NAc in mediating the reinforcing effects of acute alcohol.
Stent Reconstruction of an Injured Parotid Duct in a Thoroughbred Colt
Authors: Lempe Antonia , Brehm Walter , Scharner Doreen 
Published: May 2012

ObjectiveTo report successful use of stent repair for a chronically injured parotid duct in a thoroughbred colt.Study designClinical report.AnimalA 2‐year‐old thoroughbred colt.MethodsChronic injury to the parotid duct was identified 4‐cm caudal to the facial vessel notch on the ventral border of the right mandible. After careful surgical dissection of the surrounding firm fibrous tissue, the defect was temporarily stented using an 8‐Fr human ureteral catheter (223600ERU®SOFT URETERAL®,Laboratoires pharmaceutique,Betschdorf,France) to bridge the tissue loss. The rostral end of the catheter exited the oral cavity through a buccotomy stab incision at the level of the second premolar tooth of the maxilla.ResultsPrimary wound healing occurred and the stent was maintained for 5 weeks with saliva drainage visible when the colt was fed. After stent removal, function was restored with good cosmesis.ConclusionsA tissue defect in the parotid duct can be repaired successfully by temporary use of a stent until wound healing occurs.
Clinicopathologic Observations on Laryngoplasty Failure in a Horse
Authors: Hardcastle Michael Robert , Pauwels Frederik Ekhart Theo , Collett Mark Grey 
Published: May 2012

ObjectiveTo report morphologic findings associated with laryngoplasty failure in a horse.Study DesignClinical report.AnimalsA 9‐year‐oldThoroughbred cross gelding.MethodsNecropsy and histopathology were performed on a horse that died peracutely during anesthetic recovery after correction of a right dorsal displacement of the ascending colon. Three weeks earlier the horse had left laryngoplasty and ventriculocordectomy.ResultsDissection of the larynx revealed that the laryngoplasty suture had pulled through the muscular process of the left arytenoid cartilage, which appeared grossly normal. Histopathology of the arytenoid muscular process revealed cartilage necrosis, granulation tissue, and inflammation around the cartilage and within the cartilage failure line, and small numbers of coccoid bacteria in a minority of cartilage canals. Multifocal cardiomyopathy and pulmonary congestion, edema, and hemorrhage were also observed histologically.ConclusionDeath was attributed to peracute pulmonary edema associated with cardiac abnormalities and airway obstruction from laryngoplasty failure. Morphologic changes in the muscular process indicate gradual progression toward laryngoplasty failure, possibly associated with suture‐induced pressure necrosis and/or microscopic low‐grade postoperative infection.
Peripheral Nerve Stimulation for the Treatment of Postamputation Pain—A Case Report
Authors: Rauck Richard L. , Kapural Leonardo , Cohen Steven P. , North James M. , Gilmore Christopher A. , Zang Rosemary H. , Boggs Joseph W. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractMany amputees suffer from postamputation pain, which can be extremely debilitating, decrease quality of life, increase the risk of depression, and negatively affect interpersonal relationships and the ability to work. Present methods of treatment, including medications, are often unsatisfactory in reducing postamputation pain. Electrical stimulation of the nerve innervating the painful area could reduce the pain, but peripheral nerve stimulation is rarely used to treat postamputation pain because present methods require invasive surgical access and precise placement of the leads in close proximity (≤ 2 mm) with the nerve. The present study investigated a novel approach to peripheral nerve stimulation in which a lead was placed percutaneously a remote distance (> 1 cm) away from the femoral nerve in a patient with severe residual limb pain (RLP) 33 years following a below‐knee amputation. Electrical stimulation generated ≥ 75% paresthesia coverage, reduced RLP by > 60%, and improved quality of life outcomes as measured by the pain interference scale of the Brief Pain Inventory‐Short Form (100% reduction in pain interference), Pain Disability Index (74% reduction in disability), and the Patient Global Impression of Change (very much improved) during a 2‐week home trial. There were no adverse events. The ability to generate significant paresthesia coverage and pain relief with a single lead inserted percutaneously and remotely from the target nerve holds promise for providing relief of postamputation pain.
The Use of a Continuous Brachial Plexus Catheter to Facilitate Inpatient Rehabilitation in a Pediatric Patient with Refractory Upper Extremity Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
Authors: Franklin Andrew , Austin Thomas 
Published: May 2012

AbstractBackground:  The goal of interventional management of refractory pediatric complex regional pain syndrome is to facilitate early restoration of function to the affected extremity. These interventions are more complicated in children, as most do not tolerate these procedures without sedation.Case report:  We report the first detailed description of a pediatric patient with complex regional pain syndrome refractory to medical management who had complete resolution of symptoms after brief inpatient rehabilitation involving continuous brachial plexus blockade and a multidisciplinary apaproach.Conclusion:  Repeated interventional therapy for refractory, severe complex regional pain syndrome may not be feasible in children owing to the requirement for deep sedation or general anesthesia. A multidisciplinary apaproach of brief inpatient rehabilitation and continuous blockade via an indwelling pain catheter may provide a safer, more cost‐effective means of restoring function in children with advanced disease.
Optimal Reciprocal Reinsurance Treaties Under the Joint Survival Probability and the Joint Profitable Probability
Authors: Cai Jun , Fang Ying , Li Zhi , Willmot Gordon E. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractA reinsurance treaty involves two parties, an insurer and a reinsurer. The two parties have conflicting interests. Most existing optimal reinsurance treaties only consider the interest of one party. In this article, we consider the interests of both insurers and reinsurers and study the joint survival and profitable probabilities of insurers and reinsurers. We design the optimal reinsurance contracts that maximize the joint survival probability and the joint profitable probability. We first establish sufficient and necessary conditions for the existence of the optimal reinsurance retentions for the quota‐share reinsurance and the stop‐loss reinsurance under expected value reinsurance premium principle. We then derive sufficient conditions for the existence of the optimal reinsurance treaties in a wide class of reinsurance policies and under a general reinsurance premium principle. These conditions enable one to design optimal reinsurance contracts in different forms and under different premium principles. As applications, we design an optimal reinsurance contract in the form of a quota‐share reinsurance under the variance principle and an optimal reinsurance treaty in the form of a limited stop‐loss reinsurance under the expected value principle.
Organizational Structure, Board Composition, and Risk Taking in the U.S. Property Casualty Insurance Industry
Authors: Ho Chia‐Ling , Lai Gene C. , Lee Jin‐Ping 
Published: May 2012

AbstractThis study examines the impact of organizational structure and board composition on risk taking in the U.S. property casualty insurance industry, addressing different risk‐taking behaviors from different perspectives. The risk‐taking measures include total risk, underwriting risk, investment risk, and leverage risk. The evidence shows that mutual insurers have lower total risk, underwriting risk, and investment risk than stock insurers. In terms of board composition variables, we find that some board composition variables not only have impact on risk‐taking behaviors but also affect different risk measures differently. Thus, using different risk measures is better than using one risk measure to assess risk‐taking behavior. Finally, we conclude that an insurer can control its total risk through management of underwriting, investment, and leverage risks that determine an insurer's risk profile.
Yin and Yang: Sina Weibo and the Chinese State
Authors: YEO GEORGE , LI ERIC X. 
Published: May 2012

The new element in governance is social media. Inexorably, its fertile networks of shared information shift power from authorities to citizens and amateurs, including to the “unknown” experts in the “dorm rooms and edges of society” who drive innovation.Tweets may bust trust and undermine authority, but can social media also be a tool for building consensus through deliberation and negotiation among interests? When it comes to governance, is crowd‐sourcing any better than populism at generating collective intelligence instead of disruptive “dumb mobs?” Can networks aid the self‐administration of society, or does that take institutions with governing authority?In this section, leading Silicon Valley entrepreneurs, technologists and network theorists from Google, Microsoft and the MIT Media Lab join with political scientist Francis Fukuyama and top thinkers from Asia to address these issues.
Emerging U.S. Immigrant Geographies: Racial Wages and Migration Selectivity
Authors: Goodwin‐White Jamie 
Published: May 2012

ObjectiveThe maturing of the post‐1965 children of immigrants and the recent emergence of immigrant settlement outside of traditional locations have implications for understanding immigrant economic incorporation. This analysis examines how changing immigrant geographies will affect the economic prospects of immigrants and a maturing second generation, and addresses sociological and economic perspectives on internal migration and immigrant progress.MethodsUsing the 2000 5 percent Public Use Microdata Files(PUMS), I employ endogenous switching regression models in analyzing the selectivity of internal migration and state residence patterns to the wages of immigrant, 1.5 generation, and U.S.‐born workers.ResultsNonwhite immigrant and 1.5‐generation workers evade racial wage penalties through migration, but not through residing in emerging immigrant states.ConclusionsUnderstanding the selectivity of internal migration to wages across racialized labor markets is important in assessing new immigrant geographies and prospects for the second generation.
When, Where, and How We Vote: Does it Matter?
Authors: Stein Robert M. , Vonnahme Greg 
Published: May 2012

ObjectivesIn this article, we explore the different ways Americans exercise their right to vote on Election Day and how these alternatives shape the voter's experience.MethodsOur study draws on data collected from exit polls with Election Day voters in the 2008 Colorado presidential election. Colorado is unique among the 50 states in that it affords it voters the widest array of voting options, both before and on Election Day, and thus provides an ideal setting for testing our hypotheses.ResultsWe find voting places that are more accessible and open (i.e., voters can vote at more than one location on Election Day) significantly enhance voter performance and evaluation. In several instances, this finding is attenuated for infrequent voters.ConclusionsThere are valuable lessons regarding the centralization and location of polling places that could be applied to precinct voting models. Counties might concentrate more attention on adequately equipping polling locations, particularly having a sufficient number of quality poll workers to assist voters with check‐in and the voting system.
Safety and Effectiveness of Transvenous Lead Extraction in Octogenarians
Authors: PELARGONIO GEMMA , NARDUCCI MARIA L. , RUSSO ELEONORA , CASELLA MICHELA , SANTANGELI PASQUALE , CANBY ROBERT , AL‐AHMAD AMIN , PRICE LARRY D. , BIASE LUIGI DI , KWARK CANDICE J. , HARWOOD MARK , PERNA FRANCESCO , BENCARDINO GIANLUIGI , IERARDI CAROLINA , TRECARICHI ENRICO M. , SANTELLI ENRICA , TUMBARELLO MARIO , MOHANTY PRASANT , BAILEY SHANE , BURKHARDT JOHN DAVID , BELLOCCI FULVIO , NATALE ANDREA , RUSSO ANTONIO DELLO 
Published: May 2012

Transvenous Lead Extraction. Introduction: As the population ages, the number of elderly patients with implantable cardiac devices referred for transvenous lead extraction will dramatically increase in Western countries. The safety and effectiveness of lead extraction in elderly patients has not been well evaluated. We report the safety and effectiveness of transvenous lead extraction in octogenarians.Methods and Results: From January 2005 to January 2011, we reviewed data from consecutive patients ≥ 80 years referred to our institutions for transvenous lead extraction because of cardiac device infection or lead malfunction. Clinical characteristics, procedural features, and periprocedural major and minor complications were compared between octogenarians and younger patients. Out of 849 patients undergoing lead extraction in the participating institutions during the study period, 150 (18%) patients were octogenarians (mean age 84 years; range 80–96; 64% males). A significantly higher percentage of octogenarians presented with chronic renal failure (55% vs 26%; P < 0.001), history of malignancy (22% vs 6%; P < 0.001), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (46% vs 19%; P < 0.001). Complete lead extraction rates were similar in the 2 age groups (97% in octogenarians vs 96% in patients <80 years; P = 0.39). Periprocedural death occurred in 2 (1.3%) patients ≥80 years and in 5 (0.72%) patients <80 years (P = 0.45 for comparison). No differences in terms of other periprocedural major and minor complications were found between the 2 age groups.Conclusion: Despite presenting with a significantly higher rate of comorbidities, transvenous lead extraction can be performed safely and successfully in octogenarians. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 23 pp. 1103‐1108, October 2012)
Processes of Self‐Management in Chronic Illness
Authors: Schulman‐Green Dena , Jaser Sarah , Martin Faith , Alonzo Angelo , Grey Margaret , McCorkle Ruth , Redeker Nancy S. , Reynolds Nancy , Whittemore Robin 
Published: May 2012

AbstractPurpose: Self‐management is a dynamic process in which individuals actively manage a chronic illness. Self‐management models are limited in their specification of the processes of self‐management. The purpose of this article is to delineate processes of self‐management in order to help direct interventions and improve health outcomes for individuals with a chronic illness.Design: Qualitative metasynthesis techniques were used to analyze 101 studies published between January 2000 and April 2011 that described processes of self‐management in chronic illness.Methods: Self‐management processes were extracted from each article and were coded. Similar codes were clustered into categories. The analysis continued until a final categorization was reached.Findings: Three categories of self‐management processes were identified: focusing on illness needs; activating resources; and living with a chronic illness. Tasks and skills were delineated for each category.Conclusions: This metasynthesis expands on current descriptions of self‐management processes by specifying a more complete spectrum of self‐management processes.Clinical Relevance: Healthcare providers can best facilitate self‐management by coordinating self‐management activities, by recognizing that different self‐management processes vary in importance to patients over time, and by having ongoing communication with patients and providers to create appropriate self‐management plans.
Internet Recruitment and Retention for a 6 Months’ Longitudinal Study
Authors: Smith Joyce A. , Wilde Mary H. , Brasch Judith 
Published: May 2012

AbstractPurpose: To examine factors influencing recruitment and retention of study participants in a longitudinal study.Methods: After completion of a longitudinal (6 months) study of long‐term indwelling urinary catheter users, three types of data were analyzed: number of problems with data entry into an online survey, number of reminders sent by study staff to participants, and number and nature of e‐mail contacts between participants and study staff and among study staff regarding the study.Conclusions: The Internet can be used effectively for research, especially involving small, specialized populations. In order to retain study subjects and obtain complete and accurate data, study staff must be closely involved and responsive to participants’ issues, and technical support staff must be readily available and invested in the research project.Clinical Relevance: Using the Internet to reach small, special, marginalized, or geographically dispersed populations for research is becoming common. Researchers need to know how best to recruit, support, and retain participants in Internet‐based studies.
Structural and Luminescence Properties of Er‐Doped Zinc–Alumino–Silicate Glass Ceramic
Authors: Ghaemi Bahram , Zhao Gaoling , Huang Shengchen , Wang Jianxun , Han Gaorong 
Published: May 2012

Transparent Er‐doped Zinc Aluminosilictae (Er:ZAS) glass ceramics were synthesized by melting and subsequent heat treatment. The microstructure of the samples was characterized using X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. ZnO nanocrystals with the diameter of 2–3 nm formed in the quenched sample. An emission peak around 398 nm was observed for the quenched glass. The ZnO nanocrystals grew during heat treatment. The 398 nm emission disappeared after heat treatment, and a broad emission peak around 580 nm appeared. The energy transfer of ZnO nanocrystal to Er3+ ions in the glass is discussed.
Synthesis of BaTiO3‐20wt%CoFe2O4 Nanocomposites via Spark Plasma Sintering
Authors: Ghosh Dipankar , Han Hyuksu , Nino Juan C. , Subhash Ghatu , Jones Jacob L. 
Published: May 2012

Barium titanate‐20wt% cobalt ferrite (BaTiO3‐20wt%CoFe2O4) nanocomposites were sintered from nanocrystalline BaTiO3 and CoFe2O4 powders using spark plasma sintering (SPS) and pressureless sintering (PS) techniques. Using SPS, dense polycrystalline composites were obtained at a sintering temperature as low as 860°C and a time of 5 min whereas PS required a higher sintering temperature (1150°C) and time (120 min) to obtain similarly dense composites. Microstructural analysis of the composites showed that both the techniques retained nanocrystalline grain sizes after sintering. High resolution X‐ray diffraction measurements revealed that the BaTiO3‐20wt%CoFe2O4 composites sintered by the SPS technique did not exhibit formation of any new phase(s) due to reaction between the BaTiO3 and CoFe2O4 phases during sintering. However, the PS technique resulted in the formation of additional phases (other than the BaTiO3 and CoFe2O4 phases) in the composites. While the composites synthesized by SPS were of superior phase‐purity, evidence of Fe diffusion from the spinel to the perovskite phase was found from X‐ray diffraction and permittivity measurements.