bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characteristic locus method robustness improvement through optimal static normalizing pre‐compensation
Authors: Moreira M. V. , Basilio J. C. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractControlled systems designed by using the characteristic locus method can be very sensitive to small perturbations in the plant input and output at the frequencies where the plant transfer matrix is far from normal. In order to improve the closed‐loop system robustness, previous work proposes the design of a dynamic normalizing pre‐compensator followed by the design of a commutative controller for the pre‐compensated plant. The restriction on its structure and the need for approximation by a stable rational transfer matrix were among the limitations of the dynamic pre‐compensator. This paper shows that it suffices to design a static pre‐compensator that makes the pre‐compensated plant as closely as possible to a normal matrix in a frequency band containing the crossover frequency. The pre‐compensator is found by solving an optimization problem, whose solution is obtained directly by computing either a singular value decomposition of a real matrix or the spectral decomposition of a symmetric matrix, depending on whether normalization is to be achieved in one or more frequencies. Numerical examples illustrate the theoretical results of the paper. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Regulation of Boundary Cap Neural Crest Stem Cell Differentiation After Transplantation
Authors: Aldskogius Hakan , Berens Christian , Kanaykina Nadezda , Liakhovitskaia Anna , Medvinsky Alexander , Sandelin Martin , Schreiner Silke , Wegner Michael , Hjerling-Leffler Jens , Kozlova Elena N. 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
Success of cell replacement therapies for neurological disorders will depend largely on the optimization of strategies to enhance viability and control the developmental fate of stem cells after transplantation. Once transplanted, stem/progenitor cells display a tendency to maintain an undifferentiated phenotype or differentiate into inappropriate cell types. Gain and loss of function experiments have revealed key transcription factors which drive differentiation of immature stem/progenitor cells toward more mature stages and eventually to full differentiation. An attractive course of action to promote survival and direct the differentiation of transplanted stem cells to a specific cell type would therefore be to force expression of regulatory differentiation molecules in already transplanted stem cells, using inducible gene expression systems which can be controlled from the outside. Here, we explore this hypothesis by employing a tetracycline gene regulating system (Tet-On) to drive the differentiation of boundary cap neural crest stem cells (bNCSCs) toward a sensory neuron fate after transplantation. We induced the expression of the key transcription factor Runx1 in Sox10-expressing bNCSCs. Forced expression of Runx1 strongly increased transplant survival in the enriched neurotrophic environment of the dorsal root ganglion cavity, and was sufficient to guide differentiation of bNCSCs toward a nonpeptidergic nociceptive sensory neuron phenotype both in vitro and in vivo after transplantation. These findings suggest that exogenous activation of transcription factors expression after transplantation in stem/progenitor cell grafts can be a constructive approach to control their survival as well as their differentiation to the desired type of cell and that the Tet-system is a useful tool to achieve this.
Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Single vertical incision for Baha implant surgery: Preliminary results
Authors: Wilkinson Eric P. , Luxford William M. , Slattery William H. , De la Cruz Antonio , House John W. , Fayad Jose N. 
Published: March 2009

ObjectivesA single vertical skin incision with subcutaneous tissue removal is a cosmetic alternative for Baha implant placement. We aimed to determine the preliminary complication rate using a 4‐cm vertical skin incision.Study DesignRetrospective review.Subjects and MethodsVertical incision Baha implant placements from January 2006 to August 2007 were reviewed. Complications including skin irritation, skin overgrowth, and implant extrusion were tallied. A total of 71 patients underwent surgery, with a mean follow‐up time of 7 months.ResultsThere were five minor complications (three cases of skin irritation, one wound infection requiring oral antibiotics, one postoperative hematoma) and seven major complications (one case of irritation requiring abutment removal, six cases of skin overgrowth or infection requiring flap revision), for a total complication rate of 16.9 percent.ConclusionsA single vertical incision for Baha implant placement has a complication rate similar to that of traditional dermatome use in this preliminary study. Patients with thick scalps or risk factors for hypertrophic scarring may require longer abutments.
Preoperative coagulation screening for adenotonsillectomy: A review and comparison of current physician practices
Authors: Wieland Aaron , Belden Laura , Cunningham Michael 
Published: March 2009

ObjectiveTo determine the current practice of pediatric otolaryngologists on a national level and general otolaryngologists on a regional level regarding preoperative coagulation screening prior to adenotonsillectomy.Study designA five‐question survey of members of the American Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology (ASPO) and the Massachusetts Society of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (MSO‐HNS).Subjects and methodsSurvey results were analyzed to determine current preoperative screening practices relative to awareness of screening recommendations published in the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (AAO‐HNS) 1999 Clinical Indicators Compendium.ResultsThe survey response rate was 27 percent (54/190) and 29 percent (76/260) for MSO‐HNS and ASPO members, respectively. In patients with no known bleeding risk, 21 percent of respondents continue to obtain coagulation screening including, at a minimum, a partial thromboplastin time and a prothrombin time. MSO‐HNS respondents reported ordering more preoperative coagulation studies than did ASPO respondents (35% vs 10%). Interestingly, awareness of the AAO‐HNS consensus statement was similar between the two groups and did not impact screening practices.ConclusionsThe survey results indicate a discrepancy between current practice relative to pre‐adenotonsillectomy coagulation screening and the recommendations of the AAO‐HNS 1999 consensus statement.
The epidemiology of hearing impairment in the United States: Newborns, children, and adolescents
Authors: Mehra Saral , Eavey Roland D. , Keamy Donald G. 
Published: March 2009

ObjectiveHearing loss ranks high among disabilities in the United States. The epidemiologic parameters of hearing impairment in the United States have not been systematically studied and important historic data have not diffused to relevant stakeholders; even otolaryngologists are unfamiliar with epidemiologic data. We wished to compile known studies to establish an epidemiologic baseline beginning with pediatric data.Data SourcesRelevant literature was retrieved from medical databases and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports.MethodsCandidate articles and national data sets encompassing pediatric hearing loss were analyzed and compared. Whenever possible, group analyses were performed.ResultsThe average incidence of neonatal hearing loss in the United States is 1.1 per 1000 infants, with variation among states (0.22 to 3.61 per 1000). Childhood and adolescent prevalence rates demonstrate variability. The prevalence of mild hearing impairment or worse (>20 dB) is 3.1 percent based on the average of comparable audiometric screening studies; self‐reporting prevalence is 1.9 percent. Hispanic Americans demonstrate a higher prevalence of hearing impairment than other children. Low‐income households demonstrate a higher prevalence of hearing loss compared to households with higher income levels. Genetic causes were attributed to 23 percent across studies.ConclusionsAnalysis of the data reveals gaps in our knowledge of the epidemiology of hearing loss and stresses the importance of consistent definitions of hearing impairment for systematic assessment of changes over time. Hearing loss in childhood deserves further epidemiologic investigation and elevated awareness among health care professionals and the public. Genetic etiologies are likely underestimated in this review.
The implication of sleep position in the evaluation of surgical outcomes in obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Lee Chul Hee , Shin Hyun‐Woo , Han Doo Hee , Mo Ji‐Hun , Yoon In‐Young , Chung Seockhoon , Choi Hyo Geun , Kim Jeong‐Whun 
Published: March 2009

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of sleep position on surgical outcomes in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).Study DesignRetrospective review of 69 consecutive patients.Subjects and MethodsPreoperative and postoperative polysomnographic data and Epworth sleepiness scale were obtained. Patients were categorized into success, response, no response, and failure groups according to apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI) after uvulopalatopharyngoplasty. Proportions of supine or lateral position and AHI of each position were evaluated. Position‐corrected AHI was developed in order to eliminate the effect of sleep position.ResultsPreoperative proportion of supine position in the failure group (n = 26) was 41.3 percent, which was the lowest among four groups (P = 0.010), and increased to 60.8 percent postoperatively (P = 0.028). Twenty‐two (84.6%) among the failure group had supine position dependency. Regrouped by position‐corrected AHI, 15 patients moved into different groups. Postoperative AHI showed positive correlation with increased supine position when BMI was controlled (r = 0.515, P = 0.006).ConclusionWithout appropriate correction based on the change of sleep position, the fluctuation of sleep position in each polysomnography might confound surgical outcomes in OSA patients. Thus, it is a substantial issue how to control or reflect the positional effect on AHI when treatment results are evaluated.
Facial Nerve Grading System 2.0
Authors:   Facial Nerve Disorders Committee, Vrabec Jeffrey T. , Backous Douglas D. , Djalilian Hamid R. , Gidley Paul W. , Leonetti John P. , Marzo Sam J. , Morrison Daniel , Ng Matthew , Ramsey Mitchell J. , Schaitkin Barry M. , Smouha Eric , Toh Elizabeth H. , Wax Mark K. , Williamson Robert A. , Smith E.O.'Brian 
Published: March 2009

ObjectiveTo present an updated version of the original Facial Nerve Grading Scale (FNGS), commonly referred to as the House‐Brackmann scale.Study DesignControlled trial of grading systems using a series of 21 videos of individuals with varying degrees of facial paralysis.ResultsThe intraobserver and interobserver agreement was high among the original and revised scales. Nominal improvement is seen in percentage of exact agreement of grade and reduction of instances of examiners differing by more then one grade when using FNGS 2.0. FNGS 2.0 also offers improved agreement in differentiating between grades 3 and 4.ConclusionFNGS 2.0 incorporates regional scoring of facial movement, providing additional information while maintaining agreement comparable to the original scale. Ambiguities regarding use of the grading scale are addressed.
Enlarged vestibular aqueduct in pediatric sensorineural hearing loss
Authors: Dewan Karuna , Wippold Franz J. , Lieu Judith E.C. 
Published: March 2009

ObjectiveComparison of the Cincinnati criteria (midpoint >0.9 mm or operculum >1.9 mm) to the Valvassori criterion (midpoint ≥1.5 mm) for enlarged vestibular aqueduct (EVA) in pediatric cochlear implant patients.Study DesignCohort study.SubjectsOne hundred thirty pediatric cochlear implant recipients.MethodsWe reviewed temporal bone CT scans to measure the vestibular aqueduct midpoint and opercular width.ResultsThe Cincinnati criteria identified 44 percent of patients with EVA versus 16 percent with the Valvassori criterion (P < 0.01). Of those with EVA, 45 percent were unilateral and 55 percent were bilateral using Cincinnati criteria; 64 percent were unilateral and 36 percent bilateral using Valvassori criterion (P < 0.01). The Cincinnati criteria diagnosed 70 ears with EVA classified as normal using the Valvassori criterion (P < 0.01); 59 lacked another medical explanation for their hearing loss.ConclusionThe Cincinnati criteria identified a large percentage of pediatric cochlear implant patients with EVA who might otherwise have no known etiology for their deafness.
Long‐term results in endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy: Is intubation really required?
Authors: Unlu Halis H. , Gunhan Kivanc , Baser Esin F. , Songu Murat 
Published: March 2009

ObjectiveThe long‐term (median follow‐up eight years) results of endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy approach and silicone intubation were evaluated by various aspects.Study DesignCase series with planned data collection of 38 procedures for postsaccal stenosis were analyzed.Subjects and MethodsSilicone intubation was not used in 19 of the randomly selected procedures. Anatomical and functional surgical success was evaluated subjectively and objectively.ResultsThe patients' complaints improved in 84.2 percent of eyes in the intubation group, and in 94.7 percent of the group without intubation, with a mean follow‐up of 112 and 96 months after surgery, respectively. Postoperative endoscopic examinations revealed that the rhinostomy opening was visible in 17 sides with intubation (89.5%) and 18 sides without intubation (94.7%).ConclusionsConsidering the similar surgical success rates, and disadvantageous factors such as granulation formation, patient discomfort, and cost related to intubation, we recommend endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy without intubation as the treatment of choice in cases of chronic epiphora due to postsaccal stenosis of the lacrimal drainage system.
Multilevel surgery in patients with rapid eye movement–related obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Eun Young Gyu , Kwon Kee Hwan , Shin Seung Youp , Lee Kun Hee , Byun Jae Yong , Kim Sung Wan 
Published: March 2009

ObjectiveTo compare the anatomic features and the results of a multilevel surgery in patients with rapid eye movement–related obstructive sleep apnea (REM OSA) and non‐REM OSA.Study DesignCohort study of 90 consecutive mild or moderate OSA patients.Subjects and MethodsThe apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI) was also calculated during REM sleep (AHIREM) and during non‐REM sleep (AHINREM), and patients were classified as having REM OSA if their AHIREM/AHINREM ratio was >2, otherwise they were classified as non‐REM OSA patients. All patients underwent concurrent uvulopalatopharyngoplasty and a radiofrequency tongue base reduction procedure.ResultsA total of 31.1 percent patients were classified as REM OSA and 68.9 percent patients as non‐REM OSA. There were no differences in the anatomical features between two groups. However, the AHI, HI, and arousal index were significantly higher in the non‐REM OSA group than in the REM OSA group. When a successful outcome was defined as a postoperative AHI <20 with at least a 50 percent reduction from the preoperative level, 50 percent of the patients with REM OSA and 35.5 percent of the patients with non‐REM OSA met the criteria for a successful outcome.ConclusionsREM OSA patients had milder obstructive sleep apnea, and multilevel surgery might be more effective in REM OSA patients.
Preschool-aged children have difficulty constructing and interpreting simple utterances composed of graphic symbols
Authors: SUTTON ANN , TRUDEAU NATACHA , MORFORD JILL , RIOS MONICA , POIRIER MARIE-ANDRÉE 
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACTChildren who require augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems while they are in the process of acquiring language face unique challenges because they use graphic symbols for communication. In contrast to the situation of typically developing children, they use different modalities for comprehension (auditory) and expression (visual). This study explored the ability of three- and four-year-old children without disabilities to perform tasks involving sequences of graphic symbols. Thirty participants were asked to transpose spoken simple sentences into graphic symbols by selecting individual symbols corresponding to the spoken words, and to interpret graphic symbol utterances by selecting one of four photographs corresponding to a sequence of three graphic symbols. The results showed that these were not simple tasks for the participants, and few of them performed in the expected manner – only one in transposition, and only one-third of participants in interpretation. Individual response strategies in some cases lead to contrasting response patterns. Children at this age level have not yet developed the skills required to deal with graphic symbols even though they have mastered the corresponding spoken language structures.
Regional differences in population‐based cancer survival between six prefectures in Japan: Application of relative survival models with funnel plots
Authors: Ito Yuri , Ioka Akiko , Tsukuma Hideaki , Ajiki Wakiko , Sugimoto Tomoyuki , Rachet Bernard , Coleman Michel P. 
Published: March 2009

We used new methods to examine differences in population‐based cancer survival between six prefectures in Japan, after adjustment for age and stage at diagnosis. We applied regression models for relative survival to data from population‐based cancer registries covering each prefecture for patients diagnosed with stomach, lung, or breast cancer during 1993–1996. Funnel plots were used to display the excess hazard ratio (EHR) for each prefecture, defined as the excess hazard of death from each cancer within 5 years of diagnosis relative to the mean excess hazard (in excess of national background mortality by age and sex) in all six prefectures combined. The contribution of age and stage to the EHR in each prefecture was assessed from differences in deviance‐based R2 between the various models. No significant differences were seen between prefectures in 5‐year survival from breast cancer. For cancers of the stomach and lung, EHR in Osaka prefecture were above the upper 95% control limits. For stomach cancer, the age‐ and stage‐adjusted EHR in Osaka were 1.29 for men and 1.43 for women, compared with Fukui and Yamagata. Differences in the stage at diagnosis of stomach cancer appeared to explain most of this excess hazard (61.3% for men, 56.8% for women), whereas differences in age at diagnosis explained very little (0.8%, 1.3%). This approach offers the potential to quantify the impact of differences in stage at diagnosis on time trends and regional differences in cancer survival. It underlines the utility of population‐based cancer registries for improving cancer control. (Cancer Sci 2009; 100: 1306–1311)
DOGSET: pre‐designed primer sets for fine‐scale mapping and DNA sequence interrogation in the dog
Authors: Wong A. K. , Neff M. W. 
Published: March 2009

Summary DOGSET is an online resource that provides access to primer sequences that have been computationally mined from the reference genome using heuristic algorithms. The electronic repository includes PCR primers corresponding to 32 135 markers for genetic mapping and 334 657 sequence‐tagged gene elements for targeted re‐sequencing and mutation discovery. A customized report that tailors primer design to wet bench protocols can be exported for a region of interest by specifying genome coordinates in a graphical user interface.
Reduced membrane bound CD14 expression in the cord blood of infants with a family history of allergic disease
Authors: Boyle R. J. , Morley R , Mah L‐J , Kivivuori S. , Tang M. L‐K 
Published: March 2009

SummaryBackground
Infants at increased risk of allergic disease have altered immune function at birth, but the specific immune changes described differ between studies and their precise nature is not well defined. Changes affecting innate immune responses may be particularly important in allergic disease pathogenesis.Objective
We investigated whether inherited risk of allergic disease is associated with altered markers of innate immunity, T cell regulation or dendritic cell (DC) percentage in human newborns.Methods
Cord blood was collected from infants at low risk (no parent affected by allergic disease, n=14), intermediate risk (one affected parent, n=54) or high risk (two affected parents, n=25) of developing allergic disease. Cord blood mononuclear cells were cultured with ovalbumin (OVA), lipopolysaccharide, lipoteichoic acid (LTA), heat‐killed lactobacillus, α‐CD3 or medium alone. Cells were analysed by flow cytometry for expression of CD14, FoxP3 and DC percentage, and by real‐time RT‐PCR for TLR2 and TLR4 expression in infants at intermediate or high risk of allergic disease.Results
Infants at high risk of allergic disease had reduced percentage of CD14+ monocytes (P=0.01) and reduced CD14 mean fluorescence intensity (P=0.01) in uncultured mononuclear cells. They also had decreased DC percentage in mononuclear cells cultured with OVA (P=0.04), lipopolysaccharide (P=0.01), LTA (P=0.02) and α‐CD3 (P=0.03) as compared with infants at intermediate or low risk of allergic disease. No relationship was seen between risk of allergic disease and TLR2 or TLR4 expression, or FoxP3 expression in cultured cells.Conclusions
Infants with a biparental history of allergic disease have altered markers of innate immunity at birth, with reduced expression of membrane bound CD14 and consequently reduced in vitro development of DCs. Further work is needed to understand the role that these alterations play in the pathogenesis of allergic disease, and whether interventions to up‐regulate fetal CD14 expression can prevent allergic disease.
Identification and inheritance of a new gene for powdery mildew resistance in mungbean (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek)
Authors: Reddy K. S. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractPowdery mildew (PM) is one of the important foliar diseases of mungbean. Resistance sources have been identified in India and the inheritance studies showed that complete resistance (RO) was controlled by two dominant genes, Pm1, Pm2. The breakdown of complete resistance (RO) into moderate resistance (R2) by race‐2 (Akola) has been reported. It is assumed that the change in resistance reaction is due to a mutation in the pathogen. The present investigation was carried out with a view to screen germplasm, cultivars and mutants for identification of complete resistance (RO) sources against race‐2 and to study their inheritance. ‘Mulmarada’, a local mungbean cultivar from Maharashtra state of India was identified as a complete resistance (RO) source for race‐2. The inheritance of Mulmarada’s resistance (RO) was studied. The F1 and the segregation in F2 and F3 showed that the complete resistance (RO) in ‘Mulmarada’ is controlled by a single dominant gene, which is different from the earlier identified Pm1 and Pm2 resistance genes. Mulmarada’s resistance gene is designated as Pm3 for PM resistance.