bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
SIR distribution analysis in cellular networks considering the joint impact of path-loss, shadowing and fast fading
Authors: Ben Cheikh Dorra , Kelif Jean-Marc , Coupechoux Marceau , Godlewski Philippe 
Published: October 2011

Abstract
In this paper, we propose an analysis of the joint impact of path-loss, shadowing and fast fading on cellular networks. Two analytical methods are developed to express the outage probability. The first one based on the Fenton-Wilkinson approach, approximates a sum of log-normal random variables by a log-normal random variable and approximates fast fading coefficients in interference terms by their average value. We denote it FWBM for Fenton-Wilkinson based method. The second one is based on the central limit theorem for causal functions. It allows to approximate a sum of positive random variables by a Gamma distribution. We denote it CLCFM for central limit theorem for causal functions method. Each method allows to establish a simple and easily computable outage probability formula, which jointly takes into account path-loss, shadowing and fast fading. We compute the outage probability, for mobile stations located at any distance from their serving BS, by using a fluid model network that considers the cellular network as a continuum of BS. We validate our approach by comparing all results to extensive Monte Carlo simulations performed in a traditional hexagonal network and we provide the limits of the two methods in terms of system parameters. The proposed framework is a powerful tool to study performances of cellular networks, e.g., OFDMA systems (WiMAX, LTE).
Emerging trends in Lassa fever: redefining the role of immunoglobulin M and inflammation in diagnosing acute infection
Authors: Branco Luis M , Grove Jessica N , Boisen Matt L , Shaffer Jeffrey G , Goba Augustine , Fullah Mohammed , Momoh Mambu , Grant Donald S , Garry Robert F 
Published: October 2011

Abstract

Background
Lassa fever (LF) is a devastating hemorrhagic viral disease that is endemic to West Africa and responsible for thousands of human deaths each year. Analysis of humoral immune responses (IgM and IgG) by antibody-capture ELISA (Ab-capture ELISA) and Lassa virus (LASV) viremia by antigen-capture ELISA (Ag-capture ELISA) in suspected patients admitted to the Kenema Government Hospital (KGH) Lassa Fever Ward (LFW) in Sierra Leone over the past five years is reshaping our understanding of acute LF.

Results
Analyses in LF survivors indicated that LASV-specific IgM persists for months to years after initial infection. Furthermore, exposure to LASV appeared to be more prevalent in historically non-endemic areas of West Africa with significant percentages of reportedly healthy donors IgM and IgG positive in LASV-specific Ab-capture ELISA. We found that LF patients who were Ag positive were more likely to die than suspected cases who were only IgM positive. Analysis of metabolic and immunological parameters in Ag positive LF patients revealed a strong correlation between survival and low levels of IL-6, -8, -10, CD40L, BUN, ALP, ALT, and AST. Despite presenting to the hospital with fever and in some instances other symptoms consistent with LF, the profiles of Ag negative IgM positive individuals were similar to those of normal donors and nonfatal (NF) LF cases, suggesting that IgM status cannot necessarily be considered a diagnostic marker of acute LF in suspected cases living in endemic areas of West Africa.

Conclusion
Only LASV viremia assessed by Ag-capture immunoassay, nucleic acid detection or virus isolation should be used to diagnose acute LASV infection in West Africans. LASV-specific IgM serostatus cannot be considered a diagnostic marker of acute LF in suspected cases living in endemic areas of West Africa. By applying these criteria, we identified a dysregulated metabolic and pro-inflammatory response profile conferring a poor prognosis in acute LF. In addition to suggesting that the current diagnostic paradigm for acute LF should be reconsidered, these studies present new opportunities for therapeutic interventions based on potential prognostic markers in LF.
Not all transmembrane helices are born equal: Towards the extension of the sequence homology concept to membrane proteins
Authors: Wong Wing-Cheong , Maurer-Stroh Sebastian , Eisenhaber Frank 
Published: October 2011

Abstract

Background
Sequence homology considerations widely used to transfer functional annotation to uncharacterized protein sequences require special precautions in the case of non-globular sequence segments including membrane-spanning stretches composed of non-polar residues. Simple, quantitative criteria are desirable for identifying transmembrane helices (TMs) that must be included into or should be excluded from start sequence segments in similarity searches aimed at finding distant homologues.

Results
We found that there are two types of TMs in membrane-associated proteins. On the one hand, there are so-called simple TMs with elevated hydrophobicity, low sequence complexity and extraordinary enrichment in long aliphatic residues. They merely serve as membrane-anchoring device. In contrast, so-called complex TMs have lower hydrophobicity, higher sequence complexity and some functional residues. These TMs have additional roles besides membrane anchoring such as intra-membrane complex formation, ligand binding or a catalytic role. Simple and complex TMs can occur both in single- and multi-membrane-spanning proteins essentially in any type of topology. Whereas simple TMs have the potential to confuse searches for sequence homologues and to generate unrelated hits with seemingly convincing statistical significance, complex TMs contain essential evolutionary information.

Conclusion
For extending the homology concept onto membrane proteins, we provide a necessary quantitative criterion to distinguish simple TMs (and a sufficient criterion for complex TMs) in query sequences prior to their usage in homology searches based on assessment of hydrophobicity and sequence complexity of the TM sequence segments.

Reviewers
This article was reviewed by Shamil Sunyaev, L. Aravind and Arcady Mushegian.
Reduction of surgical site infection using a novel intervention (ROSSINI): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Pinkney Thomas D , Bartlett David C , Hawkins William , Mak Tony , Youssef Haney , Futaba Kaori , Harrison Gareth , Gheorghe Adrian , Bradbury Jennifer M , Calvert Melanie J , Dowswell George , Magill Laura , Redman Val , Wilson Sue , Leaper David , Morton Dion G ,   the West Midlands Research Collaborative
Published: October 2011

Abstract

Background
Surgical site infection (SSI) is a common complication following abdominal surgery. It is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality, and its management results in significant cost to health services within both primary and secondary care. Some surgeons believe that the use of a wound-edge protection device may reduce the incidence of SSI. Whilst there is some encouraging evidence showing that such devices may lead to a reduction in SSI, there are no controlled trials of sufficient size or quality to support their routine use.

Methods/Design
750 patients will be recruited from around 20 surgical units within the United Kingdom. Patients undergoing laparotomy through any major abdominal incision for any indication, elective or emergency, are eligible. Patients under the age of 18, those undergoing a laparoscopic assisted procedure or who have undergone laparotomy within the previous 3 months, and those who are unable to give informed consent will be excluded. Patients will be randomised (1:1 ratio) to the use of a wound-edge protection device or no wound-edge protection device during surgery.
Follow up will consist of blinded clinical wound reviews at 5-7 days and 30-33 days postoperatively with a self-completed questionnaire covering the intervening period. Quality of life questionnaires will be completed prior to surgery and at the subsequent wound review points and information on resource usage will also be captured.
The primary outcome measure is SSI within 30 days of surgery. Secondary outcomes include the impact of the degree of wound contamination, patient comorbidity, and operative characteristics on the efficacy of a wound-edge protection device in reducing SSI and whether the use of a wound-edge protection device has an effect on health-related quality of life or length of hospital stay and is cost-effective.

Discussion
Rossini is the first multicentre observer-blinded randomised controlled trial of sufficient size and quality to establish whether the use of a wound-edge protection device in adult patients undergoing abdominal surgery leads to a lower rate of SSI. The results of this study will be used to inform current surgical practice and may potentially benefit patients undergoing surgery in the future.

Trial registration number
Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN: ISRCTN40402832
Do genome-wide association scans have potential for translation?
Authors: Lopes Margarida C. , Zeggini Eleftheria , Panoutsopoulou Kalliope 
Published: October 2011

AbstractThe success of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) in identifying replicating associations has greatly contributed to understanding of the genetic aetiology of complex diseases. This review discusses and provides examples of the potential of GWAS findings to be translated into clinical practice, i.e., diagnosis, prediction, prognosis, novel treatments and response to treatment of common diseases. The biological insights afforded by newly-identified robust associations represent the largest, albeit indirect, translational contribution of GWAS.
Heart type fatty acid binding protein in relation to pharmacologic scintigraphy in coronary artery disease
Authors: Sbarouni Eftihia , Georgiadou Panagiota , Koutelou Maria , Constantinos Mihas , Chaidaroglou Antigoni , Degiannis Demitris , Voudris Vassilis 
Published: October 2011

AbstractHeart-type fatty acid-binding protein (H-FABP) is a marker of myocardial necrosis, but whether it increases during myocardial ischemia is not known. This study investigated whether serum levels of H-FABP change during adenosine stress testing and nuclear imaging in patients with stable coronary artery disease.Thirty stable patients with established coronary artery disease on their medications were studied. Sampling was performed before the stress test, at the end of adenosine infusion, as well as 1, 2 and 3 h after the completion of the infusion.No difference in H-FABP serum levels were found at the five pre-specified time points in the overall group (p=0.99); furthermore, there was no significant difference regardless of the test result – positive (p=1) or negative (p=0.98).It is concluded that H-FABP does not change significantly during pharmacologic stress testing in patients with known coronary artery disease and there is no difference whether there is inducible ischemia or not.
Evaluation of nucleated red blood cells in the peripheral blood of hematological diseases
Authors: Danise Paolo , Maconi Mariacaterina , Barrella Fabio , Di Palma Anna , Avino Daniela , Rovetti Adele , Gioia Maria , Amendola Giovanni 
Published: October 2011

AbstractNucleated red blood cells (NRBCs) are present in the peripheral blood of several hematological and non-hematological conditions, usually associated with bad prognosis. The lack of an easy, rapid and reliable NRBCs count method did no’t allow one to know the incidence of NRBCs and to quantify them: the count was usually done during the microscopic revision of a blood smear; this is the reason we found few studies on NRBCs automated count in the literature. The aim of this study was the evaluation of the presence and the quantification of NRBCs in some onco-hematological disorders.This study analyzed 478 patients with the automated hematology analyzer Sysmex XE2100. The range of NRBCs were calculated in the peripheral blood at diagnosis, at hematological remission and during therapy.NRBCs are present in the peripheral blood of a high number of hematological diseases and are related to ineffective erythropoiesis or stress erythropoiesis or primary alterations of hematopoiesis. NRBCs were found in nearly all onco-hematological diseases at diagnosis, but not in all patients. NRBCs were frequently found during chemotherapy and absent at remission.To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that gives a range for NRBCs count in the peripheral blood of these diseases.
Funktionale Kategorien in der PP und deren Zweitspracherwerb
Authors: Gutzmann Daniel , Turgay Katharina 
Published: October 2011

Abstract
The prepositional phrase (PP) in German has complex morpho-syntactic properties and therefore constitutes a challenge for children both in first and in second language acquisition. The prototypical German PP is headed by a preposition selecting for a determiner phrase (DP). Beside using a determiner and correctly marking the morpho-syntactic features inside the DP, the children have to learn that there is a prepositional element that is the head of the PP. Since the structure of the PP can be divided further into functional projections for local and directional PPs, there are at least three functional elements for the children to be learned. We conducted an empirical study with 40 Turkish speaking primary school children in L2 acquisition together with two control groups of children in L1 acquisition to examine how the functional categories inside the PP are acquired and whether their acquisition concurs to the hierarchical ordering and acquisition pattern attested for the first language acquisition of German, or whether a transfer from their L1 can be observed. Our data shows similarities to the attested acquisition order, at least to its later stages, but does not concur to the hierarchical ordering since local PPs seem to be acquired later than directional ones even if the latter are ordered higher in the phrasal hierarchy. Furthermore, we observe no transfer from the subjects' L1 regarding the linearization of the preposition, even though Turkish PPs are head final.
Natural History of Infantile GM2 Gangliosidosis
Authors: Bley Annette E. , Giannikopoulos Ourania A. , Hayden Doug , Kubilus Kim , Tifft Cynthia J. , Eichler Florian S. 
Published: October 2011

OBJECTIVE:
GM2 gangliosidoses are caused by an inherited deficiency of lysosomal β-hexosaminidase and result in ganglioside accumulation in the brain. Onset during infancy leads to rapid neurodegeneration and death before 4 years of age. We set out to quantify the rate of functional decline in infantile GM2 gangliosidosis on the basis of patient surveys and a comprehensive review of existing literature.

METHODS:
Patients with infantile GM2 gangliosidosis (N = 237) were surveyed via questionnaire by the National Tay Sachs & Allied Diseases Association (NTSAD). These data were supplemented by survival data from the NTSAD database and a literature survey. Detailed retrospective surveys from 97 patients were available. Five patients who had received hematopoietic stem cell transplantation were evaluated separately. The mortality rate of the remaining 92 patients was comparable to that of the 103 patients from the NTSAD database and 121 patients reported in the literature.

RESULTS:
Common symptoms at onset were developmental arrest (83%), startling (65%), and hypotonia (60%). All 55 patients who had learned to sit without support lost that ability within 1 year. Individual functional measures correlated with each other but not with survival. Gastric tube placement was associated with prolonged survival. Tay Sachs and Sandhoff variants did not differ. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation was not associated with prolonged survival.

CONCLUSIONS:
We studied the timing of regression in 97 cases of infantile GM2 gangliosidosis and conclude that clinical disease progression does not correlate with survival, likely because of the impact of improved supportive care over time. However, functional measures are quantifiable and can inform power calculations and study design of future interventions.
Differential effects of alprazolam and clonazepam on the immune system and blood vessels of non-stressed and stressed adult male albino rats
Authors: Elmesallamy Ghada , Abass Marwa , Refat Nahla , Atta Amal 
Published: October 2011

Differential effects of alprazolam and clonazepam on the immune system and blood vessels of non-stressed and stressed adult male albino ratsBenzodiazepines belongs to one of the most commonly used anxiolytic and anticonvulsant drugs in the world. Full description of toxic effects on different organs is lacking for nearly all the current benzodiazepines. The aim of the current work was to study the immunologic and vascular changes induced by sub-chronic administration of alprazolam and clonazepam in non-stressed and stressed adult male albino rats. Forty-two adult male albino rats were divided into 6 groups (I): (Ia) Negative control rats, (Ib): Positive control rats received distilled water, (II): Stressed rats, (III): Non-stressed rats received daily oral dose of clonazepam (0.5 mg/kg), (IV): Stressed rats received daily oral dose of clonazepam (0.5 mg/kg), (V): Non-stressed rats received daily oral dose of alprazolam (0.3 mg/kg). (VI): Stressed rats received daily oral dose of alprazolam (0.3 mg/kg). At the end of the 4th week, total leukocyte count (WBCs) and differential count were determined, anti-sheep RBC antibody (Anti-SRBC) titer and interleukin-2 (IL-2) level were assessed, thymus glands, lymph nodes, spleens and abdominal aortae were submitted to histopathological examination. Alprazolam was found to induce a significant increase in neutrophil count and a significant decrease in lymphocytes, anti-SRBC titer and IL-2 level with severe depletion of the splenic, thymal and nodal lymphocytes, accompanied by congestion and eosinophilic vasculitis of all organs tested in comparison to clonazepam treated rats. Stress enhanced the toxic effects. It was concluded that the immune system and blood vessels can be adversely affected to a greater extent by short-term chronic administration of alprazolam than by clonazepam, and these toxic effects are aggravated by stress.
The effect of interval versus continuous exercise on plasma leptin and ghrelin concentration in young trotters
Authors: Kowalik S. , Kędzierski W. 
Published: October 2011

The effect of interval versus continuous exercise on plasma leptin and ghrelin concentration in young trottersThe effect of interval vs. continuous exercise on plasma leptin and ghrelin concentration in young Standardbred horses was studied. The experiment was conducted on 27 trotters, in the age between 2 and 3 years. They were divided into two groups according to the type of exercise. Blood samples were collected through jugular venipuncture in the following experimental conditions: at rest, immediately after exercise and 30 minutes after the end of the effort. Plasma leptin and ghrelin concentrations were determined using RIA tests. The continuous exercise induced an increase in plasma leptin concentration whereas the interval type of exercise did not influence the level of this hormone (3.47 ± 0.78 vs. 4.07 ± 0.94 and 2.31 ± 0.15 vs. 2.36 ± 0.21 ng/mL, respectively). The plasma ghrelin concentration measured after the continuous exercise, significantly increased (720 ± 27.4 vs. 814 ± 13.8; p ≤ 0.05) whereas concentration of this hormone assessed after the interval exercise, significantly dropped (982 ± 56.5 vs. 842 ± 35.6 pg/mL; p ≤ 0.05). The changes in plasma ghrelin concentration measured after the end of the effort correlated inversely with blood lactic acid concentration. In conclusion, the obtained results showed that medium-intensive type of exercise, such as trot, interval or continuous, slightly affected plasma leptin level but significantly affected plasma ghrelin concentration in young Standardbred trotters.
A comparison of magnetic resonance imaging sequences in evaluating pathological changes in the canine spinal cord
Authors: Adamiak Z. , Pomianowski A. , Zhalniarovich Y. , Kwiatkowska M. , Jaskólska M. , Bocheńska A. 
Published: October 2011

A comparison of magnetic resonance imaging sequences in evaluating pathological changes in the canine spinal cord
This paper discusses 28 canine patients subjected to low-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the spinal cord for neurological indications. The authors describe and compare the used MRI sequences with an indication of the most effective sequences in MRI examinations that require short scanning time. The most effective sequences supporting a quick diagnosis of spinal diseases in dogs were SE (spin echo), FSE (fast spin echo) and 3D HYCE (hybrid contrast enhancement).
Lythrum and Peplis from the Late Cretaceous and Cenozoic of North America and Eurasia: New evidence suggesting early diversification within the Lythraceae
Authors: Grímsson Friðgeir , Zetter Reinhard , Hofmann Christa‐Charlotte 
Published: October 2011

• Premise of the study: To fully understand the evolution of today's angiosperms, the fossil record of plant families and genera must be used to determine their time of origin and phytogeographic history. As within many angiosperm families, the interrelationships of extant Lythraceae are hard to resolve without sufficient data from the geological past. Here we establish the earliest fossil occurrences of Lythraceae and start resolving the interrelationships and evolution of two of its genera, Lythrum and Peplis.• Methods: We studied several Cretaceous and Cenozoic palynofloras from the northern and southern hemispheres. Using the single‐grain technique, we screened the treated samples for Lythrum‐ and Peplis‐type pollen. The same individual pollen grains were observed under both the light‐ and scanning electron microscope, allowing a high taxonomic resolution to be achieved.• Key results: Fossil Lythraceae pollen grains are rare in palynological samples. Nevertheless, we were able to identify Lythrum and Peplis pollen from Late Cretaceous sediments and thereby extend the fossil record of the two genera by ca 70 million years.• Conclusions: The appearance of Lythrum and Peplis in North America and Peplis in Asia at approximately the same interval in the mid Late Cretaceous points to an already wide geographical distribution by then. These findings add vital information for the time of origin of the Lythraceae and suggest a higher diversity within the family. They also indicate that the distribution of particular genera during the Cretaceous was wider than previously thought.
Minoritaires et citoyens ? Faites vos preuves !
Authors: Palomares Élise , Rabaud Aude 
Published: October 2011

Minoritaires et citoyens ? Faites vos preuves ! L’« implication citoyenne des habitants » que les pouvoirs publics locaux appellent de leurs vœux apparaît en décalage, voire en contradiction avec la figure idéale de la citoyenneté, qui renvoie en principe à l’exercice effectif de droits politiques. Fondée sur la comparaison entre deux communes de la péri-phérie bordelaise et parisienne, la perspective adoptée dans cet article interroge plus particulièrement les préconceptions ethnicisantes que les usages politiques ordinaires de la citoyenneté véhiculent. La partition ethnique des espaces publics urbains et la hiérarchisation sociopolitique des habitants en fonction de leurs origines se jouent dans un double mouvement : d’une part, dans l’injonction faite aux groupes minorisés de se saisir de ressources dépolitisées, d’autre part, au sein des espaces institutionnalisés de discussion entre majoritaires, dans l’omnipré-sence des problèmes que les « autres ethniques » poseraient.