bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Estimating the Position of Simulated Phosphenes Using a Tactile Guide
Authors: Fan Jin , Wang Jing , Ren Qiushi , Lu Yanyu , Zhao Ying , Chai Xinyu , Zhou Chunaqing , Tao Chen 
Published: May 2011

AbstractA visual prosthesis provides usable visual information to the patient in the form of phosphenes, that is, punctate photic sensations seen after electrical stimulation. Stimulation via different electrodes results in phosphenes in different positions within the visual field. Simulation studies can provide data on the possible limitations of prosthetic stimulation. We used a head mounted screen to monocularly present constant or flickering light spots of different sizes, or luminance to normally sighted subjects. Subjects were asked to judge the location of the spots using a polar coordinate tactile guide; positioning average error and dispersion were analyzed. With the increase of eccentricity, the positioning average error and dispersion were also increased. The performances under large, stable and high luminance conditions were better than that under small, flickering and low luminance conditions, respectively. Repeated training sessions were shown to significantly improve the positioning performance.
A comparative study on long-term evoked auditory and visual potential responses between Schizophrenic patients and normal subjects
Authors: Huang Min-Wei , Chou Frank Huang-Chih , Lo Pei-Yu , Cheng Kuo-Sheng 
Published: May 2011

Abstract

Background
The electrical signals measuring method is recommended to examine the relationship between neuronal activities and measure with the event related potentials (ERPs) during an auditory and a visual oddball paradigm between schizophrenic patients and normal subjects. The aim of this study is to discriminate the activation changes of different stimulations evoked by auditory and visual ERPs between schizophrenic patients and normal subjects.

Methods
Forty-three schizophrenic patients were selected as experimental group patients, and 40 healthy subjects with no medical history of any kind of psychiatric diseases, neurological diseases, or drug abuse, were recruited as a control group. Auditory and visual ERPs were studied with an oddball paradigm. All the data were analyzed by SPSS statistical software version 10.0.

Results
In the comparative study of auditory and visual ERPs between the schizophrenic and healthy patients, P300 amplitude at Fz, Cz, and Pz and N100, N200, and P200 latencies at Fz, Cz, and Pz were shown significantly different. The cognitive processing reflected by the auditory and the visual P300 latency to rare target stimuli was probably an indicator of the cognitive function in schizophrenic patients.

Conclusions
This study shows the methodology of application of auditory and visual oddball paradigm identifies task-relevant sources of activity and allows separation of regions that have different response properties. Our study indicates that there may be slowness of automatic cognitive processing and controlled cognitive processing of visual ERPs compared to auditory ERPs in schizophrenic patients. The activation changes of visual evoked potentials are more regionally specific than auditory evoked potentials.
Absence of zoonotic Bartonella species in questing ticks: First detection of Bartonella clarridgeiae and Rickettsia felis in cat fleas in the Netherlands
Authors: Tijsse-Klasen Ellen , Fonville Manoj , Gassner Fedor , Nijhof Ard M , Hovius Emil KE , Jongejan Frans , Takken Willem , Reimerink Johan R , Overgaauw Paul AM , Sprong Hein 
Published: May 2011

Abstract

Background
Awareness for flea- and tick-borne infections has grown in recent years and the range of microorganisms associated with these ectoparasites is rising. Bartonella henselae, the causative agent of Cat Scratch Disease, and other Bartonella species have been reported in fleas and ticks. The role of Ixodes ricinus ticks in the natural cycle of Bartonella spp. and the transmission of these bacteria to humans is unclear. Rickettsia spp. have also been reported from as well ticks as also from fleas. However, to date no flea-borne Rickettsia spp. were reported from the Netherlands. Here, the presence of Bartonellaceae and Rickettsiae in ectoparasites was investigated using molecular detection and identification on part of the gltA- and 16S rRNA-genes.

Results
The zoonotic Bartonella clarridgeiae and Rickettsia felis were detected for the first time in Dutch cat fleas. B. henselae was found in cat fleas and B. schoenbuchensis in ticks and keds feeding on deer. Two Bartonella species, previously identified in rodents, were found in wild mice and their fleas. However, none of these microorganisms were found in 1719 questing Ixodes ricinus ticks. Notably, the gltA gene amplified from DNA lysates of approximately 10% of the questing nymph and adult ticks was similar to that of an uncultured Bartonella- related species found in other hard tick species. The gltA gene of this Bartonella- related species was also detected in questing larvae for which a 16S rRNA gene PCR also tested positive for "Candidatus Midichloria mitochondrii" . The gltA-gene of the Bartonella- related species found in I. ricinus may therefore be from this endosymbiont.

Conclusions
We conclude that the risk of acquiring Cat Scratch Disease or a related bartonellosis from questing ticks in the Netherlands is negligible. On the other hand fleas and deer keds are probable vectors for associated Bartonella species between animals and might also transmit Bartonella spp. to humans.
Sedation and renal impairment in critically ill patients: a post hoc analysis of a randomized trial
Authors: Strøm Thomas , Johansen Rasmus R , Prahl Jens O , Toft Palle 
Published: May 2011

Abstract
Introduction
Not sedating critically ill patients reduces the time patients receive mechanical ventilation, decreases the time in the intensive care department and reduces the total hospital length of stay. We hypothesized that no sedation improves hemodynamic stability, decreases the need for vasoactive drugs, diminishes the need for extra fluids and lowers the risk of acute kidney injury.

Methods
We performed an evaluation on the database from our previous trial of 140 patients randomized to either no sedation vs. sedation with a daily interruption of sedatives. A total of 113 patients were included in the previous statistical analysis. Ten patients had pre-existing renal impairments and were excluded. Data were collected from observational cards and blood samples.

Results
A total of 103 patients were included in this retrospective review. We registered an increased urine output in the group receiving no sedation compared to the sedated control group (1.15 ml/kg/hour (0.59 to 1.53) vs. 0.88 ml/kg/hour (0.052 to 1.26), P = 0.03). In addition we saw a decrease in the number of patients with renal impairment according to the RIFLE classification (indicating Risk of renal dysfunction; Injury to the kidney; Failure of kidney function, Loss of kidney function and End-stage kidney disease) in the group receiving no sedation compared to the sedated control group (25 (51%) vs. 41 (76%), P = 0.012). The difference in the two groups with respect to mean arterial blood pressure, fluid balance and use of vasoactive drugs was not significant.

Conclusions
A no sedation strategy to patients undergoing mechanical ventilation increases the urine output and decreases the number of patients with renal impairments.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov registration number NCT00466492.
Control of Photophysical Properties of 1,8-Naphthalimides by Electron-Withdrawing Substituents Introduced into N-Alkyl Side Chains
Authors: Matsubayashi Kazuhiko , Kajimura Chisato , Kubo Yasuo , Yoshihara Toshitada , Tobita Seiji 
Published: May 2011

Abstract
The fluorescence intensity of naphthalimides 1–7 in dichloromethane was found to be remarkably enhanced by the introduction of an electron-withdrawing substituent, such as OCOMe, CO2Me, Cl, and CN, into the N-alkyl side chain. The rate constants of the fluorescence emission kf, the intersystem crossing kisc, and the internal conversion kic for 1–7 in dichloromethane and in acetonitrile were determined based on the measurements of the fluorescence lifetimes τf, by using picosecond single photon counting, and the quantum yields of the intersystem crossing Φisc determined by time-resolved thermal lensing. These results indicate that the value of kisc decreases with an increase in the electron-withdrawing ability of the substituent. Furthermore, an almost linear Hammett relationship (ρ = −1.48 in dichloromethane, ρ = −1.85 in acetonitrile) between the logarithm of kisc and the substituent constant σI for inductive effect of the substituent through the σ bond was observed. The enhancement of the fluorescence intensity by the introduction of electron-withdrawing substituents was thus explained by a decrease in the efficiency of the intersystem crossing from 1(ππ*) to 3(nπ*), whose energy was increased by the inductive effect of the substituent through the σ bonds.
Theoretical Design of Hexacoordinate Hypervalent Carbon Compounds by Analyzing Substituent Effects
Authors: Nakai Hiromi , Okoshi Masaki , Atsumi Teruo , Kikuchi Yasuaki , Akiba Kin-ya 
Published: May 2011

Abstract
A hexacoordinate hypervalent carbon compound with an ideal octahedral structure was proposed theoretically in a previous study (Chem. Phys. Lett.2008, 460, 37). However, there is no report telling of success in synthesizing the compound and/or its derivatives. In order to perform a theoretical design for stronger hypervalent bonds, the present study systematically investigated the substituent effects at the para position of phenyl groups of axial C–C and equatorial C–O bonds by adopting 14 functional groups involving both electron-donating and -withdrawing groups. The results showed that the substituent effect at the former position is more influential than that at the latter. In the former case, a good correlation between the C–C and C–O distances is found and the hypervalent C–O bonds are strengthened as the substituent becomes more electron-withdrawing. In the latter case, both electron-donating and -withdrawing groups slightly weaken the hypervalent C–O bonds.
Avoiding Inappropriate Invitations to Cancer Screening Programmes: The Role of Primary Care
Authors: Campbell Christine , Anandan Chantelle , Appleton Sally , Elton Rob , Patnick Julietta , Weller David 
Published: May 2011

Objectives To examine current procedures for cancer screening invitation list (SIL) checking in primary care, and to make recommendations for the future use of these procedures. Setting Cancer screening departments/units and associated general practices across England. Methods 1) An analysis of the outputs of screening programme SIL checking, and accompanying practice questionnaire, for cancers of the cervix (9 screening centres, 36 general practices), breast (6 centres, 76 practices) and bowel (pilot hub, 7 practices)-supplemented by an audit of calls to screening centres to identify inappropriate invitations; 2) a national postal questionnaire survey sent to all 80 breast screening departments across England and 320 associated general practices; 3) telephone interviews with 13 NHS screening staff to obtain detailed perspectives about SIL checking procedures. Results SIL checking in primary care is undertaken by a variety of clinical and non-clinical staff. It plays a useful role in cervical screening with tangible evidence of refinements to the SIL and support from both primary care and screening centre staff. Conversely, its role in breast and bowel screening is not supported by the results of this study. Overall, there is no significant evidence of adverse effects from inappropriate invitations. Conclusions SIL checking in primary care for cervical cancer should continue, but its use in breast and bowel cancer screening is not supported by our results. New ways of undertaking the SIL checking process to make it more accurate and less burdensome should be examined.
Monitoring the Prenatal Detection of Structural Fetal Congenital Anomalies in England and Wales: Register-based Study
Authors: Boyd Patricia A , Tonks Ann M , Rankin Judith , Rounding Catherine , Wellesley Diana , Draper Elizabeth S ,   The Binocar Working Group
Published: May 2011

Objective: To provide current population-based prevalence and prenatal diagnosis rates (PND) for specified major congenital anomalies in England and Wales to enable monitoring of the Fetal Anomaly Screening Programme (FASP). Design: Secondary analysis of prospectively collected registry data. Setting: Seven multiple-source, population-based congenital anomaly registers, members of the British Isles Network of Congenital Anomaly Registers (BINOCAR) in 2005 and 2006. Population: 2,883 births with congenital anomalies from a total of 601,545 live and stillbirths. Main outcome measures: PND and birth prevalence of selected congenital anomaly groups/subtypes (anencephaly, spina-bifida, serious cardiac, diaphragmatic hernia, gastroschisis, exomphalos, bilateral renal agenesis, lethal/severe skeletal dysplasia, cleft lip with or without cleft palate [CL + /-P]). Results Of the selected anomaly groups, the most frequently reported were serious cardiac (14.1 per 10,000 births [95% CI 13.0-15.2]) and CL + /-P (9.7 per 10,000 births [8.9-10.5]); the least frequent were bilateral renal agenesis and lethal/severe skeletal dysplasia (<1.5 per 10,000 births). The PND varied for different anomalies from 53.1% (95% CI 43.5-65.2) for serious cardiac anomalies to 99.6% (95% CI 97.9-100.0) for anencephaly. Least variation in PND rates was for anencephaly (range 98.9-100%) and gastroschisis (93.5-100%); greatest variation was for serious cardiac (43.5-65.2%) and lethal/severe skeletal dysplasias (50.0-100%). Conclusions: BINOCAR registers can, uniquely, provide contemporary data on PND and birth prevalence rates to enable monitoring of the ultrasound component of FASP at a national and regional level, allowing comparisons between populationstobemade, planningofresourcesfacilitatedand assistance for parents making informed decisions on whether to enter the screening programme.
Pre-notification Increases Uptake of Colorectal Cancer Screening in All Demographic Groups: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Libby Gillian , Bray Jane , Champion Jennifer , Brownlee Linda A , Birrell Janice , Gorman Dermot R , Crighton Emilia M , Fraser Callum G , Steele Robert J C 
Published: May 2011

Objectives To assess whether pre-notification is effective in increasing uptake of colorectal cancer screening for all demographic groups. Setting Scottish national colorectal cancer screening programme. Methods Males and females aged 50-74 years received a faecal occult blood test by post to complete at home. They were randomized to receive in addition: the pre-notification letter, the pre-notification letter + information booklet, or the usual invitation. Overall, 59,953 subjects were included in the trial between 13/04/09 and 29/05/09 and followed to 27/11/09. Pre-notification letters were posted two weeks ahead of the screening test kit. Uptake was defined as the return of a screening test and chi-squared tests compared uptake between the trial arms. Logistic regression assessed the impact of the letter and letter + booklet on uptake independently of gender, age, deprivation and screening round. Results Uptake was higher with both the letter (59.0%) and the letter + booklet (58.5%) compared with the usual invitation (53.9%, p < 0.0001). This increased uptake was seen for males, females, all age groups and all deprivation categories including least deprived females (letter 69.9%, usual invitation 66.6%) and most deprived males (42.6% vs. 36.1%), the groups with the highest and lowest levels of uptake respectively in the pilot screening rounds conducted prior to the roll out of the programme. Uptake with the pre-notification letter compared with the usual invitation was higher both unadjusted and adjusted for demographic factors (odds ratio 1.24, 95% CI 1.193-1.294). Conclusions Pre-notification is an effective method of increasing uptake in colorectal cancer screening for both genders and all age and deprivation groups.
An inverse problem for a system of evolution equations
Authors: Anikonov Yurii E. , Li Shumin 
Published: May 2011

AbstractIn this paper, we consider an inverse problem for a system of evolution equations. The inverse problem can also be interpreted as a exact control problem in the transition of a substanceW(x, t) from a nonlocal stateW1(x) to another nonlocal stateW2(x). The control element is assumed to have a nonlocal form. We show the existence of the inverse problem in classes of entire functions with respect to the spatial variableby the constructive method. Explicit formulas of the unknown functionsW(x, t) andλ(x) are presented.
Function spaces and optimal currents in impedance tomography
Authors: Jin Bangti , Khan Taufiquar , Maass Peter , Pidcock Michael 
Published: May 2011

Abstract
The main objective of this paper is to compare – analytically as well as numerically – different approaches for obtaining optimal input currents in impedance tomography. Following the approaches described in, e.g. [Cheney and Isaacson, IEEE Trans. Biomed. Eng. 39: 852–860, 1992, Isaacson, IEEE Trans. Med. Imag. 5: 91–95, 1986, Ito and Kunisch, SIAM J. Contr. Optim. 33: 643–666., 1995, Knowles, An optimal current functional for electrical impedance tomography, 2004], we aim at constructing input currents j, which contain the most information about the difference between the unknown physical conductivity σ* and a given approximation σ
0. The differences can be measured by different discrepancy functionals and the optimal input currents which maximize these functionals depend on the function spaces chosen for defining j and on the norm for measuring the discrepancy. Moreover, the definition of the appropriately weighted Sobolev spaces depends on σ and this subsequently influences the iteration for maximizing the functionals.
Numerical experiments illustrate features of the optimal input currents obtained for several combinations of function spaces. The reconstructions with these optimal currents are compared with those with standard input currents (sinusoid and dipole). The differences between the optimal currents obtained by different function space settings are significant. Two newly developed optimal currents can yield qualitatively better reconstructions.
An Overview of Progress and New Developments in FTIR Lubricant Condition Monitoring Methodology
Authors: van de Voort F. R. , Sedman J. , Pinchuk D. 
Published: May 2011

Abstract
Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy has found an important analytical niche in the field of condition monitoring (CM) of lubricants, lubricant quality being a primary determinant of the wear and operational efficiency of engines and machinery. The ability to track a wide range of functional groups associated with chemical changes in lubricants by FTIR spectroscopy allows the overall quality of lubricants to be assessed and informed decisions made as to whether a lubricant needs to be replaced or not. Newer automated FTIR systems in centralized laboratories are now capable of analyzing oil samples at rates of&gt;120 samples/h, providing trending information on soot, moisture, glycol, oxidative status, anti-wear additives, and nitration, amongst other measures. The current FTIR CM methodology is based on ASTM Standard Practice E2412-10 and is restricted primarily to petroleum or mineral oils; however, the ability to spectrally classify oils could overcome this limitation and broaden the scope of the methodology substantially. Quantitative FTIR methods have come to the fore to carry out more specific measures related to oil condition, specifically the determination of acid content and base content, as well as moisture. These methods have been designed to overcome some key limitations associated with the corresponding ASTM titrimetric procedures and expand the overall utility of FTIR instrumentation in centralized lubricant analysis laboratories. This paper provides an overview of FTIR CM, how it has been and can be further improved, and discusses the recent advances in the newer quantitative FTIR CM methods as well as the issues that need to be addressed to further enhance the utility of FTIR spectroscopy in relation to lubricant analysis.
Gingival Recession in Individuals with Cleft Lip and Palate: Prevalence and Severity
Authors: De Almeida Ana Lúcia Pompéia Fraga , Esper Luis Augusto , Pegoraro Thiago Amadei , Valle Accácio Lins Do 
Published: May 2011

Objective To analyze the prevalence and severity of gingival recession in individuals with cleft lip and alveolus with or without cleft palate. Design Cross-sectional. Setting Tertiary referral hospital. Participants A total of 400 individuals with cleft lip and alveolus with or without cleft palate, aged 15 to 49 years, without any previous periodontal treatment. Main Outcome Measures Gingival recession was evaluated by measuring the distance from the cementoenamel junction to the most coronal point on the gingival margin, analyzing the prevalence and scoring its severity as mild (<3 mm), moderate (3 to 4 mm), or severe (4 mm). The prevalence and severity of gingival recession was compared between sextant 2 (cleft sextant) and the mean of the other sextants (1, 3,4,5, and 6: noncleft sextants). The relationship between gingival recession in the cleft area and gender was evaluated and data were analyzed statistically. The correlation between gingival recession and age was assessed also. Results There was no statistically significant gender difference in gingival recession. The prevalence and severity of gingival recession increased with age, and most of the affected teeth were premolars and molars. The cleft area did not present a higher prevalence and severity of gingival recession. Conclusions Individuals with cleft lip and alveolus with or without cleft palate presented the same prevalence and severity of gingival recession compared with other populations. The area adjacent to the cleft (sextant 2) did not show greater risk of gingival recession than other areas (sextants 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6).
Salivary microbial and nonmicrobial parameters in children with fixed orthodontic appliances
Authors: Peros Kristina , Mestrovic Senka , Anic-Milosevic Sandra , Slaj Mladen 
Published: May 2011

Abstract

Objective:
To determine the physiologic changes of salivary flow rate, pH, and buffer capacity and the levels of Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus spp in patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment.

Materials and Methods:
The study included 23 patients scheduled for fixed orthodontic therapy. All subjects received equal braces, bands, and brackets, bonded with the same material. Stimulated saliva samples were taken before placement of the appliance, and at weeks 6, 12, and 18 during the therapy. Salivary flow rate and salivary pH were measured, and the salivary buffer capacity was determined. Saliva samples were cultivated on selective microbial agar for microorganism detection.

Results:
A significant (P &lt; .05) increase in stimulated salivary flow rate and salivary pH was found. The salivary levels of S mutans and Lactobacillus spp also inscreased significantly (P &lt; .05), and the major peak was at week 12 of fixed orthodontic therapy.

Conclusion:
The 6th to 12th week of orthodontic therapy is the period of the most intensive intraoral growth of S mutans and Lactobacillus spp and a time of very intensive salivary functions and physiologic response.