bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Toxicity of nanomaterials to the eye
Authors: Prow Tarl W. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractWhat do nanoparticles offer drug delivery to the eye that traditional formulations do not? The underlying concept of nanomedicine is that the nanomaterials have properties that their constituent components do not have. These unique properties are the benefit, but the cost can be more a complicated toxicology assessment. Ocular delivery of therapeutic nanoparticles has the potential to greatly increase the quality of life through maintaining our vision. The eye is composed of multiple tissue types, i.e., epithelium, muscle, immune cells, neural cells, and blood vessels, to name a few. Ocular diseases affect many of these tissues at once. Introduce novel therapeutic nanoparticles and determining mechanisms of toxicity becomes challenging. This review is a survey of what is known about toxicity in experimental nanoparticles for ocular therapeutics. Specific cases are chosen to illustrate a range of toxic effects of nanoparticles in the eye. There is a unique research opportunity for in‐depth toxicology studies of nanoparticles in the eye. This has been made possible by the rapid development of therapeutic nanoparticles in the last few years. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2010 2 317–333This article is categorized under:

Toxicology and Regulatory Issues in Nanomedicine > Toxicology of Nanomaterials
New diagnostic criteria of acute pancreatitis
Authors: Kiriyama Seiki , Gabata Toshifumi , Takada Tadahiro , Hirata Koichi , Yoshida Masahiro , Mayumi Toshihiko , Hirota Masahiko , Kadoya Masumi , Yamanouchi Eigoro , Hattori Takayuki , Takeda Kazunori , Kimura Yasutoshi , Amano Hodaka , Wada Keita , Sekimoto Miho , Arata Shinju , Yokoe Masamichi , Hirota Morihisa 
Published: December 2009

AbstractPractical guidelines for the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis are presented so that a rapid and adequate diagnosis can be made. When acute pancreatitis is suspected in patients with acute onset of abdominal pain and tenderness mainly in the upper abdomen, the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis is made on the basis of elevated levels of pancreatic enzymes in the blood and/or urine. Furthermore, other acute abdominal diseases are ruled out if local findings associated with pancreatitis are confirmed by diagnostic imaging. According to the diagnostic criteria established in Japan, patients who present with two of the following three manifestations are diagnosed as having acute pancreatitis: characteristic upper abdominal pain, elevated levels of pancreatic enzymes, and findings of ultrasonography (US), CT or MRI suggesting acute pancreatitis. Detection of elevated levels of blood pancreatic enzymes is crucial in the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. Measurement of blood lipase is recommended, because it is reported to be superior to all other pancreatic enzymes in terms of sensitivity and specificity. For measurements of the blood amylase level widely used in Japan, it should be cautioned that, because of its low specificity, abnormal high values are also often obtained in diseases other than pancreatitis. The cut‐off level of blood pancreatic enzymes for the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis is not able to be set because of lack of sufficient evidence and consensus to date. CT study is the most appropriate procedure to confirm image findings of acute pancreatitis. Elucidation of the etiology of acute pancreatitis should be continued after a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. In the process of the etiologic elucidation of acute pancreatitis, judgment whether it is gallstone‐induced or not is most urgent and crucial for deciding treatment policy including the assessment of whether endoscopic papillary treatment should be conducted or not. The diagnosis of gallstone‐induced acute pancreatitis can be made by combining detection of elevated levels of bilirubin, transamylase (ALT, AST) and ALP detected by hematological examination and the visualization of gallstones by US.
Health insurance and payment systems for severe acute pancreatitis
Authors: Yoshida Masahiro , Takada Tadahiro , Hirata Koichi , Mayumi Toshihiko , Shikata Satoru , Shirai Kunihiro , Kimura Yasutoshi , Wada Keita , Amano Hodaka , Arata Shinju , Hirota Masahiko , Takeda Kazunori , Gabata Toshifumi , Hirota Morihisa , Yokoe Masamichi , Kiriyama Seiki , Sekimoto Miho 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThe medical insurance system of Japan is based on the Universal Medical Care System guaranteed by the provision of the Article 25 of the Constitution of Japan, which states that “All the people shall have the right to live a healthy, cultural and minimum standard of life.” The health insurance system of Japan comprises the medical insurance system and the health care system for the long‐lived. Medical care insurance includes the employees’ health insurance (Social Insurance) that covers employees of private companies and their families and community insurance (National Health Insurance) that covers the self‐employed. Each medical insurance system has its own medical care system for the retired and their families. The health care system for the long‐lived covers people of over 75 years of age (over 65 years in people with a certain handicap). There is also a system under which all or part of the medical expenses is reimbursed by public expenditure or the cost of medical care not covered by health insurance is paid by the government. This system is referred to collectively as the “the public payment system of medical expenses.” To support the realization of the purpose of this system, there is a treatment research enterprise for specified diseases (intractable diseases). Because of the high mortality rate, acute pancreatitis is specified as an intractable disease for the purpose of reducing its mortality rate, and treatment expenses of patients are paid in full by the government dating back to the day when the application was made for a certificate verifying that he or she has severe acute pancreatitis.
Role of intestinalBifidobacterium pseudolongumin dietary fructo-oligosaccharide inhibition of 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene-induced contact hypersensitivity in mice
Authors: Sasajima Naho , Ogasawara Toru , Takemura Naoki , Fujiwara Reiko , Watanabe Jun , Sonoyama Kei 
Published: December 2009

Strategies to manipulate the gut microbiota have been explored for preventing allergy development. We previously showed that dietary supplementation with fructo-oligosaccharide (FOS) reduced 2, 4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB)-induced contact hypersensitivity (CHS) in BALB/c mice. Because the CHS response was negatively correlated with the number of faecal bifidobacteria, particularlyBifidobacterium pseudolongum, the present study aimed to examine whether oral administration ofB. pseudolongumaffects CHS response. ViableB. pseudolongumwas successfully isolated from mouse faeces. Female BALB/c mice were fed a synthetic diet with or without FOS supplementation, andB. pseudolongum(2 × 107cells) was administered daily throughout the experimental period. Two weeks after starting the test diets, mice received DNFB on the ear auricle twice at 7-d intervals. Conventional cultivation and molecular biological analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that administration of FOS andB. pseudolongumresulted in higher excretion of viable bifidobacteria, mainlyB. pseudolongum. Although dietary FOS reduced the CHS response as demonstrated by ear swelling,B. pseudolongumadministration resulted in a reduction in the initial phase only of the CHS response.B. pseudolongumadministration increased hapten-specific IgG1, while dietary FOS decreased IgG2a in sera. Administration of FOS andB. pseudolongumdecreased interferon-γ production and increased IL-10 production in cervical lymph node cells restimulated with haptenin vitro. We conclude thatB. pseudolongumproliferation in the intestinal tract is partially responsible for the reduction in DNFB-induced CHS response by dietary supplementation with FOS in mice, which may be mediated by the modulation of antigen-induced cytokine production.
Outcome of computer-assisted surgery in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Mueller S A , Caversaccio M 
Published: December 2009

AbstractObjective:To compare the complication rates and outcome of computer-assisted versus non-computer-assisted functional endoscopic sinus surgery.Methods:We reviewed retrospectively the medical records of 276 patients who had undergone sinus surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis with (n = 108) or without (n = 168) computer assistance, from 1996 to 2004, to determine the incidence of complications and need for revision surgery.Results:The incidence of complications was 6.5 per cent in the computer-assisted group and 6.0 per cent in the non-computer-assisted group (p = 1.00). In the computer-assisted group, 9.2 per cent needed revision surgery, compared with 10.7 per cent in the non-assisted group (p = 0.84).Conclusions:Although our study found no significant difference in complications or revision rates, computer-assisted surgery serves as an important orientation aid during functional endoscopic sinus surgery.
Development and testing of fMRI-compatible haptic interface
Authors: Hribar Ales , Munih Marko 
Published: December 2009

SUMMARYThis paper presents the development and testing of a haptic interface compatible with a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) environment for neuroscience human motor control studies. A carbon fiber extension enables us to use the widely accepted and available haptic device Phantom 1.5.In the first part of the paper development of the mechanical extension together with its kinematic and dynamic models are presented. The second part is focused on testing of the extended haptic interface. The experiment's results both inside and outside the fMRI environment are presented. Tests outside a scanner have shown that the mechanical extension has no notable effect on a subject performance. Experiments with the scanner have confirmed electromagnetic compatibility of the extended haptic system.At the end it is concluded that the extended haptic device is fully compatible with the fMRI environment, and a virtual environment task that will allow neuroscientists to study a human motor control is proposed.
Vehicle detection and tracking for visual understanding of road environments
Authors: de la Escalera Arturo , Armingol Jose Maria 
Published: December 2009

SUMMARYMany of the advanced driver assistance systems have the goal of perceiving the surroundings of a vehicle. One of them, adaptive cruise control, takes charge of searching for other vehicles in order to detect and track them with the aim of maintaining a safe distance and to avoid dangerous maneuvers. In the research described in this article, this task is accomplished using an on board camera. Depending on when the vehicles are detected the system analyzes movement or uses a vehicle geometrical model to perceive them. After, the detected vehicle is tracked and its behavior established. Optical flow is used for movement while the geometric model is associated with a likelihood function that includes information of the shape and symmetry of the vehicle and the shadow it casts. A genetic algorithm finds the optimum parameter values of this function for every image. As the algorithm receives information from a road detection module some geometric restrictions are applied. Additionally, a multiresolution approach is used to speed up the algorithm. Examples of real image sequences under different weather conditions are shown to validate the algorithm.
A simple walking strategy for biped walking based on an intermittent sinusoidal oscillator
Authors: Fu Chenglong , Tan Feng , Chen Ken 
Published: December 2009

SUMMARYThis paper presents a control algorithm for biped walking by extension of previous work in the fields of central pattern generator (CPG) and passive walking. The algorithm takes advantage of the passive dynamics of walking, assisting only when necessary with an intermittent sinusoidal oscillator. The parameterized oscillator is used to drive the hip joint; the triggering and ceasing of the oscillator during a walking cycle can be modulated by the sensory feedback. The results from simulation indicate a stable, efficient gait, and robustness against model inaccuracy and environmental variation. We also examine the effects of oscillator parameters and link parameters on the gait, and design a controller to suppress the bifurcation phenomenon based on the error of prior step periods.
Molecular analysis of phosphate limitation in Geobacteraceae during the bioremediation of a uranium-contaminated aquifer
Authors: N'Guessan A Lucie , Elifantz Hila , Nevin Kelly P , Mouser Paula J , Methé Barbara , Woodard Trevor L , Manley Kimberly , Williams Kenneth H , Wilkins Michael J , Larsen Joern T , Long Philip E , Lovley Derek R 
Published: December 2009

Abstract
Nutrient limitation is an environmental stress that may reduce the effectiveness of bioremediation strategies, especially when the contaminants are organic compounds or when organic compounds are added to promote microbial activities such as metal reduction. Genes indicative of phosphate-limitation were identified by microarray analysis of chemostat cultures of Geobacter sulfureducens. This analysis revealed that genes in the pst-pho operon, which is associated with a high-affinity phosphate uptake system in other microorganisms, had significantly higher transcript abundance under phosphate-limiting conditions, with the genes pstB and phoU upregulated the most. Quantitative PCR analysis of pstB and phoU transcript levels in G. sulfurreducens grown in chemostats demonstrated that the expression of these genes increased when phosphate was removed from the culture medium. Transcripts of pstB and phoU within the subsurface Geobacter species predominating during an in situ uranium-bioremediation field experiment were more abundant than in chemostat cultures of G. sulfurreducens that were not limited for phosphate. Addition of phosphate to incubations of subsurface sediments did not stimulate dissimilatory metal reduction. The added phosphate was rapidly adsorbed onto the sediments. The results demonstrate that Geobacter species can effectively reduce U(VI) even when experiencing suboptimal phosphate concentrations and that increasing phosphate availability with phosphate additions is difficult to achieve because of the high reactivity of this compound. This transcript-based approach developed for diagnosing phosphate limitation should be applicable to assessing the potential need for additional phosphate in other bioremediation processes.
Eukarya 18S rRNA gene diversity in the sea surface microlayer: implications for the structure of the neustonic microbial loop
Authors: Cunliffe Michael , Murrell J Colin 
Published: December 2009

Abstract
We have previously shown that there is a consistent and reproducible bacterioneuston community in the surface microlayer during a fjord mesocosm experiment. One possible cause of the surface microlayer-specific bacterial community is a surface microlayer-specific protist community selectively grazing on the bacterioneuston. We determined protist community structures using Eukarya 18S rRNA gene denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and subsequent DGGE band sequencing using DNA samples that were collected from the surface microlayer and subsurface water of the mesocosms. As with bacterial communities, protist community structure was consistently different in the surface microlayer when compared with subsurface water. In particular, the protist community in the surface microlayer was dominated by Cercozoa, which were not detected in the subsurface water, and Ciliophora.
The Typology of Tupi-Guarani as Reflected in the Grammars of Four Jesuit Missionaries
Authors: Bossong Georg 
Published: December 2009

SummarySome fundamental typological peculiarities of Guarani, namely the inclusive-exclusive distinction, transnumerality, the nominal tense, the (non)-distinction of subjects and objects, and duality (active-stative alignment) are presented and analyzed from both a modern and a historical perspective: first, to better understand the features of Guarani; second, to illuminate the difficulties missionaries faced when trying to cope with language structures that drastically differed from their training in Latin grammar. Using the missionaries’ grammars as first-hand testimony, the conclusion is reached that we have not significantly advanced beyond these works from the 17th and 18th centuries. Although none of the Jesuitpadresarrived at a clear understanding of all the peculiarities of Tupi- Guarani that are dealt with in this paper, they made substantial contributions to describing the unusual features of this language family adequately, and thus went deliberately beyond the framework of Latin school grammar.
Missionary Contributions to Bantu Languages in Tanzania
Authors: Legère Karsten 
Published: December 2009

Summary
This paper deals with linguistic work by the lay missionary James Thomas Last (1850–1933), who was among the first Europeans to live up-country in what is now Tanzania. In the course of a seven-year stay he was exposed to African languages which have only partly been known outside Africa. Last collected linguistic data that culminated 1885 in the publication of the Polyglotta Africana Orientalis. This book is a collection of 210 lexical items and sentences elicited in or translated into 48 African languages, and supplemented by entries for some other languages. In order to demonstrate the relevance as well as the inconsistencies of this missionary’s contribution, special attention is paid to the book section on the Vidunda language currently spoken by approximately 10,000 people in Central Tanzania. It turns out that approximately 75 per cent of the Vidunda entries are still acceptable today. The data even provides insight into the grammatical set-up of Vidunda (e.g., the noun classes and constituents of the noun phrase). Less relevant are the verbal paradigms. In a nutshell, Last produced material which had for many years been the sole source of lexical and grammatical information about the Vidunda language.
Description and Qualitative Evaluation of Jigsaw, an Integrated Young Persons’ Mental Health Program
Authors: Callaly Thomas , Dodd Seetal , Ackerly Carmel , Hantz Paul , O'Shea Melissa , Berk Michael 
Published: December 2009

Objective: The aim of this paper is to describe the establishment of an integrated young person's mental health service and the findings of a qualitative evaluation conducted 2 years after its establishment. Method: A qualitative evaluation of the service was undertaken using a semi-structured interview, a service satisfaction survey and partnership analysis tool. Results: The major problems encountered in establishing the service were insufficient recognition of the cultural challenges in working together, difficulty in recruiting general practitioners, establishing a youth friendly environment and maintaining the quality of the relationship between partners. Conclusion: Despite almost 3 years of preparation, many important aspects of change management were underestimated or inadequately attended to.
Shyness 5: The Clinical Effectiveness of Internet-Based Clinician-Assisted Treatment of Social Phobia
Authors: Aydos Leticia , Titov Nickolai , Andrews Gavin 
Published: December 2009

Objective: The present study explores the clinical effectiveness of an Internet-based cognitive behavioural treatment program for social phobia (the Shyness program) administered by a psychiatric registrar as part of standard clinical treatment at an outpatient mental health service (the Anxiety Disorders Clinic, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney). Method: Seventeen individuals with social phobia were assigned to this 8 week clinician-assisted program. All patients had access to online lessons, homework assignments, an online discussion forum with other patients, and regular emails from the clinician. Both completer and intention-to-treat models were used in data analyses. Results: Fourteen (82%) patients completed all six lessons within the 8 weeks, and 11/17 (65%) completed post-treatment questionnaires. Mean within-group effect sizes (Cohen's d) for the two social phobia measures were 1.06 and 0.77, based on completer and intention-to-treat analyses, respectively. Data indicate that the procedure was acceptable to patients. Conclusions: These results indicate that the procedure was clinically effective when operated as part of standard clinical treatment. These results provide further support for the potential clinical utility of the Shyness program.
The Prediction of Imminent Aggression in Patients with Mental Illness and/or Intellectual Disability Using the Dynamic Appraisal of Situational Aggression Instrument
Authors: Barry-Walsh Justin , Daffern Michael , Duncan Suzanne , Ogloff James 
Published: December 2009

Objective: The aim of this paper was to determine whether imminent aggression in psychiatric inpatients can be accurately predicted using a structured risk assessment instrument, the Dynamic Appraisal of Situational Aggression (DASA). Methods: This prospective validation study involved 10 013 DASA risk assessments of patients residing in a psychiatric hospital. Twenty-four hours after the risk assessment, psychiatric nurses documented whether patients had behaved aggressively towards others or whether they had deliberately damaged property. They also noted the target of aggression, whether towards staff, patients or property. Results: The predictive validity of the DASA varied according to the type and target of aggression. The prediction of any aggressive behaviour, irrespective of type of aggression or target, was significantly greater than chance (AUC = 0.69). The strongest predictive accuracy (AUC = 0.80) was for physical aggression towards staff. Conclusions: These results suggest that imminent aggression in psychiatric hospitals may be able to be accurately predicted by psychiatric nurses using a structured risk assessment instrument.
Reliability of size-selectivity estimates from paired-trawl and covered-codend experiments
Authors: Millar Russell B. 
Published: December 2009

Abstract
Millar, R. B. 2010. Reliability of size-selectivity estimates from paired-trawl and covered-codend experiments. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 67: 530–536. To determine the size selectivity of a trawl codend from sea trials, the researcher must choose between using paired (experimental and control) and covered-codend gears. The paired-gear method has the advantage that the experimental codend can be deployed without modification, but has the disadvantage of a more complex statistical analysis. It has previously been claimed that this analysis is inherently biased regardless of sampling effort. This claim is shown to be erroneous, and it is seen that both methods produce estimators that have negligible bias under typical experimental conditions. However, paired-gear analyses were seen to produce estimators having greater statistical variability than the covered-codend analyses. Over the range of simulations employed herein, it was found that the paired-gear method generally had moderately higher (ratio of 1.3–1.9) statistical error for estimation of the length of 50% retention, when fished with equal sampling effort as the covered-codend gear. Paired-gear estimates of the selection range could have considerably higher standard error than covered-codend estimates (ratio of 1.6–4.2), with the highest ratio being for a scenario where the selection curve was asymmetric and sampling effort consisted of ten replicate deployments where the number of measured fish was restricted to 250.