bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Removal of Single Layers from Multi‐layer Graphene by Low‐Energy Electron Stimulation
Authors: Jones Jason D. , Shah Rakesh K. , Verbeck Guido F. , Perez Jose M. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThe removal of single atomic layers from multi‐layer graphene using a He plasma is reported. By applying sample biases of –60 and +60 V during He plasma exposure, layer removal is found to be due to electrons instead of He ions or neutrals in the plasma. The rate of layer removal depends on exposure time, sample bias, and pre‐annealing treatments. Optical contrast microscopy and atomic force microscopy studies show that the removal of C atoms occurs approximately one layer at a time across the entire multi‐layer sample with no observable production of large pits or reduction in lateral dimensions. Layer removal is proposed to arise from the electron‐stimulated dissociation of C atoms from the basal plane. This process differs from plasma techniques that use reactive species to etch multi‐layer graphene.
Establishing the stem cell state: insights from regulatory network analysis of blood stem cell development
Authors: Schütte Judith , Moignard Victoria , Göttgens Berthold 
Published: February 2012

AbstractTranscription factors (TFs) have long been recognized as powerful regulators of cell‐type identity and differentiation. As TFs function as constituents of regulatory networks, identification and functional characterization of key interactions within these wider networks will be required to understand how TFs exert their powerful biological functions. The formation of blood cells (hematopoiesis) represents a widely used model system for the study of cellular differentiation. Moreover, specific TFs or groups of TFs have been identified to control the various cell fate choices that must be made when blood stem cells differentiate into more than a dozen distinct mature blood lineages. Because of the relative ease of accessibility, the hematopoietic system represents an attractive experimental system for the development of regulatory network models. Here, we review the modeling efforts carried out to date, which have already provided new insights into the molecular control of blood cell development. We also explore potential areas of future study such as the need for new high‐throughput technologies and a focus on studying dynamic cellular systems. Many leukemias arise as the result of mutations that cause transcriptional dysregulation, thus suggesting that a better understanding of transcriptional control mechanisms in hematopoiesis is of substantial biomedical relevance. Moreover, lessons learned from regulatory network analysis in the hematopoietic system are likely to inform research on less experimentally tractable tissues. WIREs Syst Biol Med 2012. doi: 10.1002/wsbm.1163This article is categorized under:

Biological Mechanisms > Cell Fates
Selective Computed Tomography and Angioembolization Provide Benefits in the Management of Patients with Concomitant Unstable Hemodynamics and Negative Sonography Results
Authors: Fu Chih‐Yuan , Hsieh Chi‐Hsun , Shih Chun‐Han , Wang Yu‐Chun , Chen Ray‐Jade , Huang Hung‐Chang , Huang Jui‐Chien , Wu Shih‐Chi , Tsuo Hsun‐Chung , Tung Hsiu‐Jung 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBackgroundThe FAST (focused assessment of sonography for trauma) examination can rapidly identify free fluid in the abdominal or thoracic cavity, which is indicative of hemorrhage requiring emergency surgery in multiple‐trauma patients. In patients with negative FAST examination results, it is difficult to identify the site of the hemorrhage and to plan treatment accordingly. We attempted to delineate the role of selective computed tomography (CT) and transarterial angioembolization (TAE) in the management of such unstable patients.MethodsFrom January 2005 to April 2011 patients with concomitant unstable hemodynamics and negative FAST examination results were identified. Their demographic and time to start of embolization were recorded. The initial systolic blood pressure (SBP) in emergency department patients was compared with the SBP after TAE.ResultsA total of 33 patients were enrolled, and 85% required TAE. SBP improved significantly after TAE. There were 18 patients who received TAE without CT scan because the site of hemorrhage was obvious. Fifteen patients received a CT scan during the time required for angiography preparation. Ten of them received subsequent TAE based on the CT scan findings, and the treatment plan was changed in the other five patients. There was no significant difference between patients with or without a CT scan with respect to the time interval between arrival and starting embolization.ConclusionsTransarterial angioembolization is suggested in the management of patients with concomitant unstable hemodynamics and negative FAST examination results. During the time interval required for angiography preparation, a CT scan can be performed. This approach provides valuable information for further decision making without delaying definitive treatment.
Pancreatectomy Combined with Superior Mesenteric Vein–Portal Vein Resection for Pancreatic Cancer: A Meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhou Yanming , Zhang Zhiming , Liu Yujian , Li Bin , Xu Donghui 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBackgroundPancreatectomy combined with superior mesenteric vein–portal vein resection (VR) for pancreatic cancer remains a matter of debate. The present study is a meta‐analysis of the available evidence.MethodsArticles published until end of March 2011, comparing the results of pancreatic resections with VR versus without VR, were searched. Pooled odds ratios (OR) and weighted mean differences (WMD; with 95% Confidence Intervals [95% CI]) were calculated using either the fixed effects model or the random effects model.ResultsNineteen nonrandomized studies met the inclusion criteria, comprising 2,247 patients. There was no difference in perioperative morbidity (OR: 0.95; 95% CI: 0.74–1.21; P = 0.67), mortality (OR: 1.19; 95% CI: 0.73–1.96; P = 0.48), or 5‐year overall survival (OR: 0.57; 95% CI: 0.32–1.02; P = 0.06) between patients with VR and those without VR.ConclusionsPancreatectomy combined with VR resection for pancreatic cancer is justified because it can result in good perioperative outcome and long‐term survival comparable to that obtained with standard resection. Owing to the selection bias and low level of clinical evidence available so far, the results should be interpreted with caution.
Peritoneal Echinococcosis: Anatomoclinical Features and Surgical Treatment
Authors: Majbar Mohammed Anass , Souadka Amine , Sabbah Farid , Raiss Mohamed , Hrora Abdelmalek , Ahallat Mohamed 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBackgroundPeritoneal hydatid disease is a rare and poorly known disease. We report our experience with 17 patients treated for peritoneal echinococcosis. The main objectives were to analyze and discuss the specific features of the anatomic peritoneal lesions along with their surgical treatment.MethodsWe analyzed retrospectively all patients treated in our unit for peritoneal echinococcosis between January 2001 and December 2008. Preoperative description of the lesions, and the surgical procedures were carefully reported.ResultsPeritoneal hydatidosis represented 6.3% of all abdominal localizations. There were 10 women (58.8%) and 7 men (41.2%). Median age was 34 years. Ten patients (58.8%) had had previous surgery for abdominal echinococcosis. Ten patients (58.8%) had synchronous abdominal localization of hydatid disease, and two patients had synchronous pulmonary localization. Sixteen patients were operated on by laparotomy. We classified the anatomic lesions into four groups: localized form (n = 6, 37.4%), disseminated form (n = 8, 50%), “hydatid carcinomatosis” (n = 3, 18.7%), hydatidoperitoneum (n = 1, 6.25%). One patient had a ruptured hydatid cyst of the left liver. We performed total cystectomies in 10 patients, partial cystectomies in 8 patients, and omentectomy in 5 patients. Two patients (12.5%) had surgical complications. One patient (6.25%) died owing to a pulmonary embolism. Anthelmintic chemotherapy was given to two patients before surgery and to nine patients postoperatively. Recurrences were seen in two patients (14.2%).ConclusionsPeritoneal echinococcosis can cause a large variety of specific and complex anatomic lesions. The disseminated form is the most common, and therefore the surgical treatment is challenging in most cases.
Ruderality in extreme‐desert cacti? Population effects of chronic anthropogenic disturbance on Echinocereus lindsayi
Authors: Martorell Carlos , Garcillán Pedro P. , Casillas Francisco 
Published: February 2012

AbstractRuderal species, i.e., those that increase their numbers in the presence of disturbance, are not expected to occur in extreme environments. We test whether Echinocereus lindsayi, a cactus from an extreme desert, follows the ruderal trend observed in similar species from mild deserts, or, as theory suggests, it is a non ruderal. Contrary to expectations, its density and fraction of small individuals in the population increased with disturbance. This seemingly results from increased establishment, as it is nursed by rocks exposed by disturbance. A demographic model for two populations, one nearly pristine and another highly disturbed, showed that at the latter site recruitment was more frequent and likely. At the disturbed site the performance of E. lindsayi individuals was usually poor, except on favorable years. Then, competition release caused by disturbance apparently allowed for a better performance compared to the less disturbed site. Despite that this opportunistic behavior would suffice to maintain the population size stable, the large mortality produced by an insect outbreak in two of the four study years caused the population to diminish. In contrast, the population at the less disturbed site was near equilibrium. If the insect outbreak is associated to disturbance, E. lindsayi at the disturbed site would be already experiencing more disturbance than it tolerates. This agrees with the fact that no populations were found at greater disturbance intensities. While, contrary to our hypothesis, E. lindsayi is ruderal, this extreme desert species appears to tolerate far less disturbance than its counterparts from milder areas.
Estimating Design Effect and Calculating Sample Size for Respondent-Driven Sampling Studies of Injection Drug Users in the United States
Authors: Wejnert Cyprian , Pham Huong , Krishna Nevin , Le Binh , DiNenno Elizabeth 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
Respondent-driven sampling (RDS) has become increasingly popular for sampling hidden populations, including injecting drug users (IDU). However, RDS data are unique and require specialized analysis techniques, many of which remain underdeveloped. RDS sample size estimation requires knowing design effect (DE), which can only be calculated post hoc. Few studies have analyzed RDS DE using real world empirical data. We analyze estimated DE from 43 samples of IDU collected using a standardized protocol. We find the previous recommendation that sample size be at least doubled, consistent with DE = 2, underestimates true DE and recommend researchers use DE = 4 as an alternate estimate when calculating sample size. A formula for calculating sample size for RDS studies among IDU is presented. Researchers faced with limited resources may wish to accept slightly higher standard errors to keep sample size requirements low. Our results highlight dangers of ignoring sampling design in analysis.
Diffusion patterns of anesthetic solution in the infiltration anesthesia depending on injection sites in the mandible of rats
Authors: Yamada Hiroyuki , Sato Tetsuji , Fukayama Haruhisa 
Published: February 2012

AbstractPurpose: This study was conducted for the morphological and quantitative evaluation of the diffusible patterns of local anesthetic depending on the site of injection in infiltration anesthesia.Experiments: The mandibular first molars of rats were anesthetized by the local infiltration of 30 μl of 2% lidocaine containing trypan blue at a distance of 2 mm from the gingival margin on either the lingual or buccal side over the distal root apex of the first molar. Frozen sections were prepared to measure the volume of the infiltrated anesthetic using volume‐calculating software.Results: On the lingual side, the local anesthetic infiltrated into the mouth floor and spread backward in a sagittal direction at an infiltration volume of 8.36 ± 7.34 mm3. On the buccal side, the anesthetic solution was restricted to the injected area and the infiltration volume was 2.22 ± 1.62 mm3.Conclusion The present results indicate that the infiltration volume of local anesthetics is very different between the lingual and buccal sides.
Still Looking for Liberation? Lutherans in El Salvador and Nicaragua
Authors: CHAPMAN RICHARD M. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractLiberationist Christianity in Central America has faced considerable challenges adjusting to changing circumstances since 1990. Yet the political concerns and economic conditions that animated religious movements for liberation in the region have not disappeared, nor have adherents of progressive religion. Central American Lutherans embody a distinctive dialogue with liberationist religion, one not adequately treated or understood in existing studies focused on religious change and the state. In El Salvador and Nicaragua, Lutherans adapted perspectives from liberation theology through the resources of their own theological inheritance, but both this heritage and they themselves were equally shaped and transformed by their efforts to counter, survive and redeem the inhumanity and political violence of the societies they inhabited. The Lutheran story is an important addition to the current understanding of the diverse ways in which religious communities interacted with theologies and movements of liberation, and engaged with processes of social change in the Central American context.
Resistive wall mode in cylindrical plasmas in the presence of surface currents
Authors: CUI SHAOYAN , LU GAIMIN , LIU YUE 
Published: February 2012

AbstractStability of the resistive wall mode in cylindrical plasmas confined by surface currents is investigated for the δ-function and step-function equilibrium surface-current profiles. For the former, it is shown that the perturbations oscillate and even decay for all locations of the initial perturbation. The entire system is stable and the plasma flow has little effect. For the step-function surface-current distribution, it is found that the thicker the surface current layer, the more stable is the system even if the largest initial perturbation is located on the rational surface, but the plasma flow also has little effect on the system.
Invariant measures with bounded variation densities for piecewise area preserving maps
Authors: ZHANG YIWEI , LIN CONGPING 
Published: February 2012

AbstractWe investigate the properties of absolutely continuous invariant probability measures (ACIPs), especially those measures with bounded variation densities, for piecewise area preserving maps (PAPs) on ℝd. This class of maps unifies piecewise isometries (PWIs) and piecewise hyperbolic maps where Lebesgue measure is locally preserved. Using a functional analytic approach, we first explore the relationship between topological transitivity and uniqueness of ACIPs, and then give an approach to construct invariant measures with bounded variation densities for PWIs. Our results ‘partially’ answer one of the fundamental questions posed in [13]—to determine all invariant non-atomic probability Borel measures in piecewise rotations. When restricting PAPs to interval exchange transformations (IETs), our results imply that for non-uniquely ergodic IETs with two or more ACIPs, these ACIPs have very irregular densities, i.e. they have unbounded variation.
Congenital heart defects in La Réunion Island: a 6-year survey within a EUROCAT-affiliated congenital anomalies registry
Authors: Bourdial Hélène , Jamal-Bey Karim , Edmar Abdelhafid , Caillet Dominique , Wuillai Françoise , Bernede-Bauduin Claire , Boumahni Brahim , Robillard Pierre-Yves , Kauffmann Edouard , Laffitte Annick , Touret Yasmina , Cuillier Fabrice , Fourmaintraux Alain , Alessandri Jean-Luc , Gérardin Patrick , Randrianaivo Hanitra 
Published: February 2012

AbstractObjectivesThis study compares the prevalence and perinatal mortality of congenital heart defects on La Réunion with European (EUROCAT) standards.Methods and resultsData were extracted from a EUROCAT-affiliated congenital malformations registry, covering 88,025 births during the period 2002–2007, on the whole island territory. A total of 512 congenital heart defects were registered, including 424 live births, 18 foetal deaths from 16 weeks of gestation, and 70 terminations of pregnancy. The total prevalence of congenital heart defects was 5.8 per 1000 births and live birth prevalence was 4.8 per 1000. The total prevalence of non-chromosomal congenital heart defects was 5.1 per 1000 births, of which 3% were perinatal deaths, 33.3% prenatally diagnosed, and 11.6% termination of pregnancy. Severe non-chromosomal congenital heart defects – excluding ventricular septal defects, atrial septal defects, and pulmonary valve stenosis – occurred in 2.1 per 1000 births, of which 10.3% were perinatal deaths, 59.1% prenatally diagnosed, and 24.3% termination of pregnancy. Of the severe congenital heart defects, the rates of single ventricle (0.20‰), Ebstein anomaly (0.11‰), common arterial trunk (0.25‰), and atrioventricular septal defect (0.62‰) exceeded averages found in Europe, although coarctation of the aorta was infrequent. Conversely, rates of ventricular septal defects, atrial septal defects, and pulmonary valve stenosis were inferior to European standards. Slightly less than half of the congenital heart defects of chromosomal origin were associated with Down syndrome.ConclusionIn La Réunion, the total prevalence of congenital heart defects is far inferior to that found in Europe. The difference can be attributable to lower prevalences of mild congenital heart defects.
Intracoronary bone marrow cell application for terminal heart failure in children
Authors: Rupp Stefan , Jux Christian , Bönig Halvard , Bauer Jürgen , Tonn Torsten , Seifried Erhard , Dimmeler Stefanie , Zeiher Andreas M. , Schranz Dietmar 
Published: February 2012

AbstractIntroductionIn spite of tremendous progress in the medical and surgical treatment of children with congenital heart disease and dilated cardiomyopathy achieved during the past few decades, for some children a heart transplant remains the only option. Clinically relevant benefits of intracoronary injection of autologous stem cells on cardiac function and remodelling have been demonstrated in adult patients with acute myocardial infarction. Experience with autologous stem cell therapy in children with severe congenital or acquired pump failure is limited to a small number of case reports.Method and resultsBetween 2006 and 2010, nine severely ill children were treated with intracoronary infusion of autologous bone marrow-derived mononuclear cells as part of a compassionate therapy in our centre. No procedure-related unexpected adverse events occurred. There was one patient on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation who died of haemorrhage unrelated to the procedure; three patients proceeded to heart transplantation once a donor heart became available. The other five patients showed an improvement with respect to New York Heart Association classification (greater than or equal to 1), brain natriuretic peptide serum levels, and ejection fraction.ConclusionSimilar to adults, intracoronary injection of autologous bone marrow cell is technically feasible and safe for children. On the basis of our data, we propose to perform a pilot study for children with congestive heart failure, to formally assess the efficacy of intracoronary autologous bone marrow cell therapy.
Meeting the family: Measuring effectiveness of family meetings in a specialist inpatient palliative care unit
Authors: Hannon Breffni , O'Reilly Valerie , Bennett Kathleen , Breen Karen , Lawlor Peter G. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractObjective:The World Health Organization (WHO) definition of palliative care as “an approach that improves the quality of life of patients and their families facing the problem associated with life-threatening illness …” recognizes the importance of family members in this setting. In practice, family meetings account for a significant amount of the weekly workload in a specialist inpatient palliative care unit. Despite this, there is little empirical evidence to support the benefits of family meetings from the perspective of family members.Method:A prospective study over 6 months, invited a designated family member to complete a self-report instrument (SRI) and the Family Inventory of Needs (FIN) questionnaire prior to, immediately following, and 48 hours after a planned family meeting attended by several members of the multidisciplinary team.Results:Thirty-one designated family members completed the study. The SRIs completed prior to a family meeting identified particular areas of concern and worry for family members, and also helped to generate an agenda based on the family's particular needs. The pre-meeting FIN identified areas of patient care of greatest importance to each family member, and asked them to rate whether particular care needs were presently met or unmet, in their opinion, by the healthcare team caring for the patient. Following the family meeting, repeat SRIs showed an overall reduction in concerns and increased confidence in dealing with those issues raised. Post-family meeting FIN scores confirmed a greater number of met care needs compared with pre-meeting scores, all of which were sustained over time.Significance of results:This study confirms the value of planned multidisciplinary family meetings for patients in specialist inpatient palliative care units. It identifies the often unmet needs of family members and the sustained benefits associated with formal family meetings.
A PROBABILISTIC SEMANTICS FOR COUNTERFACTUALS. PART B
Authors: LEITGEB HANNES 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThis is part B of a paper in which we defend a semantics for counterfactuals which is probabilistic in the sense that the truth condition for counterfactuals refers to a probability measure. Because of its probabilistic nature, it allows a counterfactual ‘ifAthenB’ to be true even in the presence of relevant ‘Aand notB’-worlds, as long such exceptions are not too widely spread. The semantics is made precise and studied in different versions which are related to each other by representation theorems. Despite its probabilistic nature, we show that the semantics and the resulting system of logic may be regarded as a naturalistically vindicated variant of David Lewis’ truth-conditional semantics and logic of counterfactuals. At the same time, the semantics overlaps in various ways with the non-truth-conditional suppositional theory for conditionals that derives from Ernest Adams’ work. We argue that counterfactuals have two kinds of pragmatic meanings and come attached with two types of degrees of acceptability or belief, one being suppositional, the other one being truth based as determined by our probabilistic semantics; these degrees could not always coincide due to a new triviality result for counterfactuals, and they should not be identified in the light of their different interpretation and pragmatic purpose. However, for plain assertability the difference between them does not matter. Hence, if the suppositional theory of counterfactuals is formulated with sufficient care, our truth-conditional theory of counterfactuals is consistent with it. The results of our investigation are used to assess a claim considered by Hawthorne and Hájek, that is, the thesis that most ordinary counterfactuals are false.