bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Logarithmic fluctuations for internal DLA
Authors: Jerison David , Levine Lionel , Sheffield Scott 
Published: August 2011

Let each of

n
n

particles starting at the origin in

Z

2

\mathbb Z^2

perform simple random walk until reaching a site with no other particles. Lawler, Bramson, and Griffeath proved that the resulting random set

A
(
n
)

A(n)

of

n
n

occupied sites is (with high probability) close to a disk

B

r

\mathbf {B}_r

of radius

r
=

n

/

π

r=\sqrt {n/\pi }

. We show that the discrepancy between

A
(
n
)

A(n)

and the disk is at most logarithmic in the radius: i.e., there is an absolute constant

C
C

such that with probability

1
1

,
\[

B

r
−
C
log
⁡
r

⊂
A
(
π

r
2

)
⊂

B

r
+
C
log
⁡
r

for all sufficiently large

r

.

\mathbf {B}_{r - C\log r} \subset A(\pi r^2) \subset \mathbf {B}_{r+ C\log r} \quad \mbox { for all sufficiently large $r$}.

\]
Evaluation of Patients with Painful Bladder Syndrome/Interstitial Cystitis
Authors: Wyndaele Jean Jacques 
Published: August 2011

This review looks into the evaluation of patients with interstitial cystitis (IC). Interstitial cystitis is not easy to define. There is a lot of activity in this domain and a great international effort is made to get to a generally accepted definition and standardised protocols for diagnosis and treatment. We have not reached this point so far.The diagnosis is still one of exclusion but search for specific markers may change this. Till then other conditions have to be looked for and the list of these is not short. A primary evaluation with history taking, symptom scores, clinical investigations, urine test can guide the physician to further testing.Urodynamic tests, cystoscopy and hydrodistension, biopsies and pathologic evaluation are in the process of finding a place in the diagnostic tree. The potassium test seems useful for the evaluation of bladder permeability but is not specific for IC alone.Studies on reevaluation in patients with IC show that primary misdiagnosis happens in a number of them. This is an extra motivation to continue the work towards standardization of the diagnostic and therapeutic approach.
Role of microRNA Pathway in Mental Retardation
Authors: Qurashi Abrar , Chang Shuang , Jin Peng 
Published: August 2011

Deficits in cognitive functions lead to mental retardation (MR). Understanding the genetic basis of inherited MR has provided insights into the pathogenesis of MR. Fragile X syndrome is one of the most common forms of inherited MR, caused by the loss of functional Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein (FMRP).MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous, single-stranded RNAs between 18 and 25 nucleotides in length, which have been implicated in diversified biological pathways. Recent studies have linked the miRNA pathway to fragile X syndrome. Here we review the role of the miRNA pathway in fragile X syndrome and discuss its implication in MR in general.
Quantifying the Impact of Obesity Category on Major Chronic Diseases in Canada
Authors: Jiang Ying , Chen Yue , Manuel Douglas , Morrison Howard , Mao Yang , Working Group Obesity 
Published: August 2011

Adverse health effects differ with various levels of obesity, but limited national data existed previously for the Canadian population. We examined the associations of sociodemographic and behavioral factors with obesity levels in Canada, and measured the impact of each level on major chronic diseases. Data were extracted from the 2003 Canadian Community Health Survey. We grouped overweight/obese participants aged 18 years and over into four levels based on body mass index (BMI, kg/m2): overweight (25.0– 29.9), class I obesity (30.0–34.9), class II obesity (35–39.9), and class III obesity (extreme/clinical obesity, BMI ≥ 40.0). We used logistic regression models to identify potential risk factors for the obesity levels and to estimate adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for major chronic diseases related to each level. We calculated population attributable risks (PARs) to help understand the impact of obesity levels on these chronic diseases.The overall prevalence of obesity was 16.2% in men and 14.6% in women, and the prevalence of obesity III was 1.0% in men and 1.4% in women. All levels of obesity increased with age, but then decreased in elderly participants. The prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, arthritis, and asthma increased with increasing BMI level, and the highest values appeared in participants at the obesity III level. PAR was highest in the obesity III group for hypertension, followed by diabetes, and lowest for heart disease. When correlated with risk factors, fewer statistically significant ORs, comparing to the normal weight category, appeared for obesity II and III levels than for overweight and obesity I. ORs for the combination of low education level, infrequent exercise, and low household income rose significantly with BMI levels until the obesity II level, and in obesity III level, the OR remained at the same level as for obesity II, most significantly in women. These results suggest that the impact of obesity on Canadian’s health should be studied and dealt with by obesity level. The greatest impact of clinical obesity was on hypertension and diabetes control in Canada.
A Discussion of the Role of Frontoparietal Activity in Cognition
Authors: Hon Nicholas 
Published: August 2011

A consistently observed pattern in the functional brain imaging literature is that of joint frontal and parietal activation. Because this pattern of activation has been observed under many different experimental conditions and when different cognitive domains have been tested, it is likely that frontoparietal activity plays a very general role in cognition. This article considers one such possible role – the representation of behaviourally relevant information.
Validation and fine mapping of a QTL for ovulation rate on swine chromosome 3
Authors: Mousel M. R. , Leymaster K. A. , Christenson R. K. , Nonneman D. J. , Rohrer G.A. 
Published: August 2011

SummaryOvulation rate (OR) is an important component of litter size, but mutation(s) in gene(s) underlying OR QTL have yet to be identified in pigs. Markers within an OR QTL on SSC3 were genotyped in three white composite lines selected for ten generations for increased OR or uterine capacity (UC), with one line being an unselected control. Numbers of corpora lutea (CL) and UC (number of fully formed fetuses) were collected at approximately 105 days of gestation, as well as ovary weight (OW), uterine length (UL) and uterine weight (UW) measurements at 160 d of age in generation 12 and 13 females from all three lines. Six microsatellites and ten single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; 0–42 cM) were genotyped in pigs from all lines of generations 11 through 13. The allele frequencies of 24269.1, SW2429, 7907.2 and 7637.2 were different (P < 0.01) in the OR line compared to the control line. A significant (P < 0.05) association of CL with 24269.1 (additive effect 0.65 ± 0.32) was detected, and additive genotypic effects approached significance for markers at 28 through 35 cM (16963.2, 27514.1 and SWR1637). Haplotyping of 7637.2 and 16963.2 (31 through 32 cM) identified a significant additive association of haplotype 1 with CL (−0.62 ± 0.30). These markers were also associated with OW (24296.1 and SWR1637), UL (16963.2, 27514.1 and haplotypes of 7637.2/16963.2) and UW (haplotypes of 7637.2/16963.2). This study verifies an OR QTL on SSC3. However, based on the data, it was concluded that there may be two genes, at 13 through 18 cM and 28 through 35 cM, controlling OR on SSC3p.
Fine needle aspiration cytology of basal cell adenoma of the salivary gland: a cytohistological correlation study of 35 cases
Authors: Vicandi B. , Jiménez‐Heffernan J. A. , López‐Ferrer P. , González‐Peramato P. , Patrón M. , Viguer J. M. 
Published: August 2011

B. Vicandi, J.A. Jiménez‐Heffernan, P. López‐Ferrer, P. González‐Peramato, M. Patrón and J.M. Viguer  Fine needle aspiration cytology of basal cell adenoma of the salivary gland: a cytohistological correlation study of 35 casesObjective:  In order to evaluate the possibility of a specific cytological recognition of basal cell adenoma (BCA) we reviewed our experience with 35 histologically proven cases. Few series describing cytological features of BCA are available and diagnostic cytological criteria are not well established.Methods:  This study was based on 41 cytology samples from 35 patients with BCA. Thirty‐five aspiration procedures were performed pre‐operatively and six on tumour recurrence. Nineteen of the 35 patients were men and 16 women. The mean age at diagnosis was 55 years old (range 24–92). The series includes one non‐representative case. Except for one tumour located in the upper lip, all of them involved the parotid gland.Results:  Aspirates were cellular, showing groups with dense, homogeneous metachromatic stroma and single cells. Relevant features were the trident‐like configuration of groups, intimate relationship between neoplastic cells and stroma and cellular polymorphism. In approximately half of the cases a precise diagnosis was given. Most of the remaining tumours were diagnosed as benign but they were difficult to differentiate from pleomorphic adenoma. Regarding malignancy, there were two misdiagnoses of acinic cell carcinoma, due to high epithelial cellularity along with scarcity of stroma, and one case was considered to be suspicious of malignancy.Conclusion:  BCA shows characteristic cytological features that allow a precise diagnosis. The main differential diagnosis is epithelial‐rich pleomorphic adenoma, while acinic cell carcinoma is a potential false positive.
Vibrio anguillarum as a fish pathogen: virulence factors, diagnosis and prevention
Authors: Frans I , Michiels C W , Bossier P , Willems K A , Lievens B , Rediers H 
Published: August 2011

Abstract Vibrio anguillarum, also known as Listonella anguillarum, is the causative agent of vibriosis, a deadly haemorrhagic septicaemic disease affecting various marine and fresh/brackish water fish, bivalves and crustaceans. In both aquaculture and larviculture, this disease is responsible for severe economic losses worldwide. Because of its high morbidity and mortality rates, substantial research has been carried out to elucidate the virulence mechanisms of this pathogen and to develop rapid detection techniques and effective disease‐prevention strategies. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge pertaining to V. anguillarum, focusing on pathogenesis, known virulence factors, diagnosis, prevention and treatment.
Quantitative PCR demonstrates a positive correlation between a Rickettsia‐like organism and severity of strawberry disease lesions in rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum)
Authors: Lloyd S J , LaPatra S E , Snekvik K R , Cain K D , Call D R 
Published: August 2011

AbstractStrawberry disease (SD) is an inflammatory skin disorder in rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum). The aetiology of SD is unknown although the 16S rDNA sequence of a Rickettsia‐like organism (RLO) has been associated with SD lesions using a nested PCR assay. In this study, we developed a Taqman quantitative PCR assay (qPCR) that targeted the RLO 16S rDNA sequence to examine the distribution of RLO relative to lesion status. We compared 18 lesion samples from 13 fish representing high or low lesion severity as judged by gross examination. QPCR results showed that there was a higher number of RLO sequences in high severity lesions (mean of 12 068 copies) compared with fewer copies of RLO sequence in low severity lesions (mean of 3287 copies, P = 0.012). Grossly normal skin samples (n = 13) from SD‐affected fish were all negative by qPCR except two samples (121 and 139 copies). The qPCR assay described herein is a useful tool to investigate the role of RLO in SD in the absence of a culture system for RLO. Our results demonstrate a positive correlation between copy number and lesion severity consistent with the hypothesis that the RLO is the aetiologic agent of SD.
Critical action research applied in clinical placement development in aged care facilities
Authors: Xiao Lily D , Kelton Moira , Paterson Jan 
Published: August 2011

XIAO LD, KELTON M and PATERSON J. Nursing Inquiry 2012; 19: 322–333  Critical action research applied in clinical placement development in aged care facilitiesThe aim of this study was to develop quality clinical placements in residential aged care facilities for undergraduate nursing students undertaking their nursing practicum topics. The proportion of people aged over 65 years is expected to increase steadily from 13% in 2006 to 26% of the total population in Australia in 2051. However, when demand is increasing for a nursing workforce competent in the care of older people, studies have shown that nursing students generally lack interest in working with older people. The lack of exposure of nursing students to quality clinical placements is one of the key factors contributing to this situation. Critical action research built on a partnership between an Australian university and five aged care organisations was utilised. A theoretical framework informed by Habermas’ communicative action theory was utilised to guide the action research. Multiple research activities were used to support collaborative critical reflection and inform actions throughout the action research. Clinical placements in eight residential aged care facilities were developed to support 179 nursing students across three year‐levels to complete their practicum topics. Findings were presented in three categories described as structures developed to govern clinical placement, learning and teaching in residential aged care facilities.
Initiation of insulin glargine in patients with Type 2 diabetes in suboptimal glycaemic control positively impacts health‐related quality of life. A prospective cohort study in primary care
Authors: Hajos T. R. S. , Pouwer F. , de Grooth R. , Holleman F. , Twisk J. W. R. , Diamant M. , Snoek F. J. 
Published: August 2011

Diabet. Med. 28, 1096–1102 (2011)AbstractAims  To study prospectively the impact of initiating insulin glargine in suboptimally controlled insulin‐naïve patients with Type 2 diabetes on health‐related quality of life in relation to glycaemic control.Methods  Insulin‐naïve Dutch patients with Type 2 diabetes in suboptimal glycaemic control (HbA1c > 53 mmol/mol; 7%) on maximum dose of oral glucose‐lowering medications were included from 363 primary care practices (n = 911). Patients started insulin glargine and were followed up for 6 months. At baseline (start insulin therapy), 3 and 6 months, HbA1c was measured and patients completed self‐report health‐related quality of life measures, including emotional well‐being (World Health Organization‐5 well‐being index), fear of hypoglycaemia (Hypoglycaemia Fear Survey) and diabetes symptom distress (Diabetes Symptom Checklist—revised). Data were analysed using generalized estimating equations analysis.Results  HbA1c (mmol/mol; %) decreased from 69 ± 16; 8.5 ± 1.7 to 60 ± 11; 7.6±1.0 and 57 ± 11; 7.3 ± 1.0 at 3 and 6 months, respectively (P < 0.001). Pre‐insulin BMI (kg/m2) was 30 ± 5.7, which remained stable at 3 months (30 ± 5.8) and increased to 31 ± 5.9 at 6 months (P = 0.004); no significant changes in self‐reported symptomatic and severe hypoglycaemia were observed, while nocturnal hypoglycaemia slightly decreased. The Hypoglycaemia Fear Survey score decreased from 14.6 ± 16.2 to 12.1 ± 15.2 and 10.8 ± 14.4 at 3 and 6 months, respectively (P < 0.001). The Diabetes Symptom Checklist—revised score decreased from 15 ± 14 to 10 ± 12 and 10 ± 13 (P < 0.001), with most pronounced reductions in hyperglycaemic symptoms and fatigue. The World Health Organization‐5 score increased from 57 ± 25.3 to 65 ± 21.6 at 3‐month follow‐up and 67 ± 21.8 at 6‐month follow‐up (P < 0.001).Conclusions  Results of this observational study demonstrate combined glycaemic and health‐related quality of life benefits of initiating insulin glargine in patients with Type 2 diabetes in routine primary care.
Obstetric and perinatal outcomes in pregnancies complicated by Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes: influences of glycaemic control, obesity and social disadvantage
Authors: Murphy H. R. , Steel S. A. , Roland J. M. , Morris D. , Ball V. , Campbell P. J. , Temple R. C. ,   on behalf of East Anglia Study Group for Improving Pregnancy Outcomes in Women with Diabetes (EASIPOD)
Published: August 2011

Diabet. Med. 28, 1060–1067 (2011)AbstractAims  To compare obstetric and perinatal outcomes in women with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes and relate these to maternal risk factors.Methods  Prospective cohort study of 682 consecutive diabetic pregnancies in East Anglia during 2006–2009. Relationships between congenital malformation, perinatal mortality and perinatal morbidity (large for gestational age, preterm delivery, neonatal care) with maternal age, parity, ethnicity, glycaemic control, obesity and social disadvantage were examined using bivariable and multivariate models.Results  There were 408 (59.8%) Type 1 and 274 (40.2%) Type 2 diabetes pregnancies. Women with Type 2 diabetes were older (P < 0.001), heavier (P < 0.0001), more frequently multiparous (P < 0.001), more ethnically diverse (p < 0.0001) and more socially disadvantaged (P = 0.0004). Although women with Type 2 diabetes had shorter duration of diabetes (P < 0.0001) and better pre‐conception glycaemic control [HbA1c 52 mmol/mol (6.9%) Type 2 diabetes vs. 63 mmol/l (7.9%) Type 1 diabetes; p < 0.0001), rates of congenital malformation and perinatal mortality were comparable. Women with Type 2 diabetes had fewer large‐for‐gestational‐age infants (37.6 vs. 52.9%, P < 0.0008), fewer preterm deliveries (17.5 vs. 37.1%, P < 0.0001) and their offspring had fewer neonatal care admissions (29.8 vs. 43.2%, P = 0.001). Third trimester HbA1c (OR 1.35, 95% CI 1.09–1.67, P = 0.006) and social disadvantage (OR 0.80, 95% CI 0.67–0.98; P = 0.03) were risk factors for large for gestational age.Conclusions  Despite increased age, parity, obesity and social disadvantage, women with Type 2 diabetes had better glycaemic control, fewer large‐for‐gestational‐age infants, fewer preterm deliveries and fewer neonatal care admissions. Better tools are needed to improve glycaemic control and reduce the rates of large for gestational age, particularly in Type 1 diabetes.
The determinants of short selling: evidence from the Hong Kong equity market
Authors: McKenzie Michael , Henry Ólan T. 
Published: August 2011

AbstractWhile most financial regulators agree that short sellers have an important role to play in ensuring an efficiently functioning market, it is interesting to note that many did not hesitate to ban short selling during the recent financial crisis. This apparent contradiction most likely stems from a lack of understanding about what motivates short trading. In this paper, we focus on the determinants of short selling during ‘normal’ trading in the Hong Kong stock market. We find that dividend payments, company fundamentals, risk, option trading, the interest rate spread and past returns and short selling are all significant determinants of short selling.
AGGLOMERATION ECONOMIES IN EUROPEAN REGIONS: PERSPECTIVES FOR OBJECTIVE 1 REGIONS
Authors: DOGARU TEODORA , VAN OORT FRANK , THISSEN MARK 
Published: August 2011

ABSTRACTEconomic growth is one of the main European policy objectives of structural funds targeted at objective 1 regions. In an empirical analysis on growth differentials over 219 European regions between 2000 and 2010, we find that – controlled for other determinants – objective 1 regions grow in productivity due to higher degrees of specialisation, while other regions grow faster in employment, being embedded in a diverse economic environment. We argue that the type of agglomeration economies in combination with the structure of the economy is crucial for future long‐term development prospects of regions – and that especially the larger objective 1 regions should diversify their economy more to reap long‐term convergence prospects. This outcome favours a focus on place‐based development, as advocated recently by the European Union.
On Educational Performance Measures*
Authors: Muriel Alastair , Smith Jeffrey 
Published: August 2011

AbstractQuantitative performance measures (QPMs) of schools are playing an ever‐larger role in education systems on both sides of the Atlantic. In this paper, we outline the rationale for the use of such measures in education, review the literature relating to several important problems associated with their use and argue that they nonetheless have a positive role to play in improving the quality of education. We delineate several institutional reforms that would help schools to respond ‘positively’ to QPMs, emphasising the importance of agents' flexibility to change the way they work and the importance of a sound knowledge base regarding ‘what works’ in raising attainment. We suggest that the present institutional set‐ups in both England and the US too often hold schools accountable for outcomes over which they have little control – but that such problems are far from insurmountable.
Understanding Uncertainty in School League Tables*
Authors: Leckie George , Goldstein Harvey 
Published: August 2011

AbstractIn England, contextual value added (CVA) school performance tables are published annually by the government. These tables present statistical‐model‐based estimates of the educational effectiveness of schools, together with 95 per cent confidence intervals to communicate their statistical uncertainty. However, this information, particularly the notion of statistical uncertainty, is hard for users to understand. There is a real need to make school performance tables clearer. The media attempt to do this for the public by ranking schools in so‐called ‘school league tables’; however, they invariably discard the 95 per cent confidence intervals and, in doing so, encourage the public to over‐interpret differences in schools' ranks. In this paper, we explore a simulation method to produce simple graphical summaries of schools' ranks that clearly communicate their associated uncertainty.
In Vitro Evaluation of a Compliant Inflow Cannula Reservoir to Reduce Suction Events With Extracorporeal Rotary Ventricular Assist Device Support
Authors: Gregory Shaun David , Timms Daniel , Gaddum Nicholas Richard , McDonald Charles , Pearcy Mark John , Fraser John F. 
Published: August 2011

AbstractLimited preload sensitivity of rotary left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) renders patients susceptible to harmful atrial or ventricular suction events. Active control systems may be used to rectify this problem; however, they usually depend on unreliable sensors or potentially inaccurate inferred data from, for example, motor current. This study aimed to characterize the performance of a collapsible inflow cannula reservoir as a passive control system to eliminate suction events in extracorporeal, rotary LVAD support. The reservoir was evaluated in a mock circulation loop against a rigid cannula under conditions of reduced preload and increased LVAD speed in both atrial and ventricular cannulation scenarios. Both cases demonstrated the ease with which chamber suction events can occur with a rigid cannula and confirm that the addition of the reservoir maintained positive chamber volumes with reduced preload and high LVAD speeds. Reservoir performance was dependent on height with respect to the cannulated chamber, with lower placement required in atrial cannulation due to reduced filling pressures. This study concluded that a collapsible inflow cannula is capable of minimizing suction events in extracorporeal, rotary LVAD support.