bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A rapid path‐length searching procedure for multi‐axial fatigue cycle counting
Authors: WEI Z. , DONG P. 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACTIn this paper, a series of advanced searching algorithms have been examined and implemented for accelerating multi‐axial fatigue cycle counting efforts when dealing with large time histories. In a computerized calculation of the path‐length dependent cycle counting method, most of the central processor unit's (CPU) time is spent on searching for the maximum range or distance in a stress or strain space. A brute‐force search is the simplest to implement, and will always find a solution if it exists. However, its cost, in many practical problems, tends to grow exponentially as the size of the loading spectrum increases with a search time measured in the order of O(n2), where n is the number of spectrum data points. In contrast, a form of Andrew's monotone chain algorithm, as demonstrated in this paper, can remarkably reduce the solution time to the order of O(n log n). The effectiveness of the new path‐length searching procedure is demonstrated by a series of worked examples with a varying degree of non‐proportionality in multi‐axial loading history.
Cross‐talk between the general stress response and sporulation initiation in Bacillus subtilis – the σB promoter of spo0E represents an AND‐gate
Authors: Reder Alexander , Albrecht Dirk , Gerth Ulf , Hecker Michael 
Published: April 2012

SummaryThe general stress response and the decision‐making processes of sporulation initiation are interconnected pathways in the regulatory network of Bacillus subtilis. In a previous study we provided evidence for a mechanism capable of impairing sporulation by σB‐dependent induction of spo0E, encoding a phosphatase specifically inactivating the sporulation master regulator Spo0A∼P. Here we show that the σB promoter (PσB) of spo0E is responsive to sub‐inhibitory levels of ethanol stress, producing a σB‐dependent sporulation deficient phenotype. In addition to positive regulation by σB, we identified Rok, the repressor of comK, to be a direct repressor of spo0E expression from PσB. This constellation provides the possibility to integrate signals negatively acting on sporulation initiation through the σB branch as well as a positive feedback loop acting on PσB by Rok that is most likely a direct consequence of Spo0A∼P activity. Thus, the molecular mechanism described here offers the opportunity for cross‐talk between the general stress response and sporulation initiation in the adaptational gene expression network of B. subtilis.
Evaluation of a smoke‐free forensic hospital: Patients' perspectives on issues and benefits
Authors: HEHIR ANGELA M. , INDIG DEVON , PROSSER SHANI , ARCHER VICKI A. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractIntroduction and Aims. In 2008, a new high secure forensic mental health inpatient hospital was opened in New South Wales as a smoke‐free facility. This study describes the experience of patients and the impact of the smoke‐free policy on smoking intentions and practice.Design and Methods. The study methods included: (1) four semi‐structured focus groups with 21 current patients; (2) patient surveys collected from 45 current patients; and (3) follow‐up survey from 15 discharged patients. All methods included questions related to smoking history, experience of moving to and living in the smoke‐free environment and smoking intentions or status post discharge.Results. Many focus group participants indicated that they were now off cigarettes for life while some were angry about the policy. Nearly all (80%) patients surveyed smoked prior to admission. Over one‐third (39%) of patients were angry at being forced to stop smoking, while 42% wanted to give up when they were admitted. Most (62%) felt they had gained weight since they stopped smoking; however, 75% indicated that living in a smoke‐free environment had a positive effect on their health. Over a third (36%) of patients indicated that they intended to smoke when discharged. Post discharge, of the 12 who smoked prior to admission, seven (58%) remained non‐smokers at follow up.Discussion and Conclusions. This study describes promising findings about the experience of patients moving to a smoke‐free mental health inpatient facility, including improved health and potential for sustained smoking cessation post discharge.[Hehir AM, Indig D, Prosser S, Archer VA. Evaluation of a smoke‐free forensic hospital: Patients' perspectives on issues and benefits. Drug Alcohol Rev 2012;31:672–677]
Characteristics of stroke mechanisms in patients with medullary infarction
Authors: Lee M. J. , Park Y. G. , Kim S. J. , Lee J. J. , Bang O. Y. , Kim J. S. 
Published: April 2012

BackgroundFew studies have focused on the mechanisms underlying medullary infarctions. Our aim in this study was to investigate stroke mechanisms in patients with medullary infarctions and to determine the clinical, radiological and laboratory characteristics of these patients with different underlying stroke etiologies.MethodsConsecutive patients with medullary infarction were analysed. Stroke mechanisms were classified as large artery disease (LAD), cardiogenic embolism (CE), small vessel disease (SVD), arterial dissection or undetermined etiology. Clinical, radiological and laboratory factors were analysed according to the location of the lesion and stroke mechanisms.ResultsA total of 77 patients were enrolled in this study. Amongst them, 53 (68.8%) patients had lateral medullary infarction (LMI), 22 (28.6%) had medial medullary infarction (MMI), and the remaining 2 (2.6%) had hemimedullary infarction. In both LMI and MMI patients, LAD was the most frequently encountered stroke mechanism. Arterial dissection was the second most common cause followed by SVD and CE in patients with LMI, whereas SVD was more frequently observed (P < 0.001) and dissection and CE were less prevalent (P < 0.001 and P = 0.024, respectively) in MMI than in LMI. Regarding differences amongst stroke etiologies, patients with dissection were younger and had a significantly lower incidence of metabolic syndrome (P = 0.002 and P = 0.009, respectively) than patients with LAD and SVD. Patients in the LAD (19/34, 60%) and dissection groups (12/14, 75%) had abnormal perfusion‐weighted MRI (PWI) findings, whereas all patients with SVD (9/9) had normal PWI findings (P < 0.001).ConclusionsStroke mechanisms in medullary infarction differ between LMI and MMI. Clinical and radiological characteristics, especially PWI features, are helpful in discriminating the etiologies of stroke in these patients.
The usefulness of HbA1c in postpartum reclassification of gestational diabetes
Authors: Megia A , Näf S , Herranz L , Serrat N , Yañez RE , Simón I , Vendrell J 
Published: April 2012

Please cite this paper as: Megia A, Näf S, Herranz L, Serrat N, Yañez R, Simón I, Vendrell J. The usefulness of HbA1c in postpartum reclassification of gestational diabetes. BJOG 2012;119:891–894.To investigate the role of HbA1c in postpartum reclassification of gestational diabetes (GDM) we studied 364 women with GDM attending the postpartum reclassification assessment of their glucose tolerance status. A 75‐g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed and HbA1c was determined. Diabetes was diagnosed in 12 (3.3%), 7 (1.9%) and 2 (0.6%) women according to the fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and/or the 2‐hour OGTT, the FPG alone and HbA1c levels, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity for HbA1c to diagnose diabetes was 16.7% and 100%, respectively, for FPG and OGTT criteria. The combination of a cutoff value of 5.5% for HbA1c and FPG allowed us to identify 95.1% of women with any kind of glucose intolerance. We conclude that in the early postpartum period, the cutoff of 6.5% for HbA1c alone has low sensitivity for the diagnosis of diabetes compared with OGTT, but the combination of FPG and HbA1c at a lower cutoff value is very useful to identify women with any kind of glucose intolerance.
Prediction of spontaneous preterm delivery in women with threatened preterm labour: a prospective cohort study of multiple proteins in maternal serum
Authors: Tsiartas P , Holst RM , Wennerholm UB , Hagberg H , Hougaard DM , Skogstrand K , Pearce BD , Thorsen P , Kacerovsky M , Jacobsson B 
Published: April 2012

Please cite this paper as: Tsiartas P, Holst R, Wennerholm U, Hagberg H, Hougaard D, Skogstrand K, Pearce B, Thorsen P, Kacerovsky M, Jacobsson B. Prediction of spontaneous preterm delivery in women with threatened preterm labour: a prospective cohort study of multiple proteins in maternal serum. BJOG 2012;119:866–873.Objective  To analyse whether specific proteins in maternal serum and cervical length, alone or in combination, can predict the likelihood that women with intact membranes with threatened preterm labour will deliver spontaneously within 7 days of sampling.Design  Cohort study.Setting  Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden.Population  Women at between 22 and 33 weeks of gestation with threatened preterm labour (n = 142) admitted to the Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden, in 1995–2005.Methods  Maternal serum was tested for 27 proteins using multiplex xMAP technology. Individual levels of each protein were compared, and calculations were performed to investigate potential associations between different proteins, cervical length and spontaneous preterm delivery. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to find the best cut‐off values for continuous variables in relation to spontaneous preterm delivery within 7 days of sampling. Prediction models were created based on a stepwise logistic regression using binary variables.Main outcome measure  Spontaneous preterm delivery within 7 days.Results  In order to determine the best prediction model, we analysed models of serum proteins alone, cervical length alone, and the combination of serum proteins and cervical length. We found one multivariable combined model through the data analysis that more accurately predicted spontaneous preterm delivery within 7 days. This model was based on serum interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) levels, serum RANTES levels and cervical length (sensitivity 74%, specificity 87%, positive predictive value 76%, negative predictive value 86%, likelihood ratio 5.8 and area under the curve 0.88).Conclusions  A combination of maternal serum proteins and cervical length constituted the best prediction model, and would help determine whether women with threatened preterm labour are likely to deliver within 7 days of measurement.
Risk factors for hypertrophic surgical scar development after thyroidectomy
Authors: Kim Jong Hoon , Sung Jae Yong , Kim Yeon Hee , Lee Yong Sang , Chang Hang‐Seok , Park Cheong Soo , Roh Mi Ryung 
Published: April 2012

AbstractPostoperative neck scarring is a major concern for patients who undergo thyroid surgery; however, the treatments for hypertrophic scars are generally considered by patients to provide unsatisfactory outcomes. Therefore, risk factors should be identified and prevention of these factors is considered to be critical in management. We reviewed the medical records of 96 thyroidectomy patients who were divided into two groups based on scar type: patients with hypertrophic (n = 61) and linear flat scars (n = 35). Multivariable logistic regression model was developed to identify risk factors for developing hypertrophic scar. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of age, gender ratio, tumor type, and type of operation. Multivariable analysis showed that hypertrophic scar development was associated with scars located within 1 cm above the sternal notch (odds ratio [OR] = 5.94, p = 0.01), prominent sternocleidomastoid muscles (OR = 12.03, p < 0.01), and a high body mass index (OR = 1.33, p = 0.01). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for risk factors was 0.85. Development of hypertrophic scar after thyroidectomy was found to be associated with specific preoperative factors such as incision site near the sternal notch, prominent sternocleidomastoid muscles, and high body mass index.
Partisan Pocketbooks: The Politics of Personal Financial Evaluations
Authors: Weinschenk Aaron C. 
Published: April 2012

ObjectiveIn this article, I apply the concept of partisan biases to personal financial evaluations. I ask whether there are systematic differences in partisans’ evaluations of their personal finances that depend on whether their preferred party occupies the White House. I argue that when there is a Democratic president in office, Democrats will view their personal financial situations more favorably than Republicans. Conversely, when there is a Republican president in office, Republicans will view their personal finances more favorably than Democrats.MethodsI use ordered probit and ordinary least squares (OLS) regression models.ResultsI find that partisan biases do exist when it comes to personal financial evaluations. However, the weight assigned to partisanship when it comes to personal evaluations is contingent on the level of party polarization at the time of the survey.ConclusionPartisan biases are more pervasive than previously thought, even trickling down to evaluations that are personal in nature.
Business Churn and the Retail Giant: Establishment Birth and Death from Wal‐Mart's Entry*
Authors: Ficano Carlena Cochi 
Published: April 2012

ObjectivesThe size and scope of Wal‐Mart's operation gives it the potential to noticeably impact the local economies in which it locates. This analysis examines separately the establishment birth and death rate implications of Wal‐Mart's entry into a community as a means of reconciling the inconsistency between sizable documented poverty effects and more limited employment and payroll changes from Wal‐Mart.MethodsI estimate instrumented county and year fixed effects regressions of county establishment birth rate and establishment death rate on the predicted number of Wal‐Mart stores and years of operation in a county for the retail sector, the aggregate local economy, and the manufacturing sector, where the latter serves as a falsification test.ResultsI find that within 15 months of a new Wal‐Mart store entry, between 4.4 and 14.2 existing retail establishments and close while at most 3.5 new retail establishments open.ConclusionsThe article provides new and strong evidence that, through its effect on establishment births and deaths, Wal‐Mart's expansion has had a larger impact on the employment situations of those working in retail than net employment and payroll numbers would indicate.
BMP‐2 and bFGF release and in vitro effect on human osteoblasts after adsorption to bone grafts and biomaterials
Authors: Draenert Florian G. , Nonnenmacher Anna‐Lena , Kämmerer Peer W. , Goldschmitt Jutta , Wagner Wilfried 
Published: April 2012

AbstractObjectivesCombination of scaffolds and growth factors is a promising option for several clinical problems in bone biomaterials. Simplified growth factor loading by adsorption from aqueous solution is one important option for this technology. We evaluated the adsorption followed by PBS rinsing, release and biological effect of transient loading with basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and bone morphogenic protein 2 (BMP‐2) on fresh frozen bone, processed bone matrix, collagen, and a ceramic material with immunofluorescence, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and qRT‐PCR.Materials and methodsThe study consisted of three in vitro experiments (immunofluorescence, ELISA, and qRT‐PCR) in human osteoblasts (HOB). The first evaluated the adsorption of the growth factors bFGF and BMP‐2 to the biomaterials, analyzed by immunofluorescence assays. The second experiment used ELISA to analyze the release of the growth factors from the matrix. The biological effect of the growth factors on HOB was then studied with qRT‐PCR experiments as the third step.ResultsStrongest sustained release peaks in ELISA were observed in bFGF loading on processed bone matrix (steam‐resistant mineralized bone matrix, SMBM) with up to 553 pg/ml medium. BMP‐2 loading was less effective in ELISA peak release experiments with up to 257 pg/ml medium in processed bone matrix (SMBM). bFGF showed also higher release peaks in collagen material (192 pg/ml) compared with BMP‐2 (101 pg/ml). Cumulative release values 0–72 h were estimated. The expression of runX2, osteocalcin, and alkaline phosphatase as markers for osteoblast activity was correlating.ConclusionThe results showed sustained release of BMP‐2 and bFGF after transient loading on bone biomaterials with a stronger effect in biological scaffolds. This is interesting for therapeutic growth factor loading as well as insights in natural growth factor matrix deposition during bone healing.
Resource availability mediates the importance of priority effects in plant community assembly and ecosystem function
Authors: Kardol Paul , Souza Lara , Classen Aimée T. 
Published: April 2012

Assembly history, including the order in which species arrive into a community, can influence long‐term community structure; however we know less about how timing of species arrival may alter assembly especially under varying resource conditions. To explore how the timing of species arrival interacts with resource availability to alter community assembly, we constructed experimental plant communities and manipulated the interval between plantings of groups of seedlings (0, 5, 10, 15 or 20 days) at low and high levels of soil nutrient supply. To see if community changes influenced ecosystem‐scale processes, we measured parameters across the plant–soil continuum (e.g. plant biomass and net ecosystem carbon dioxide exchange).We found that the timing of species arrival had a large impact on community assembly, but the size of the effect depended on soil fertility. As planting interval increased, plant communities diverged further from the control, but the divergence was stronger at high than at low nutrient supply. Our data suggest that at high nutrient supply, early‐planted species preempted light resources more quickly, thus preventing the successful establishment of later arriving species even at short planting intervals. Finally, we found that assembly related divergence in plant communities scaled to impact ecosystem‐level characteristics such as green leaf chemistry, but had little effect on total community biomass and net ecosystem exchange of CO2 and water vapor. Our data indicate that the effect of a stochastic factor, here the timing of species arrival on community composition, depends on the resource level under which the community assembles.
Prognostic significance of Ki‐67 in salivary gland carcinomas
Authors: Larsen Stine Rosenkilde , Bjørndal Kristine , Godballe Christian , Krogdahl Annelise 
Published: April 2012

J Oral Pathol Med (2012) 41: 598–602Background:  Salivary gland carcinomas are a heterogeneous group of tumors with varying malignant potential. In this study, we evaluated the proliferative marker Ki‐67 in salivary gland carcinomas and related the Ki‐67 index to clinical data.Methods:  A total of 176 salivary gland carcinomas of 13 different subtypes were stained immunohistochemically for Ki‐67. The number of Ki‐67 positive cells was counted and the Ki‐67 index was calculated as the percentage of positive tumor cells.Results:  The Ki‐67 median value was 26 (range 1–99). The median follow‐up time was 6.9 years (range 0–19 years). The 5‐ and 10‐year crude survival was 70% and 59%, respectively. In univariate analysis, Ki‐67 index, stage, vascular invasion and tumor grade were significantly related to crude survival, but in multivariate analysis only Ki‐67 index, age, and stage were independent prognostic factors.Conclusion:  We showed that irrespective of subtyping, grading or morphological appearance of tumor, the Ki‐67 index is an important and independent prognosticator. Clinical and histo‐pathological data must be considered, when planning the treatment of the individual patient. We have shown that besides stage and age of the patient, Ki‐67 is a strong, independent prognostic factor.
Establishment of mesenchymal cell line derived from human developing odontoma
Authors: Hatano H , Kudo Y , Ogawa I , Shimasue H , Shigeishi H , Ohta K , Higashikawa K , Takechi M , Takata T , Kamata N 
Published: April 2012

Oral Diseases (2012) 18, 756–762Objectives:  An odontoma, which shows proliferating odontogenic epithelium and mesenchymal tissue, is one of the most common odontogenic tumors encountered. These are commonly found in tooth‐bearing regions, although the etiology remains unknown. There are no previous reports of an established line of immortalized human odontoma cells.Methods:  Using odontoma fragments obtained from a girl treated at our department, we established an immortalized human odontoma cell line and investigated cell morphology, dynamic proliferation, the presence of contamination, and karyotype. Moreover, cell characterization was examined using osteogenic and odontogenic markers.Results:  We successfully established a mesenchymal odontoma cell (mOd cells). The cells were found to be fibroblastic and had a high level of telomerase activity. Cell growth was confirmed after more than 200 population doublings without significant growth retardation. mOd cells expressed mRNA for differentiation markers, including collagen type I (COLI), alkaline phosphatase, bone sialoprotein, osteopontin, osteocalcin, cementum‐derived protein (CP‐23), dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP), and distal‐less homeobox 3 (DLX3), as well as bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs). In addition, they showed a high level of calcified nodule formation activity in vitro.Conclusions:  We successfully established a cell line that may be useful for investigating the mechanisms of normal odontogenesis as well as characteristics of odontoma tumors.
Clinical spectrum of primary cutaneous CD30‐positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma: an analysis of the Mannheim Cutaneous Lymphoma Registry
Authors: Booken Nina , Goerdt Sergij , Klemke Claus‐Detlev 
Published: April 2012

SummaryBackground: Primary cutaneous CD30+ anaplastic large cell lymphomas (C‐ALCL) have indolent clinical behavior with an estimated 5‐year survival rate of 95%. The clinical features and disease courses of C‐ALCL identified in the lymphoma registry of Mannheim University hospital are described in the following. Patients and methods: All C‐ALCL patients identified in the database were analyzed in regard to clinical picture, histology, immunohistochemistry, molecular biology, staging, therapy, follow‐up, and outcome.Results: 14 C‐ALCL patients were identified. The mean age was 69 years and 57% were men. Solitary skin lesions in one anatomical region were seen in 12 patients upon initial diagnosis. Two patients presented with multiple lesions at different anatomical sites. In 2 patients there was specific lymph node involvement. In one C‐ALCL patient, follow‐up over 17 months revealed extracutaneous infiltration. Half of the patients relapsed and 36% had multiple episodes. The majority of our patients were treated with surgical excision followed by electron beam radiotherapy. The 5‐year survival rate was 93% in C‐ALCL. Conclusions: The clinical presentation of C‐ALCL varies. Staging procedures and a close clinical pathological correlation at initial diagnosis are essential. Due to a high rate of relapses and the possibility of developing extranodal manifestations over the course of the disease, close follow‐up is recommended.