bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of Jugular Bulb Abnormalities and Resultant Inner Ear Dehiscence
Authors: Friedmann David R. , Eubig Jan , Winata Leon S. , Pramanik Bidyut K. , Merchant Saumil N. , Lalwani Anil K. 
Published: May 2012

ObjectiveJugular bulb abnormalities (JBA), including high‐riding jugular bulb (HRJB) and jugular bulb diverticulum (JBD), can erode into the inner ear. In this study, the authors investigate the prevalence and consequences of JBA and their erosion into inner ear structures using temporal bone histopathology and computed tomography (CT).Study DesignCross‐sectional study of temporal bone histopathology and radiology.SettingAcademic medical center.Subjects and MethodsIn total, 1579 temporal bone specimens and 100 CT of the temporal bones (200 ears) were examined for JBA and any associated dehiscence of inner ear structures. Temporal bone specimens were examined for histological consequences of inner ear erosion. Jugular bulb dimensions were measured on axial CT scans and compared across groups. Accompanying demographic and clinical information were reviewed.ResultsHigh jugular bulbs were noted in 8.2% (130/1579) of temporal bone specimens and in 8.5% (17/200) of temporal bone CT. The prevalence of JBA increases during the first 4 decades of life and stabilizes thereafter. High‐riding jugular bulbs eroded inner ear structures such as the vestibular aqueduct, vertical facial nerve, or posterior semicircular canal in 2.8% (44/1579) of cases histologically and 1.5% (3/200) radiologically. In most, jugular bulb–mediated inner ear dehiscence was clinically and radiologically silent.ConclusionJugular bulb abnormalities are common. They are present in 10% to 15% individuals and are primarily acquired by the fourth decade of life. In 1% to 3% of cases, the HRJB erodes into the inner ear and most frequently involves the vestibular aqueduct.
Vitamin D3 Deficiency Increases Sinus Mucosa Dendritic Cells in Pediatric Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps
Authors: Mulligan Jennifer K. , White David R. , Wang Eric W. , Sansoni S. Ritter , Moses Helen , Yawn Robert J. , Wagner Carol , Casey Sarah E. , Mulligan Ryan M. , Schlosser Rodney J. 
Published: May 2012

ObjectiveDendritic cells are professional antigen presenting cells, capable of initiating Th1 or Th2 responses, and have been implicated in the pathogenesis of a number of diseases, including sinusitis. Vitamin D3 is a steroid hormone that acts on dendritic cells in a manner similar to corticosteroids. Investigators examined whether children with allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFRS) or chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP) were vitamin D3 deficient and the relationship of vitamin D3 deficiency to dendritic cell infiltrate in the sinus mucosa.SettingTertiary care university hospital.Study DesignRetrospective, controlled study using samples collected from pediatric patients seen from August 2009 to July 2011.Subjects and MethodsPlasma levels of 25‐hydroxy vitamin D3 were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay in children (≤18 years old) with AFRS, CRSwNP, or CRS without nasal polyposis (CRSsNP) and in controls undergoing surgery for adenotonsillar hypertrophy. Vitamin D3 levels were confirmed using clinical diagnostic methods for those with CRSwNP or AFRS. Tissue samples were immunohistochemically stained for the dendritic cell marker CD209 and the costimulatory molecules CD80 and CD86.ResultsThere was no difference in mean vitamin D3 levels between control and CRSsNP, whereas mean CRSwNP and AFRS levels were both well below the minimum recommended level of 30 ng/mL and significantly lower than control and CRSsNP levels. CD209+ dendritic cells inversely correlated with vitamin D3 but not costimulatory molecule expression.ConclusionsThese studies identify that children with CRSwNP or AFRS are vitamin D3 deficient, which may be linked to increased dendritic cell infiltrate. These results suggest a role for vitamin D3 as a key player in the immunopathology of pediatric CRSwNP.
From Neoliberalism to Social Justice
Authors: Kaboub Fadhel 
Published: May 2012

The educated unemployed youth of Tunisia have played a crucial role in the 2010 uprisings that have sparked revolutions across the entire Arab world (and beyond). It has been argued that the recent economic situation in Tunisia is the culmination of three decades of neoliberal economic policies that have contributed to the rise in income inequality, the lack of upward mobility for educated youth, and the removal of social safety nets for the working class. This paper argues that the economic success of post-Ben Ali Tunisia must do away with neoliberal economic policies and focus instead on direct job creation through public sector spending. A six-year full employment program is proposed for Tunisia in the Post Keynesian Institutionalist tradition of Hyman Minsky. The main purpose of this paper is to address the technical question of financial affordability of direct job creation, rather than focusing on the logistical aspects of the program. The paper demonstates that this program can create full employment, contribute an additional 4.8 percentage points to GDP growth, and cost 3.36 percent of GDP. JEL Codes: B5, E12, E24, F41, 023, O38, O47, O53
Evaluation of smoking habits among Turkish family physicians
Authors: Baltaci Davut , Bahcebasi Talat , Aydin Leyla Yilmaz , Ozturk Serkan , Set Turan , Eroz Recep , Celer Ahmet , Kara Ismail Hamdi 
Published: May 2012

Smoking is still a major public health problem in Turkey. It was aimed to investigate smoking prevalence and habits among Turkish family physicians. Cross-sectional study among physicians working in primary care settings was established. A self-administered study survey was applied. The surveys of 1233 family physicians were analyzed. The study included 704 (57.1%) male and 529 (42.9%) female physicians. Mean age (SD) was 38.94 (7.01) years. The proportions of the current, the former and never smokers among family physicians were 34.1%, 14.7% and 51.3%, respectively. Mean age (SD) of smoking initiation was 21.73 (5.04) years. Mean duration (SD) of smoking use was 14.61 (7.29) years. Proportion of current smoker in male physicians was quite higher than in female counterparts (36.9% vs. 30.4%; p < 0.001). Mean age (SD) of smoking initiation in female was 21.42 (4.59) years, but in male was 22.33 (4.98) years ( p = 0.36). In female physicians, mean age (SD) for quitting cigarette smoking was found higher than in male (35.85 (6.35) years vs. 33.09 (6.45) years; p = 0.004). No significant difference between nicotine dependence (mean score (SD) of 3.76 (2.48) vs. 3.65 (2.82); p > 0.05) and mean (SD) unit of cigarette a day (18.34(6.03) vs. 17.17 ± 6.79; p > 0.05) between genders was observed. The number of male physicians who started smoking before faculty was higher than female counterparts (15.5% vs. 8.6%; p = 0.023). In conclusion, the smoking prevalence among Turkish family physicians is considerably high.
Non-invasive assessment of microcirculation by sidestream dark field imaging as a marker of coronary artery disease in diabetes
Authors: Djaberi Roxana , Schuijf Joanne D , de Koning Eelco J , Wijewickrama D Champa , Pereira Alberto M , Smit Johannes W , Kroft Lucia J , Roos Albert de , Bax Jeroen J , Rabelink Ton J , Jukema J Wouter 
Published: May 2012

Purpose: In diabetes, generalised microvascular disease and coronary artery disease (CAD) are likely to occur in parallel. We used a sidestream dark field (SDF) handheld imaging device to determine the relation between the labial microcirculation parameters and CAD in asymptomatic patients with diabetes. Methods: SDF imaging was validated for assessment of labial capillary density and tortuosity. Thereafter, mean labial capillary density and tortuosity were evaluated and compared in non-diabetic controls, and in asymptomatic patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. In diabetic patients, mean capillary density and tortuosity were compared according to the presence of CAD. Results: Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes were associated with increased capillary density and tortuosity. In diabetes, mean capillary density was an independent predictor of elevated coronary artery calcium (CAC) ( p = 0.03) and obstructive CAD on computed tomography angiography ( p = 0.01). Using a cut-off mean capillary density of 24.9 (per 0.63 mm2) the negative predictive value was 84% and 89% for elevated CAC and obstructive CAD. Likewise, capillary tortuosity was an independent predictor of increased CAC ( p = 0.01) and obstructive CAD ( p = 0.04). Conclusion: Assessment of labial microcirculation parameters using SDF imaging is feasible and conveys the potential to estimate vascular morbidity in patients with diabetes, at bedside.
The Price of Integration: Measuring the Quality of Money in Postreform Vietnam
Authors: Truitt Allison 
Published: May 2012

The fight against inflation is a defining feature of neoliberalism and structural adjustment policies. Since the 1970s, inflation has been cast as a threat greater than unemployment because it destroys the pricing mechanism on which the flow of information in markets depends. In Vietnam, high rates of inflation in the 1980s led the government to implement reforms of the economy under the slogan Ðổi mới (Renovation). These reforms included anti-inflationary measures characteristic of neoliberal policies. By the early 1990s, inflation was reduced to the single digits. After a decade of rapid economic growth, inflation in Vietnam returned. In 2007 and 2008, the consumer price index recorded double-digit increases, raising concerns about the government's commitment to proper monetary and fiscal policies.
This essay considers the paradoxical return of inflation to Vietnam. By 2007, Vietnam was heralded as an “emerging market,” propelled by foreign investment and export-led growth. Yet inflation was widely attributed to “fiscal indiscipline” by officials with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and other multilateral financial institutions. Vietnamese public intellectuals, on the other hand, attributed inflation to a consequence of economic integration with global markets. In contrast to the IMF, they pointed to social inequalities generated by the country's decade-long economic growth and raised concerns over the redistributing wealth in Vietnamese society. These two narratives reenact the divide between Keynesian economics and monetarism that has structured twentieth-century approaches to economics. What both narratives leave unaddressed, however, is how price instability and monetary restructuring are understood within specific economic cultures. In Vietnam, many people rely on cash transactions, thus the quality of money encompasses more than its relationship to price. While the demand among Vietnamese citizens for a reliable currency resonates with contemporary neoliberalism, it cannot be reduced to it.
By way of addressing the divergent concerns with the quality of money, I examine the history of money's disunification in Vietnam. The problem of inflation is not just a matter of price; it is also related to complex political-cultural formations that relate to partial sovereignty over the marketplace. I show how inflation is not simply a problem of matter of price; it is also an event that calls into question the limits to how Vietnam has been neoliberalized.
Localized fluidization burrowing mechanics ofEnsis directus
Authors: Winter Amos G. , Deits Robin L. H. , Hosoi A. E. 
Published: May 2012

SUMMARYMuscle measurements of Ensis directus, the Atlantic razor clam, indicate that the organism only has sufficient strength to burrow a few centimeters into the soil, yet razor clams burrow to over 70 cm. In this paper, we show that the animal uses the motions of its valves to locally fluidize the surrounding soil and reduce burrowing drag. Substrate deformations were measured using particle image velocimetry (PIV) in a novel visualization system that enabled us to see through the soil and watch E. directus burrow in situ. PIV data, supported by soil and fluid mechanics theory, show that contraction of the valves of E. directus locally fluidizes the surrounding soil. Particle and fluid mixtures can be modeled as a Newtonian fluid with an effective viscosity based on the local void fraction. Using these models, we demonstrate that E. directus is strong enough to reach full burrow depth in fluidized soil, but not in static soil. Furthermore, we show that the method of localized fluidization reduces the amount of energy required to reach burrow depth by an order of magnitude compared with penetrating static soil, and leads to a burrowing energy that scales linearly with depth rather than with depth squared.
Spatial Deixis in Akkadian: Demonstrative Pronouns, Presentative Particles and Locational Adverbs
Authors: Kouwenberg N. J. C. 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
The older dialects of Akkadian, Old Babylonian and Old Assyrian, have a three-term deictic system for the expression of spatial deixis, which is person-oriented, i.e., it has separate forms for first person, second person and third person deixis to refer to an entity near the speaker, near the addressee, and away from both the speaker and the addressee, respectively. It consists of three deictic bases, from which three kinds of elements are derived: demonstrative pronouns, presentative particles and locational adverbs. This paper investigates the meaning and use of these words in Old Babylonian and Old Assyrian, and briefly summarizes what remains of them in the later periods of Akkadian.
Fabrication and analytical modeling of transverse mode piezoelectric energy harvesters
Authors: Kim Seon-Bae , Park Jung-Hyun , Kim Seung-Hyun , Ahn Hosang , Wikle H. Clyde , Kim Dong-Joo 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACTA transverse (d33) mode piezoelectric cantilever was fabricated for energy harvesting. Various dimensions of interdigital electrodes (IDE) were deposited on a piezoelectric layer to examine the effects of electrode design on the performance of energy harvesters. Modeling was performed to calculate the output power of the devices. The estimation was based on Roundy’s analytical modeling derived for a d31 mode piezoelectric energy harvester (PEH). In order to apply the Roundy’s model to d33 mode PEH, the IDE configuration was converted to the area of top and bottom electrodes (TBE). The power conversion in d33 mode PEH was commonly estimated by the product of piezoelectric layer’s thickness and finger electrode’s length. In addition, the spacing between fingers was regarded as gap between top and bottom electrodes. However, the output power in a transverse mode PEH increases continuously with the increase of finger spacing, which does not correspond to experimental results. In this research, the dimension of IDE was converted to that of TBE using conformal mapping, and variation of power of PEH was remodeled. The modified model suggests that the maximum power in a transverse mode PEH is obtained when the finger spacing is identical with effective finger spacing. The output power then decreases when finger spacing is larger than effective finger spacing. The decrease of efficiency may result from insufficient degree of poling and increased charged defect with increasing finger spacing.
Development of Three-Terminal Photodiodes Based on a-Si:H with an Additional Buried TCO Electrode
Authors: Watty Krystian , Bablich Andreas , Seibel Konstantin , Merfort Christian , Boehm Markus 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACTThis work presents the development of three-terminal photodiodes which have their origin in bipolar pinipip-diode-structures [1,2]. The idea is to develop an unipolar diode and to contact a buried p-layer by an interior TCO-anode (transparent conductive oxide) instead of nip-stacking. The simulation of the optical material properties shows promising results. At first, both parts of the diode-structure were produced separately. The manufactured bottom (Cr/nip/TCO) and top (TCO/pip/TCO) parts were measured optically and electrically. These measurements are required to simulate the SR of the total-diode. Finally, a Cr/nip-a-Si:H/TCO/pip-a-Si:H/TCO multi-layer stack was deposited. The measured SR of the integrated diode validates the simulated data. The SR maximum shift amounts to 100nm, from 540nm by contacting the interior anode, to 640nm at the top anode. Furthermore, the curves are clearly split and do not enclose each other. The presented approach, with additional bandgap engineering, promises good prospects to improve color separation compared to currently existing detectors and should lead to a tunable multi-spectral photodiodes for high quality color recognition. Such a diode can be used in photonic devices, e.g. for safety and security applications.
High-density Co/Al2O3 core-shell nanocrystal memory
Authors: Zhou Huimei , Li Zonglin , Huang Jian , Liu Jianlin 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACTMetal/high-k dielectric core-shell nanocrystal (NC) memory capacitors were demonstrated by e-beam evaporation process. This kind of metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) memory shows good performance in charge storage, programming and erasing speeds. Compared to Co NC memory, Co/Al2O3 core-shell NC memory shows improved retention performance since the additional Al2O3 shell layer acts as a barrier, which prevent the leakage.
Forming-free Resistance Random Access Memory Using Ta2O5/TaOx Bi-layer Prepared by Magnetron Sputtering Method
Authors: Fukuda Natsuki , Fukuju Kazunori , Yogosawa Isamu , Horita Kazumasa , Kikuchi Shin , Nishioka Yutaka , Suu Koukou 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACTThis paper describes proposal of ReRAM switching mechanism, development of production tool for ReRAM sputtering and improvement in TaOx-ReRAM switching characteristics. We propose that a ReRAM-cell has stack a structure in which an oxygen vacancy supply layer (TaOx) and an oxygen accumulation layer (Ta2O5) sandwiched by the top and bottom electrodes. Resistance change of the ReRAM-cell is caused by the oxygen vacancies migrating between the TaOx and the Ta2O5 layers by applied voltage. This prediction corresponded to the experimental facts. The thickness of Ta2O5 film sputtered by a mass production tool had good uniformity (±1.0%) and excellent stability (±1.0%). Also the sheet resistance uniformity (1σ) of TaOx film had 3.6%. By examining the sputtering conditions, the ReRAM-cell having a Ta2O5/TaOx bi-layer operated in less than 100μA with a forming-free and had excellent endurance property to 1010 cycles at 50nsec.
Morphological Studies of Bismuth Nanostructures Prepared by Hydrothermal Microwave Heating.
Authors: Kharissova Oxana V. , Osorio Mario , Kharisov Boris I. , de Casas Ortiz Edgar 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACTElemental bismuth nanoparticles and nanotubes were obtained via microwave hydrothermal synthesis starting from bismuth oxide (Bi2O3) in the range of temperatures 200-220oC for 10-45 min. The formed nanostructures were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Relationship between reaction parameters and shape of the formed nanostructures is discussed.
Opposing Effects of Diabetes and Tetracycline on the Degradation of Collagen Membranes in Rats
Authors: Eliezer Meizi , Nemcovsky Carlos , Romanos George , Kozlovsky Avital , Tal Haim , Kolerman Roni , Weinreb Miron , Moses Ofer 
Published: May 2012

Background: Increased collagenolytic activity, characteristic of uncontrolled diabetes, may compromise collagen membrane (CM) survival. Tetracycline (TCN) possesses anticollagenolytic properties and delays CM degradation in healthy animals. This study evaluates the degradation of TCN‐‐immersed and ‐non‐immersed CMs in rats with diabetes compared to those with normoglycemia.Methods: Diabetes was induced in 15 12‐week‐old male Wistar rats by injection of 65 mg/kg streptozotocin. The control group consisted of 15 rats with normoglycemia. Sixty bilayered CM disks were labeled before implantation with aminohexanoyl‐biotin‐N‐hydroxy‐succinimide ester, of which 30 were immersed in 50 mg/mL TCN solution (experimental) or phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS) (control). In each animal, two disks (control and experimental) were implanted in two midsagittal calvarial defects in the parietal bone. Similar non‐implanted disks served as baseline. After 3 weeks, animals were euthanized, and the calvaria and overlying soft tissues were processed for demineralized histologic analysis. Horseradish peroxidase‐conjugated streptavidin was used to detect the biotinylated collagen. The area of residual collagen within the membrane disks was measured and analyzed with a digital image analysis system. Several slides from each specimen were also stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Statistical analysis consisted of paired and unpaired t tests.Results: The amount of residual collagen in PBS‐immersed disks was lower in rats with diabetes compared to rats with normoglycemia (69% of baseline versus 93%, respectively, P <0.001). TCN immersion increased the amount of residual collagen contents in both diabetic (83% of baseline) and healthy (97.5% of baseline) animals (P <0.0001).Conclusion: Diabetes increases CM degradation, whereas immersion in 50 mg/mL TCN solution before implantation presents an opposite effect.
Serum Potassium and Cause-Specific Mortality in a Large Peritoneal Dialysis Cohort
Authors: Torlén Klara , Kalantar-Zadeh Kamyar , Molnar Miklos Z. , Vashistha Tania , Mehrotra Rajnish 
Published: May 2012

Summary

Background and objectives
Unlike hemodialysis (HD), peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a continuous therapy and does not induce myocardial stunning. Yet, the death risk in HD and PD patients is similar. This study tested the hypothesis that serum potassium abnormalities contribute more to the death risk in PD patients than in HD patients.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
Data from patients treated in DaVita facilities between July 1, 2001 and June 30, 2006 (n=10,468 PD patients; n=111,651 HD patients) were used to determine association of serum potassium with mortality.

Results
PD patients were significantly more likely to have serum potassium <4 mEq/L, with an adjusted odds ratio of 3.30 (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 3.05, 3.56). There was a U-shaped relationship between time-averaged serum potassium and all-cause and cardiovascular mortality of PD patients, with adjusted hazards ratios of 1.51 for all-cause mortality for potassium <3.5 mEq/L (95% CI, 1.29, 1.76) and 1.52 for potassium ≥5.5 mEq/L (95% CI, 1.32, 1.75). The population-attributable risks for all-cause mortality for serum potassium <4.0 and ≥5.5 mEq/L were 3.6% and 1.9%, respectively, in PD patients, and 0.8% and 1.5%, respectively, in HD patients.

Conclusions
Abnormalities in serum potassium contribute disproportionately to the high death risk in PD patients. This may, in part, account for the equivalent cardiac risk seen with the two therapies.