bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
THE INSIGNIFICANCE OF PERSONAL IDENTITY FOR BIOETHICS
Authors: SHOEMAKER DAVID 
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACTIt has long been thought that certain key bioethical views depend heavily on work in personal identity theory, regarding questions of either our essence or the conditions of our numerical identity across time. In this paper I argue to the contrary, that personal identity is actually not significant at all in this arena. Specifically, I explore three topics where considerations of identity are thought to be essential – abortion, definition of death, and advance directives – and I show in each case that the significant work is being done by a relation other than identity.
Multivariate Weibull Mixtures with Proportional Hazard Restrictions for Dwell-Time-Based Session Clustering with Incomplete Data
Authors: Mair Patrick , Hudec Marcus 
Published: April 2009

SummaryEmanating from classical Weibull mixture models we propose a framework for clustering survival data with various more parsimonious models by imposing restrictions on the distributional parameters. We show that these restrictions on the Weibull mixtures correspond to different proportional hazard restrictions across mixture components and Web page areas. A parametric cluster approach based on the EM algorithm is carried out on a multivariate data set. Our model set-up encompasses incomplete-data structures as well as censoring observations. We apply the methodology on retail data stemming from a global e-commerce company. Sessions are clustered with respect to the dwell times that a user spends on certain page areas. The cluster solution that is found allows for a detailed examination of the navigation behaviour in terms of the hazard and survivor functions within each component.
Overcoming the Multiple-Testing Problem When Testing Randomness
Authors: Spencer Neil H. 
Published: April 2009

SummaryWe propose a new method for overcoming the problem of adjusting for the multiple-testing problem in the context of testing random-number generators. We suggest that it is to be used in conjunction with an existing method. More generally, the method can be useful in other situations where the multiple-testing issue is encountered and the tests involved are not independent of each other, and their exact joint distribution is not readily available. The method makes use of the Mahalanobis distance and simulation. An example of its implementation is given by using data from a roulette wheel.
Chinese patients with Machado‐Joseph disease presenting with complicated hereditary spastic paraplegia
Authors: Gan S.‐R. , Zhao K. , Wu Z.‐Y. , Wang N. , Murong S.‐X. 
Published: April 2009

Background and purpose:  The clinical overlap between Machado‐Joseph disease (MJD) and autosomal dominant complicated hereditary spastic paraplegia (AD‐HSP) is extensive and the differentiation between them can be difficult on clinical ground. However, patients are seeking the right diagnosis and it is important for neurologists to distinguish them in the early stage.Methods:  In recent 10 years, we have recruited and followed‐up three families which were initially diagnosed as complicated AD‐HSP based on the clinical criteria. Mutation analyses of SPG4, SPG3A and ATXN3 were performed in the index cases.Results:  No mutations on SPG4 and SPG3A were found. Mutation analysis of ATXN3 showed that these cases have one expanded allele and one normal allele. The copy numbers of CAG repeats were 80/28, 86/28 and 83/33, respectively.Conclusions:  The molecular diagnosis confirmed that they were MJD patients though they had been misdiagnosed as complicated AD‐HSP for many years. The copy numbers of expanded allele were more than 80 and the copy numbers of normal allele were more than 27, which could somewhat explain the earlier onset age of these cases and the anticipation of the pedigrees. Our data emphasize the necessity to perform the mutation analysis of ATXN3 in clinically diagnosed complicated AD‐HSP patients.
Deficits in facial expression recognition in male adolescents with early‐onset or adolescence‐onset conduct disorder
Authors: Fairchild Graeme , Van Goozen Stephanie H.M. , Calder Andrew J. , Stollery Sarah J. , Goodyer Ian M. 
Published: April 2009

Background:  We examined whether conduct disorder (CD) is associated with deficits in facial expression recognition and, if so, whether these deficits are specific to the early‐onset form of CD, which emerges in childhood. The findings could potentially inform the developmental taxonomic theory of antisocial behaviour, which suggests that early‐onset and adolescence‐limited forms of CD are subject to different aetiological processes.Method:  Male adolescents with either early‐onset CD (n = 42) or adolescence‐onset CD (n = 39), and controls with no history of serious antisocial behaviour and no current psychiatric disorder (n = 40) completed tests of facial expression and facial identity recognition. Dependent measures were: (a) correct recognition of facial expressions of anger, disgust, fear, happiness, sadness, and surprise, and (b) the number of correct matches of unfamiliar faces.Results:  Relative to controls, recognition of anger, disgust, and happiness in facial expressions was disproportionately impaired in participants with early‐onset CD, whereas recognition of fear was impaired in participants with adolescence‐onset CD. Participants with CD who were high in psychopathic traits showed impaired fear, sadness, and surprise recognition relative to those low in psychopathic traits. There were no group differences in facial identity recognition.Conclusions:  Both CD subtypes were associated with impairments in facial recognition, although these were more marked in the early‐onset subgroup. Variation in psychopathic traits appeared to exert an additional influence on the recognition of fear, sadness and surprise. Implications of these data for the developmental taxonomic theory of antisocial behaviour are discussed.
Botulinum toxin type A injections can be an effective treatment for pain in children with hip spasms and cerebral palsy
Authors: LUNDY CLAIRE T , DOHERTY GARY M , FAIRHURST CHARLIE B 
Published: April 2009

Aim  Botulinum toxin type A (BoNT‐A) injections were used in the treatment of lower‐limb spasticity in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Anecdotal evidence suggests a reduction in pain after this treatment in children who had pain localized to a displaced hip joint. We report on our current clinical practice.Method  Twenty‐six children with non‐ambulant quadriplegic CP (Gross Motor Function Classification System level V) were assessed as having significant spasticity and pain at the hip level. Twelve were males and 14 females, with an age range of 2 to 19 years (mean age 11y 6mo, SD 4y 9mo). Ten had functional difficulties secondary to predominant spasticity and 16 had a mix of a high‐background peripheral tone with superimposed dystonia. Of the 26 children assessed, 10 had at least one hip which was dislocated and three had at least one hip which was subluxed. As part of their spasticity management programme they received targeted BoNT‐A injections to the adductor magnus, medial hamstrings and iliopsoas muscle groups. The Paediatric Pain Profile was used as the primary outcome measure.Results  All had highly significant improvement in their recorded pain profile scores measured at 3 months after treatment (p<0.001). There was equal efficacy in response to treatment in the children with subluxed or dislocated hips. In addition, families commented on improved quality of life for the children across several areas, including sleep, postural management, and activities of daily living.Interpretation  This report demonstrates that targeted BoNT‐A injections reduced pain in children with significant spasticity and pain at the hip level. They may also improve quality of life of non‐ambulant children with CP and a hip problem.
Validation of the Functional Status II questionnaire in the assessment of extremely‐low‐birthweight infants
Authors: COSTA DAVID DA , BANN CARLA M , HANSEN NELLIE I , SHANKARAN SEETHA , DELANEY‐BLACK VIRGINIA ,   FOR THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF CHILD HEALTH AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT NEONATAL RESEARCH NETWORK
Published: April 2009

Aim The increased survival of infants born at extremely low birthweight (ELBW) has been associated with significant morbidity, including higher rates of neurodevelopmental disability. However, formalized testing to evaluate these problems is both time‐consuming and costly. The revised Functional Status questionnaire (FS‐II) was designed to assess caregivers’ perceptions of the functional status of children with chronic diseases.Method We evaluated the reliability and validity of the FS‐II for ELBW infants at 18 to 22 months corrected age using data from the US Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) Neonatal Research Network (NRN). Exploratory factor analyses were conducted using data from the network’s first follow‐up study of 1080 children born in 1993 to 1994 (508 males, 572 females [53%]), and results were confirmed using data from the next network follow‐up of 4022 children born in 1995 to 2000 (1864 males, 2158 females [54%]).Results Results suggest that a two‐factor solution comprising measures of general health and independence is most appropriate for ELBW infants. These factors differed from those found among chronically ill children, and new, more appropriate scales are presented for screening ELBW survivors. Both scales demonstrated good internal consistency: Cronbach’s α=0.87 for general health and α=0.75 for independence. Construct validity of the scales was assessed by comparing mean scores on the scales according to scores on the Bayley Scales of Infant Development, second edition (BSID‐II), and medical conditions.Interpretation As hypothesized, infants with greater functional impairments according to their BSID‐II scores or medical conditions had lower scores on the general health and independence scales, supporting the validity of the scales.
The brain selenoproteome: priorities in the hierarchy and different levels of selenium homeostasis in the brain of selenium‐deficient rats
Authors: Kühbacher Markus , Bartel Jürgen , Hoppe Barbara , Alber Dorothea , Bukalis Gregor , Bräuer Anja U. , Behne Dietrich , Kyriakopoulos Antonios 
Published: April 2009

AbstractThe application of radionuclides for the localization of essential trace elements in vivo and the characterization of their binding proteins is a story of intermittently made improvements of the techniques used for their detection. In this study we present the use of neutron activation analysis and different autoradiographic imaging methods including real‐time digital autoradiography to reveal new insights in the hierarchy of selenium homeostasis. Selenoproteins containing the essential trace element selenium play important roles in the CNS. Although the CNS does not show the highest selenium concentration in the case of selenium‐sufficient supply in comparison with other organs, it shows a high priority for selenium uptake and retention in the case of dietary selenium deficiency. To characterize the hierarchy of selenium supply in the brain, in vivo radiotracer labeling with 75Se in rats with different selenium status was combined with autoradiographic detection of 75Se in brain tissue sections and 75Se‐labeled selenoproteins after protein separation by two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis. This study demonstrates significant differences in the uptake of 75Se into the brain of rats with different selenium status. A brain region‐specific uptake pattern of the radiotracer 75Se in selenium‐deficient rats could be revealed and the CSF was identified as a key part of the brain selenium homeostasis.
Contributions of labile and resistant organic materials to the immobilization of inorganic soil N when used in the restoration of abandoned agricultural fields
Authors: Tilston E. L. , Szili‐Kovács T. , Hopkins D. W. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractWe have examined the contributions sucrose and sawdust make to the net immobilization of inorganic soil N and assimilation of both C and N into microbial biomass when they are used as part of a restoration plan to promote the establishment of indigenous vegetation on abandoned agricultural fields on the Central Hungarian Plain. Both amendments led to net N immobilization. Sucrose addition also led to mobilization of N from the soil organic N pool and its immobilization into microbial biomass, whereas sawdust addition apparently immobilized soil N into a non‐biomass compartment or a biomass component that was not detected by the conventional biomass N assay (CHCl3 fumigation and extraction). This suggests that the N was either cycled through the biomass, but not immobilized within it, or that it was immobilized in a protected biomass fraction different to the fraction into which N was immobilized in response to sucrose addition.
From preparedness to partnerships: case study research on humanitarian logistics
Authors: Tomasini Rolando M. , Van Wassenhove Luk N. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractDisasters are on the rise, more complex, and donor support is increasingly unpredictable. In response to this trend humanitarian agencies are looking for more efficient and effective solutions. This paper discusses the evolution of supply chain management in disaster relief and the role of new players like the private sector. It is based on research conducted by the Humanitarian Research Group at INSEAD.
Using Wang's two‐dimensional cutting stock algorithm to optimally solve difficult problems
Authors: Vasko Francis J. , Bartkowski Christopher L. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractP. Y. Wang's classic bottom‐up two‐dimensional cutting stock algorithm generates cutting patterns by building rectangles both horizontally and vertically. This algorithm uses a parameter β1 to tradeoff the number of rectangles generated by the algorithm and hence the quality of the cutting pattern solution obtained versus the amount of computer resources required. Several researchers have made relatively straightforward modifications to Wang's basic algorithm resulting in improved computational times. However, even with these modifications, Wang's approach tends to require large amounts of computer resources in order to optimally or near‐optimally solve difficult two‐dimensional guillotine cutting stock problems. In this paper, we present an iterative approach that judiciously uses Wang's basic algorithm (with some previously defined modifications) to obtain optimal cutting patterns to difficult two‐dimensional cutting stock problems in reasonable computer run times.
Moxidectin toxicosis in a puppy successfully treated with intravenous lipids
Authors: Crandell Dawn E. , Weinberg Guy L. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractObjective –To describe successful treatment of canine moxidectin toxicosis with the novel therapy of IV lipid administration.Case Summary –A 16‐week‐old female Jack Russell Terrier was presented with acute onset of seizures followed by paralysis and coma shortly following suspected exposure to an equine formulation of moxidectin. Moxidectin toxicity was later confirmed. Initial therapy consisted of diazepam, glycopyrrolate, and IV fluids. Mechanical ventilation and supportive nursing care were provided as needed. An emulsion of 20% soybean oil in water, commonly used as the fat component of parenteral nutrition, was administered intravenously as a bolus of 2 mL/kg followed by 4 mL/kg/h for 4 hours beginning 10 hours after exposure and was administered again at a rate of 0.5 mL/kg/min for 30 minutes beginning 25.5 hours post‐exposure. Mild improvement was seen after the first dose, and dramatic improvement was noted within 30 minutes of the second dose. The puppy's neurologic status returned to normal within 6 hours of the second administration, with no relapses.Unique Information Provided –IV lipid therapy is a novel treatment approach for moxidectin toxicity. Its use is supported by recent research and case studies involving IV lipid administration for bupivacaine and other fat‐soluble toxins. Lipid administration appeared to reverse the signs of toxicity and may prove to be a highly effective therapy for moxidectin and other fat‐soluble toxins.
Use of human immunoglobulin in addition to glucocorticoids for the initial treatment of dogs with immune‐mediated hemolytic anemia
Authors: Whelan Megan F. , O'Toole Therese E. , Chan Daniel L. , Rozanski Elizabeth A. , DeLaforcade Armelle M. , Crawford Sybil L. , Cotter Susan M. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractObjective –To determine the utility of human intravenous immunoglobulin (hIVIG) for the initial treatment of canine immune‐mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA).Design –Blinded, randomized, clinical trial.Setting –Veterinary teaching hospital.Animals –Twenty‐eight, client‐owned dogs with primary IMHA.Interventions –At enrollment, after diagnosis of IMHA, dogs were randomly assigned to receive either hIVIG or placebo, in a blinded fashion. For the next 14 days, all dogs received glucocorticoids as the sole immunosuppressant agent. All dogs received low‐molecular‐weight heparin as an anticoagulant. D‐dimer concentrations were evaluated at the beginning and end of the study protocol to monitor for thromboembolic complications.Measurements and Main Results –Twenty‐five of 28 dogs (89%) were discharged from the hospital. Thirteen of those received hIVIG and 12 received placebo. Twenty‐four dogs (86%) were alive 14 days after enrollment, and of these 13 received hIVIG and 11 received placebo. D‐dimer concentrations were elevated in 86% of all dogs at the time of diagnosis.Conclusions –For initial treatment of dogs with IMHA, the addition of hIVIG to corticosteroid treatment did not improve initial response, nor did it shorten hospitalization.
Disseminated candidiasis secondary to fungal and bacterial peritonitis in a young dog
Authors: Rogers Catherine L. , Gibson Christopher , Mitchell Susan L. , Keating John H. , Rozanski Elizabeth A. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractObjective
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To describe a severe case of bacterial sepsis and disseminated candidiasis in a previously healthy dog.Case Summary
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Fungal sepsis was identified in a 2‐year‐old dog following intestinal dehiscence 4 days after abdominal surgery. Septic peritonitis was identified at admission and evidence of dehiscence at the previous enterotomy site was found during an exploratory laparotomy. Both gram‐positive cocci and Candida albicans were cultured from the abdominal cavity. Candida sp. was also subsequently cultured from a central venous catheter. Euthanasia was performed due to failure to respond to therapy. Fungal organisms, morphologically consistent with Candida spp., were found in the lungs and kidney on postmortem histopathologic examination indicating disseminated candidiasis.New or Unique Information Provided
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Candida peritonitis is a well‐recognized entity in humans and contributes to morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients. Abdominal surgery, intestinal perforation, presence of central venous catheters, and administration of broad‐spectrum antibiotics are all considered to be suspected risk factors. This report describes the first known case of systemic candidiasis occurring secondary to Candida peritonitis and bacterial sepsis in a critically ill dog.
The role of Ifng in alterations in liver gene expression in a mouse model of fulminant autoimmune hepatitis
Authors: Milks Michael W. , Cripps James G. , Lin Heping , Wang Jing , Robinson Richard T. , Sargent Jennifer L. , Whitfield Michael L. , Gorham James D. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractBackground/Aims: BALB/c mice with a homozygous deficiency in the Tgfb1 gene are a model of fulminant autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), spontaneously and rapidly developing Th1‐mediated IFN‐γ‐dependent necroinflammatory liver disease. We sought to understand the molecular basis for fulminant Th1 liver disease and the specific role of the Ifng gene.Methods: Global gene expression in livers from BALB/c Tgfb1−/− mice with and without an intact Ifng gene was assessed by microarray analysis. Expression patterns were confirmed by quantitative reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction. Gene ontology clustering analysis was performed to identify altered pathways. The contributions of Ifng to altered expression pathways were quantified.Results: Over 100 genes were strongly (>10‐fold) upregulated, most encoding proteins involved in immune function/response. Chemokines were the most prominently upregulated group, with eight chemokine genes upregulated >10‐fold. Ifng was necessary for the upregulation of CXC chemokines gene, but not of CC chemokine genes. By quantitative analysis, Ifng's role in liver gene upregulation varied greatly among overexpressed genes.Conclusions: Gene expression changes indicate a particularly important and heretofore unappreciated role for chemokines in fulminant AIH. Ifng has an important role in expression of some but not all genes. Ifng is dichotomous in the regulation of distinct chemokine subfamilies: specifically, Ifng is critical for overexpression of specific CXCL genes but dispensable for overexpression of specific CCL genes. These results provide a clearer understanding of the role of Ifng in the molecular basis of necroinflammatory liver disease.
Liver cancer stem cells: implications for a new therapeutic target
Authors: Lee Terence Kin Wah , Castilho Antonia , Ma Stephanie , Ng Irene Oi Lin 
Published: April 2009

AbstractHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an aggressive tumour with a poor prognosis. Current therapeutic strategies against this disease target mostly rapidly growing differentiated tumour cells. However, the result is often dismal due to the chemoresistant nature of this tumour type. Recent research efforts on stem cells and cancer biology have shed light on new directions for the eradication of cancer stem cells (CSCs) in HCC. The liver is a distinctive organ with the ability of tissue renewal in response to injury. Based on the hypothesis that cancer development is derived from the hierarchy of the stem cell system, we will briefly discuss the origin of liver stem cells and its relation to HCC development. We will also summarize the current CSC markers in HCC and discuss their relevance to the treatment of this deadly disease.