bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neuro-otological findings in tinnitus patients with normal hearing
Authors: Morales-Garcia C , Quiroz G , Matamala J M , Tapia C 
Published: December 2009

AbstractIntroduction:Tinnitus is usually associated with hearing loss, and patients with tinnitus and normal hearing are unusual. Neuro-otological findings have not previously been described in tinnitus patients with normal hearing.Aim:To analyse neuro-otological examination results from a group of tinnitus patients with normal hearing.Materials and methods:Seventeen normal-hearing tinnitus patients seen over a 10-year period were retrospectively evaluated. Their results were compared with those of a control group of 17 normal subjects without tinnitus.Results:The main neuro-otological finding in the tinnitus patients was caloric test abnormality: a unilateral canal paresis was present in 15 of the 17 patients. Caloric tests were normal in 15 of the 17 control subjects.Conclusion:We may infer from these results that tinnitus could be the only clinical manifestation of a cochlear – and presumably cochleo-vestibular – lesion, and that unilateral canal paresis may be the only abnormal finding on neuro-otological examination.
Closed rhinoplasty approach for excision of nasal dermoids
Authors: Harris R L , Daya H 
Published: December 2009

AbstractObjective:To assess the efficacy of excision of nasal dermoids through a closed rhinoplasty incision. This is the first description of the use of this approach for excision of superficial nasal dermoids.Methods:Three boys aged five, nine and 12 years presented with midline nasal dermoids with minimal cutaneous involvement. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated distinct, cystic, superficial nasal masses. The cysts were excised through a closed rhinoplasty approach. In each case, completeness of extirpation was judged by histopathological examination of the excised specimen. Aesthetic outcome was recorded photographically.Results:All three patients' cysts were completely excised, with excellent cosmetic results.Conclusions:The closed rhinoplasty incision is another approach in the surgeon's armamentarium for excision of small, superficial nasal dermoid cysts. In well selected cases, this approach gives optimal cosmetic results, provides adequate exposure with minimal dissection, and allows total extirpation.
Self-limiting benign paroxysmal positional vertigo following use of whole-body vibration training plate
Authors: Amir I , Young E , Belloso A 
Published: December 2009

AbstractObjective:We describe a case of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo which occurred after use of a whole-body vibration training plate.Method:Case report and literature review concerning the secondary causes of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo and the physiological effects of whole-body vibration training plates.Results:A 44-year-old woman was referred with classic symptoms of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo following use of a whole-body vibration training plate, a popular form of fitness equipment widely used in sports, rehabilitation and beauty treatments. The condition resolved spontaneously after several days. There have been reports of negative side effects in users of this equipment, such as dizziness, headache and a sensation of imbalance; however, there have been no reported cases involving vertigo. Based on a literature review, this equipment may cause side effects, including vertigo, by generating forces that can increase the original amplitude of internal organs, which may potentially cause labyrinthine trauma or dislocation of otoconia, leading to benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.Conclusions:We suggest that whole-body vibration training plates may potentially induce benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. Manufacturers may need to make users of this equipment aware of this risk, and remind them to use it with caution.
Rank-one ℤdactions and directional entropy
Authors: ARTHUR ROBINSON E. , ŞAHİN AYŞE A. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractWe study the dynamic properties of rank-one ℤdactions as a function of the geometry of the shapes of the towers generating the action. Some basic properties require only minimal restrictions on the geometry of the towers. Our main results concern the directional entropy of rank-one ℤdactions with rectangular tower shapes, where we show that the geometry of the rectangles plays a significant role. We show that for eachn≤dthere is ann-dimensional direction with entropy zero. We also show that if the growth in eccentricity of the rectangular towers is sub-exponential, then all directional entropies are zero. An example of D. Rudolph shows that, without a restriction on eccentricity, a positive entropy direction is possible.
The concept of ‘ageing well’ in ten Latin American and European countries
Authors: FERNÁNDEZ-BALLESTEROS R. , GARCIA L F. , ABARCA D. , BLANC E. , EFKLIDES A. , MORAITOU D. , KORNFELD R. , LERMA A. J. , MENDOZA-NUMEZ V. M. , MENDOZA-RUVALCABA N. M. , OROSA T. , PAUL C. , PATRICIA S. 
Published: December 2009

ABSTRACTA review of several studies examining the lay concept of successful ageing and related concepts leads to the conclusion that elders from different cultures appear to agree on most of the components identified in the literature. From the research emerges a multidimensional conceptualisation of ‘successful ageing’ that is described on the basis of physical, emotional, cognitive and social domains, and which coincides with most theoretical and empirical definitions. The main goal of the present research is to study similarities and differences between concepts of ‘successful ageing’ in several Latin American and European countries and in two different age groups, and also to examine whether a similar structure of the lay concept can be found across both continents. The results show minor differences at item levels among countries, continents and age groups, and a similar internal structure across them.
Throttle and brake pedals automation for populated areas
Authors: Onieva E. , Milanés V. , González C. , de Pedro T. , Pérez J. , Alonso J. 
Published: December 2009

SUMMARYArtificial intelligence techniques applied to control processes are particularly useful when the elements to be controlled are complex and can not be described by a linear model. A trade-off between performance and complexity is the main factor in the design of this kind of system. The use of fuzzy logic is specially indicated when trying to emulate such human control actions as driving a car. This paper presents a fuzzy system that cooperatively controls the throttle and brake pedals for automatic speed control up to 50km/h. It is thus appropriate for populated areas where driving involves constant speed changes, but within a range of low speeds because of traffic jams, road signs, traffic lights, etc. The system gets the current and desired speeds for the car and generates outputs to control the two pedals. It has been implemented in a real car, and tested in real road conditions, showing good speed control with smooth actions resulting in accelerations that are comfortable for the car's occupants.
Successive single-word utterances and use of conversational input: a pre-syntactic route to multiword utterances
Authors: HERR-ISRAEL ELLEN , McCUNE LORRAINE 
Published: December 2009

ABSTRACTIn the period between sole use of single words and majority use of multiword utterances, children draw from their existing productive capability and conversational input to facilitate the eventual outcome of majority use of multiword utterances. During this period, children use word combinations that are not yet mature multiword utterances, termed ‘successive single-word utterances’ (SSWUs). The language development of five children, observed in play with their mothers, was studied longitudinally across the transitional period (age 1 ; 3 to 2 ; 0). Results demonstrate a common developmental trajectory from single words to SSWUs, formed with the support of conversation, to more independent SSWUs, and finally to majority use of multiword utterances. The children varied in the extent to which they produced SSWUs and whether they first produced across-turn versus within-turn SSWUs. Possible reasons for variability and why SSWU production may be important to the development of multiword utterances are discussed.
Nesting success of a managed population of Mauritius Fodies Foudia rubra marooned on a partially restored island
Authors: CRISTINACCE ANDREW , GARRETT LUCY J. H. , COLE RUTH E. , TATAYAH R. V. VIKASH , JONES CARL G. 
Published: December 2009

SummaryThe marooning of populations on offshore islands can be used as a conservation technique for species threatened by introduced predators, but post-release breeding success is not always as high as expected. Following the release of Mauritius Fodies onto a partially restored islet of regenerating forest, supplementary food and control of nest parasites through the application of insecticide were used as precautionary measures to aid the establishment of a population. Nests were continuously monitored in the first three breeding seasons to inform future management decisions. The fodies built nests in taller, more mature vegetation and younger females were more likely to abandon nests before incubation started. Eggs were laid between July and February and nests made earlier in the season were more likely to fledge young. Treating nests with the insecticide carbaryl increased the probability of success, but the distance of the nest from the supplementary feeding aviaries had no effect. The number of young per female decreased each breeding season and nesting success was similar to that of fodies using exotic plantation trees on the mainland between 2002 and 2006. Future research using population models and adaptive management could lead to the withdrawal or reduction of support measures for the released population and/or the harvest of individuals to establish populations on other offshore islands.
Threats of environmental mercury to birds: knowledge gaps and priorities for future research
Authors: SEEWAGEN CHAD L. 
Published: December 2009

SummaryAnthropogenic emissions of mercury have doubled over the past two centuries. Mercury is a dangerous neurotoxin that threatens human health and fish and wildlife populations. The effects of mercury on birds have been relatively well-studied in the laboratory and in nature. Several aspects of neurology, physiology, behaviour, and reproduction have been shown to be adversely affected. Many studies have documented ataxia, lethargy, reduced appetite, reduced egg production, poor hatching success, and aberrant parental care in birds exposed to mercury.The majority of the research done to date, however, has been focused on select taxa (waterbirds), trophic levels (piscivores), habitat types (aquatic systems), geographic regions (North America and Europe), and life history stages (reproduction), leaving the assessment of mercury's threats to birds incomplete. Successful bird conservation strategies are dependent on a comprehensive understanding of the threats facing populations. Here, I discuss the significant knowledge gaps that remain and subsequently suggest priorities for future mercury research in birds. Studies of mercury in terrestrial, insectivorous, and/or passerine species, and how mercury affects migration are especially recommended to fill gaps in our present understanding.
Neuropsychological outcomes after coronary artery bypass grafting
Authors: SELNES OLA A. , GOTTESMAN REBECCA F. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractShort- and long-term cognitive declines after cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass have been reported, but the frequency, severity, nature, and etiology of postoperative cognitive changes have been difficult to quantify. Current studies have corrected the principal methodological shortcoming of earlier studies by including control groups, and have shown that while early postoperative cognitive decline does occur in some patients, it is generally mild and reversible by 3 months after surgery. Late cognitive changes do occur, but comparison with patients undergoing off-pump surgery or those being treated medically suggests that these changes are not specific to CABG or more specifically to the use of cardiopulmonary bypass. (JINS, 2010, 16, 221–226.)
Circulaire de la société Ottomane
Authors: Pacha Docteur Marco 
Published: December 2009

La Société, fondée sur les bases du Congrès internatíonal de Genève, a pour but de venir en aide, par des ambulances libres, aux ambulances militaires et d'apporter au soulagement des blessés toutes les ressources de la science et de la charité.La Convention de Genève a stipulé la neutralité des ambulances et de leur personnel.
Comité central
Authors: Maggiorani V. , Vitelleschi Marquis Francesco Nobili 
Published: December 2009

J'ai l'honneur de vous annoncer que, le 21 décembre dernier, comme le prescrit l'article transitoire no 3, le Comité central s'est réuni pour élire le Conseil directeur, en vertu de l'article 13 des statuts.Le Conseil directeur reste composé de la manière suivante:Président: le Commandeur Enrico Guicciardi, sénateur.
Hospital-Acquired Staphylococcus aureus Infections at Texas Children's Hospital, 2001–2007
Authors: Hultén Kristina G. , Kaplan Sheldon L. , Lamberth Linda B. , Slimp Katherine , Hammerman Wendy A. , Carrillo-Marquez Maria , Starke Jeffrey R. , Versalovic James , Mason Edward O. 
Published: December 2009

Objective.To document the introduction of the methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) USA300 clone into a children's hospital. Current molecular epidemiology of infections due to the USA300 strain of MRSA in the pediatric healthcare setting remains obscure.Design.Retrospective study of patients with hospital-acquired S. aureus infection during the period from August 1, 2001, through July 31, 2007, at Texas Children's Hospital in Houston.Methods.Patients with hospital-acquired S. aureus infection from whom an isolate was available for molecular analysis were included. Clinical information was obtained from patient medical records and the electronic hospital information system. S. aureus isolates underwent antimicrobial susceptibility testing, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, and polymerase chain reaction testing for staphylococcal cassette chromosome (SCC) mec, agr, the diamine N-acetyltransferase gene, and the Panton-Valentine leukocidin genes (pvl).Results.Of 242 patients with hospital-acquired S. aureus infection, 147 (61%) had methicillin-susceptible S. aureus infection. Of the 95 MRSA isolates causing hospital-acquired infection, 69 (73%) were USA300 isolates, and that rate did not increase over time. Skin and soft tissue infection (P < .001), onset of infection less than 10 days after admission (P = .007), and lack of comorbidities (P < .001) were associated with hospital-acquired MRSA infection caused by the USA300 strain, compared with other isolates (hereafter referred to as non-USA300 isolates). Nine of 10 patients with a S. aureus infection at the time of death were infected with a non-USA300 strain. USA300 carried SCCmec IV, agr I, the diamine N-acetyl transferase gene, and pvl. USA300 isolates were more susceptible to clindamycin, gentamicin, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole than were other non-USA300 isolates (P < .01).Conclusions.In our patient population, the annual numbers of observed cases of hospital-acquired S. aureus infection have remained constant. USA300 was the most common clone and, compared with other non-USA300 MRSA isolates, was associated with skin and soft tissue infection, early onset of infection after admission, and greater susceptibility to antimicrobial agents.
MARTA: a suite of Java-based tools for assigning taxonomic status to DNA sequences
Authors: Horton Matthew , Bodenhausen Natacha , Bergelson Joy 
Published: December 2009

Abstract
Motivation: We have created a suite of Java-based software to better provide taxonomic assignments to DNA sequences. We anticipate that the program will be useful for protistologists, virologists, mycologists and other microbial ecologists. The program relies on NCBI utilities including the BLAST software and Taxonomy database and is easily manipulated at the command-line to specify a BLAST candidate's query-coverage or percent identity requirements; other options include the ability to set minimal consensus requirements (%) for each of the eight major taxonomic ranks (Domain, Kingdom, Phylum, …) and whether to consider lower scoring candidates when the top-hit lacks taxonomic classification.
Availability: http://bergelson.uchicago.edu/software/marta
Contact: mhorton@uchicago.edu; jbergels@midway.uchicago.edu
Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Live shipment of immersed crabs Cancer pagurus from England to Portugal and recovery in stocking tanks: stress parameter characterization
Authors: Barrento Sara , Marques António , Vaz-Pires Paulo , Nunes Maria Leonor 
Published: December 2009

AbstractBarrento, S., Marques, A., Vaz-Pires, P., and Nunes, M. L. 2010. Live shipment of immersed crabs Cancer pagurus from England to Portugal and recovery in stocking tanks: stress parameter characterization. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 67: 435–443. Cancer pagurus is commercially one of the most important crustaceans exploited in the UK and Ireland, but the main markets are in southern Europe, to where live edible crabs are transported. In this study, potential stressors during the live trade chain from England to Portugal were identified and related to changes in haemolymph parameters. Before their live transport, 60 crabs were tagged, their vigour was assessed, and their haemolymph was sampled; 30 crabs were placed in the bottom of a vivier-truck tank and the balance at the top (1 kg crab l−1 in a total of 700 kg). The sampling procedure was repeated after immersed live transport (58 h), and during subsequent recovery (6, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h) in seawater at Portuguese storage facilities. Haemolymph parameters included pH, d-glucose, l-lactate, and haemocyanine. Cumulative mortalities at the end of the experiment (96 h in recovery tanks) of bottom and top crabs were 8.9 and 10.7%, respectively. Vigour assessment predicted crab mortality well. The main stressors identified were poor handling; air exposure during unloading, and deficient transport conditions. d-Glucose and l-lactate increased during transport with acidification of the haemolymph. Concentration of l-lactate reached control levels after 24 h of recovery, but haemolymph remained acidic and hyperglycaemic even after 96 h. The transport conditions promoted anaerobiosis, so alternatives need to be considered.
High frequencies of less differentiated and more proliferative WT1‐specific CD8+ T cells in bone marrow in tumor‐bearing patients: An important role of bone marrow as a secondary lymphoid organ
Authors: Murao Ayako , Oka Yoshihiro , Tsuboi Akihiro , Elisseeva Olga A. , Tanaka‐Harada Yukie , Fujiki Fumihiro , Nakajima Hiroko , Nishida Sumiyuki , Hosen Naoki , Shirakata Toshiaki , Hashimoto Nobuyuki , Myoui Akira , Ueda Takafumi , Takeda Yoshito , Osaki Tadashi , Enomoto Takayuki , Yoshikawa Hideki , Kimura Tadashi , Oji Yusuke , Kawase Ichiro , Sugiyama Haruo 
Published: December 2009

In tumor‐bearing patients, tumor‐associated antigen (TAA)‐specific CTLs are spontaneously induced as a result of immune response to TAAs and play an important role in anti‐tumor immunity. Wilms’ tumor gene 1 (WT1) is overexpressed in various types of tumor and WT1 protein is a promising pan‐TAA because of its high immunogenicity. In this study, to clarify the immune response to the WT1 antigen, WT1‐specific CD8+ T cells that were spontaneously induced in patients with solid tumor were comparatively analyzed in both bone marrow (BM) and peripheral blood (PB). WT1‐specific CD8+ T cells more frequently existed in BM than in PB, whereas frequencies of naïve (CCR7+ CD45RA+), central memory (CCR7+ CD45RA−), effector‐memory (CCR7− CD45RA−), and effector (CCR7− CD45RA+) subsets were not significantly different between BM and PB. However, analysis of these subsets for the expression of CD57 and CD28, which were associated with differentiation, revealed that effector‐memory and effector subsets of the WT1‐specific CD8+ T cells in BM had less differentiated phenotypes and more proliferative potential than those in PB. Furthermore, CD107a/b functional assay for WT1 peptide‐specific cytotoxic potential and carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester dilution assay for WT1 peptide‐specific proliferation also showed that WT1‐specific CD8+ T cells in BM were less cytotoxic and more proliferative in response to WT1 peptide than those in PB. These results implied that BM played an important role as a secondary lymphoid organ in tumor‐bearing patients. Preferential residence of WT1‐specific CD8+ T cells in BM could be, at least in part, explained by higher expression of chemokine receptor CCR5, whose ligand was expressed on BM fibroblasts on the WT1‐specific CD8+ T cells in BM, compared to those in PB. These results should provide us with an insight into WT1‐specific immune response in tumor‐bearing patients and give us an idea of enhancement of clinical response in WT1 protein‐targeted immunotherapy.(Cancer Sci 2010; 101: 848–854)
Beyond competence: defining and promoting excellence in anaesthesia
Authors: Smith A. F. , Greaves J. D. 
Published: December 2009

SummaryRecent trends in medical training have tended to focus on competence, in the sense of adequate performance, rather than excellence. This article reviews published literature and relevant concepts relating to excellence and professionalism from within anaesthesia, from medicine more generally and from outside the profession. A number of conceptual frameworks are presented that could be adapted for the promotion of excellence, and some of the necessary prerequisites for this promotion discussed.
Strongyloides stercoralis hyperinfection: difficulties in diagnosis and treatment
Authors: Feely N. M. , Waghorn D. J. , Dexter T. , Gallen I. , Chiodini P. 
Published: December 2009

SummaryImmunocompromised patients who are infected with Strongyloides stercoralis may develop a potentially fatal auto‐infection syndrome characterised by non‐specific pulmonary and gastrointestinal symptoms and Gram negative sepsis. We present the case of one such patient who underwent a negative laparotomy for a presumed intra‐abdominal surgical catastrophe with a subsequent protracted stay on the intensive care unit. Once the diagnosis of strongyloidiasis was made, the patient was successfully treated with subcutaneous antihelminthic drugs. With appropriate screening for and eradication of strongyloides in those with immune compromise, or in those about to start immunosuppressive therapy, potentially fatal episodes of hyperinfection could be avoided. In the absence of screening, severe strongyloidiasis should be suspected in immunosuppressed individuals who have travelled to or resided in an endemic area and present with the characteristic features. Awareness of the signs of hyperinfection amongst those involved in acute care could prevent unnecessary morbidity and mortality in these patients.
The value of lung ultrasound monitoring in H1N1 acute respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Peris A. , Zagli G. , Barbani F. , Tutino L. , Biondi S. , Di Valvasone S. , Batacchi S. , Bonizzoli M. , Spina R. , Miniati M. , Pappagallo S. , Giovannini V. , Gensini G. F. 
Published: December 2009

SummaryWe present the case of a healthy young male who developed acute respiratory failure as a result of infection with influenza A/H1N1 of swine‐origin and in whom ventilatory support was optimised and recovery of lung function was monitored by the use of sequential chest ultrasound examinations. The potential pivotal role of bedside lung ultrasonography in H1N1‐induced respiratory failure is discussed.