bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Computerized Visual Feedback: An Adjunct to Robotic-Assisted Gait Training
Authors: Banz Raphael , Bolliger Marc , Colombo Gery , Dietz Volker , Lünenburger Lars 
Published: September 2008

Background and PurposeRobotic devices for walking rehabilitation allow new possibilities for providing performance-related information to patients during gait training. Based on motor learning principles, augmented feedback during robotic-assisted gait training might improve the rehabilitation process used to regain walking function. This report presents a method to provide visual feedback implemented in a driven gait orthosis (DGO). The purpose of the study was to compare the immediate effect on motor output in subjects during robotic-assisted gait training when they used computerized visual feedback and when they followed verbal instructions of a physical therapist.SubjectsTwelve people with neurological gait disorders due to incomplete spinal cord injury participated.MethodsSubjects were instructed to walk within the DGO in 2 different conditions. They were asked to increase their motor output by following the instructions of a therapist and by observing visual feedback. In addition, the subjects’ opinions about using visual feedback were investigated by a questionnaire.ResultsComputerized visual feedback and verbal instructions by the therapist were observed to result in a similar change in motor output in subjects when walking within the DGO. Subjects reported that they were more motivated and concentrated on their movements when using computerized visual feedback compared with when no form of feedback was provided.Discussion and ConclusionComputerized visual feedback is a valuable adjunct to robotic-assisted gait training. It represents a relevant tool to increase patients’ motor output, involvement, and motivation during gait training, similar to verbal instructions by a therapist.
Use of Transabdominal Ultrasound Imaging in Retraining the Pelvic-Floor Muscles of a Woman Postpartum
Authors: Ariail Allison , Sears Trace , Hampton Elizabeth 
Published: September 2008

Background and PurposePostpartum stress urinary incontinence (SUI) often compromises a woman's ability to participate in normal daily routines or physical activities. Pelvic-floor muscle (PFM) training has been shown to be effective in improving urinary incontinence. Transabdominal ultrasound (TAUS) imaging is a new, noninvasive method for assessing the function of the PFMs. This case report describes the use of TAUS imaging in the strengthening of a patient's PFMs.Case DescriptionThe patient was a 29-year-old woman experiencing SUI with high-impact activities following a history of 2 vaginal deliveries, 1 resulting in a grade III perineal laceration. Intervention included PFM training with the use of TAUS imaging. A 1-year follow-up examination was performed to assess the long-term functional outcomes experienced by the patient. The patient's ability to maintain a PFM contraction during motor tasks was documented throughout the course of treatment to demonstrate her gain in PFM control.OutcomesThe patient gained strength in her PFMs, enabling her to maintain a PFM contraction during various motor tasks. She was able to return to a running program with no SUI symptoms. Her satisfaction level was high at 1 year.DiscussionThe use of TAUS imaging was a helpful assessment and biofeedback tool for re-education and rehabilitation of the PFMs for this patient.
The safety and tolerability of atorvastatin 10 mg in the Collaborative Atorvastatin Diabetes Study (CARDS)
Authors: Newman Connie B , Szarek Michael , Colhoun Helen M , Betteridge D John , Durrington Paul N , Hitman Graham A , Neil H Andrew W , Demicco David A , Auster Sheila , Fuller John H 
Published: September 2008

The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and tolerability of atorvastatin 10 mg compared with placebo in 2,838 patients with type 2 diabetes and no history of coronary heart disease who were enrolled in the Collaborative Atorvastatin Diabetes Study (CARDS) and followed for 3.9 years. The percentages of patients experiencing treatment-associated adverse events (AEs), serious AEs and discontinuations due to AEs in the atorvastatin (n=1,428) and placebo (n=1,410) groups were 23.0% vs. 25.4%, 1.1% vs. 1.1% and 2.9% vs. 3.4%, respectively. The most common treatment-associated AEs in the atorvastatin and placebo groups were digestive system-related (8.9% vs. 10.0%). All-cause and treatment-associated myalgia were reported in 4.0% and 1.0% of atorvastatin-treated patients, and 4.8% and 1.2% of placebo-treated patients. An analysis of selected AEs by tertiles of baseline low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol showed no relationship between LDL cholesterol levels and the incidence of myalgia, cancer or nervous system AEs in either treatment group. Overall, these data demonstrate that atorvastatin 10 mg was well tolerated in patients with type 2 diabetes during long-term treatment.
Multistate Models for Life Insurance Mathematics
Authors: Norberg Ragnar 
Published: September 2008

Abstract
The subject matter and methodology of modern life insurance mathematics are surveyed in the framework of a multistate model for life‐history analysis. Standard insurance products with payments depending only on life‐ history events are described and analyzed in the commonly used Markov chain model under the assumption of deterministic interest rates. The actuarial equivalence principle for determining premiums and reserves is motivated by risk diversification in large portfolios. Differential equations for reserves and other conditional expected values are obtained and proclaimed basic, constructive, and computational tools. The traditional method for managing nondiversifiable risk arising from changes in e.g., mortality rates and interest rates is outlined; premiums are calculated under prudent assumptions, and systematic surpluses thus created are repaid as bonus. An alternative way of managing nondiversifiable risk is to link the contractual payments to the development of mortality, interest, and possibly other demographic or economic indexes. Examples of so‐called index‐linked products are given, and premiums and reserves are determined by combined use of classical actuarial principles and principles of pricing and hedging from financial mathematics. Transfer of nondiversifiable risk to the financial markets through creation of tradeable insurance derivatives is outlined as an idea. The present article is a revised and shortened version of an entry in the Encyclopedia of Actuarial Science published by Wiley in 2004.
Model Risk
Authors: Crouhy Michel , Galai Dan , Mark Robert 
Published: September 2008

Abstract
Models are an inevitable feature of modern finance, and model risk is inherent in the use of models. In this article we stress the technical elements of model risk. Models are susceptible to errors: from incorrect assumptions about price dynamics and market interactions, from implementing a model wrongly, from inaccurate estimation of volatilities and correlations and other inputs that are not directly observable and must be forecasted. We also discuss how to mitigate model risk.
Cost‐Effectiveness Analysis
Authors: Fenwick Elisabeth A.L. , Briggs Andrew H. 
Published: September 2008

Abstract
In a resource‐limited environment, it is important to determine whether a proposed health program represents a good use of scarce resources (money, labor, land, capital, etc.). Economic evaluation provides a framework to approach and inform difficult decisions about the best use of limited resources, through an assessment of both the costs and outcomes associated with a proposed program. This article first examines the foundations of economic evaluation in welfare economic theory and cost‐benefit analysis. The article then moves quickly on to a presentation of cost‐effectiveness analysis incorporating a discussion of incremental cost‐effectiveness decision rules, methods for handling uncertainty, and the use of value of information for decision making. The article focuses on the requirements of a health care policy maker attempting to determine whether to reimburse a health care technology given the information and uncertainty surrounding the decision. In addition, the article examines how the policy maker might approach the choice about whether to request further research to inform the decision. A stylized case study is used to illustrate the concepts and approach. The article links with those on decision analysis, uncertainty analysis, and value of information analysis.
Uncertainty and Variability Characterization and Measures in Risk Assessment
Authors: Rai Shesh N. 
Published: September 2008

Abstract
Probabilistic risk characterization, which is now commonly used to model risk and exposure, involves identifying sources of variations. We characterize risk as a function of risk factors. The distribution of any risk factor depends on two sources of heterogeneity (dispersion): uncertainty and variability. Uncertainty represents the degree of ignorance about the precise value of a particular parameter of a distribution. Variability represents inherent variation within the population of interest. We give an example to demonstrate uncertainty and variability that is based on a multiplicative model of risk due to contaminated drinking water.
Approaches for assessing the role of household socioeconomic status on child anthropometric measures in urban South Africa
Authors: Sheppard Zoë A. , Norris Shane A. , Pettifor John M. , Cameron Noël , Griffiths Paula L. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThe objectives of this article were to compare the variance explained in anthropometric outcomes when using individual measures of socioeconomic status (SES) versus different approaches to create SES indices within the urban African context, and to examine the influence of SES measured during infancy on child anthropometric outcomes at 7/8 years. Data from the 1990 Birth‐to‐Twenty cohort study set in Johannesburg‐Soweto, South Africa, were used (n = 888). Linear regression models were used to investigate the association between SES (individual and index measures) during infancy and anthropometric measures at age 7/8 years, controlling for sex, age, and population group. Both individual and index measures of SES explained similar proportions of the variance for each anthropometric outcome. SES measured during infancy influenced weight more than height at age 7/8 years in Johannesburg‐Soweto. Positive associations were found between SES and the anthropometric measures––ownership of a car, telephone, and having an inside flush toilet were the most significant SES variables. The similarities observed in the variance explained relating to the anthropometric outcomes suggest that researchers who want to adjust for SES in analyses could use an SES index to make statistical models more parsimonious. However, using such indices loses information relating to the specific socioeconomic factors that are important for explaining child anthropometrics. If the purpose of the research is to make policy recommendations for the improvement of child growth, individual SES variables would provide more specific information to target interventions. Am. J. Hum. Biol., 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in obese melanocortin‐4‐receptor (MC4R) deficient subjects: A newly described expression of MC4R deficiency
Authors: Agranat‐Meged Anat , Ghanadri Yoad , Eisenberg Iris , Ben Neriah Ziva , Kieselstein‐Gross Eva , Mitrani‐Rosenbaum Stella 
Published: September 2008

AbstractAttention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a heterogeneous highly heritable disorder which has recently been described to be comorbid in obese subjects. This study investigated phenotype/genotype associations in a consanguineous family with genetic obesity due to the melanocortin‐4‐receptor (MC4R) (C271R) mutation. MC4R deficiency disrupts hunger/satiety regulation resulting in abnormal eating behaviors. To date, the behavioral/psychiatric characteristics of MC4R deficiency have not been described except for a possible association with Binge Eating Disorder. Twenty‐nine subjects of a family known to carry the MC4R (C271R) mutation, were genotyped for the mutation and underwent extensive evaluations in search for physical/psychiatric phenotype characteristics. Subjects originated from proband nuclear families with morbid obese children (BMI percentile > 97%). All probands were homozygous for the MC4R (C271R) mutation. ADHD prevalence was higher than expected only in the groups carrying the homozygous or heterozygous mutation (P = 0.00057, 0.0028, respectively). An obvious difference was observed between the homozygous group and the rest of the family in terms of obesity: homozygous subjects had childhood morbid obesity whereas heterozygous subjects included lean, normal weight and later onset obese subjects. A significant difference was found in ADHD prevalence between the homozygous MC4R (C271R) group (80%) and the rest of the family (22%) (P = 0.033) and a significant trend was found between ADHD prevalence and the number of MC4R (C271R) alleles (P = 0.0267). We conclude that in our sample, the MC4R (C271R) mutation causing obesity, is in association with ADHD. Identifying specific subgroups in which the comorbidity of obesity and ADHD occur may contribute to the understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of L‐phenylalanine as a nucleation agent on the nonisothermal crystallization, melting behavior, and mechanical properties of poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyhexanoate)
Authors: Luo Rongcong , Xu Kaitian , Chen Guoqiang 
Published: September 2008

AbstractPoly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyhexanoate) (PHBHHx) is a thermoplastic biopolyester with a slow crystallization rate. L‐Phenylalanine (L‐PH) was used to improve the crystallization rate of PHBHHx. The nonisothermal crystallization kinetics and melting behaviors of PHBHHx and PHBHHx/L‐PH samples were characterized and compared with differential scanning calorimetry. At cooling rates of 2, 5, 10, and 20°C/min, PHBHHx/L‐PH could crystallize at higher temperatures than pure PHBHHx. A modified Avrami equation based analysis showed that the addition of L‐PH shortened the half‐time of crystallization of PHBHHx from 9.6 to 8.0 min and increased the composite rate constant of PHBHHx from 0.201 to 0.283 during the nonisothermal crystallization process at a cooling rate of 10°C/min. For other cooling rates, similar trends of changes were observed. These indicated a faster crystallization rate of PHBHHx in the presence of L‐PH. PHBHHx/L‐PH samples showed a higher melting temperature and a sharper melting peak than those of the pure PHBHHx, which suggested that L‐PH as a nucleation agent improved the perfection of the PHBHHx crystals. Stress–strain measurements showed that both PHBHHx and PHBHHx/L‐PH maintained their ductile and elastic properties during the 60 days of the aging study. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
A biodegradable diblcok copolymer poly(ethylene glycol)‐block‐poly(L‐lactide‐co‐2‐methyl‐2‐carboxyl‐propylene carbonate): Docetaxel and RGD conjugation
Authors: Xie Zhigang , Hu Xiuli , Chen Xuesi , Lu Tiancheng , Liu Shi , Jing Xiabin 
Published: September 2008

AbstractA diblcok copolymer monomethoxy poly (ethyleneglycol)‐block‐poly(L‐lactide‐co‐2‐methyl‐2‐carboxyl‐propylene carbonate) (MPEG‐b‐P(LA‐co‐MCC)) was obtained by copolymerization of L‐lactide (LA) and 2‐methyl‐2‐benzoxycarbonyl‐propylene carbonate (MBC) and subsequent catalytic hydrogenation. The pendant carboxyl groups of the copolymer MPEG‐b‐P(LA‐co‐MCC) were conjugated with antitumor drug docetaxel and tripeptide arginine‐glycine‐aspartic acid (RGD), respectively. 1H‐NMR spectra confirmed the structure of the copolymer MPEG‐b‐P(LA‐co‐MCC/docetaxel) and MPEG‐b‐P(LA‐co‐MCC/RGD). In vitro antitumor assay indicates that the MPEG‐b‐P(LA‐co‐MCC/docetaxel) conjugate shows high cytotoxic activity against HeLa cancer cells. Cell adhesion and spreading experiment shows that copolymer MPEG‐b‐P(LA‐co‐MCC/RGD) is of benefit to cell adherence and is a promising biodegradable material for cell and tissue engineering. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
“The great good place” where the great want is met: psychoanalytic reflections on the short story by Henry James
Authors: Young Barbara 
Published: September 2008

AbstractHenry James (1843–1916) was a prolific storyteller who supported himself by his writing. During times of frustration and disappointment, he would become depressed. His therapy was to keep busy with his pen. Though much of his writing is difficult to read, his astute observations of people's psychological functioning make the reading all worthwhile. In his later years, beginning with this story, he became more self observant, and his stories increasingly draw on his own childhood emotional experiences and become cautionary tales about how best to live one's life. This story precedes “The Beast in the Jungle” by five years. Dr Young's paper on that novella was published in this journal in 2007. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Scholarly hyperwriting: The function of links in academic weblogs
Authors: Luzón María José 
Published: September 2008

AbstractWeblogs are gaining momentum as one of most versatile tools for online scholarly communication. Since academic weblogs tend to be used by scholars to position themselves in a disciplinary blogging community, links are essential to their construction. The aim of this article is to analyze the reasons for linking in academic weblogs and to determine how links are used for distribution of information, collaborative construction of knowledge, and construction of the blog's and the blogger's identity. For this purpose I analyzed types of links in 15 academic blogs, considering both sidebar links and in‐post links. The results show that links are strategically used by academic bloggers for several purposes, among others to seek their place in a disciplinary community, to engage in hypertext conversations for collaborative construction of knowledge, to organize information in the blog, to publicize their research, to enhance the blog's visibility, and to optimize blog entries and the blog itself.
Selective Propargylation of Carbonyl Compounds and Imines with Barium Reagents
Authors: Yanagisawa Akira , Suzuki Takahiro , Koide Takanori , Okitsu Shogo , Arai Takayoshi 
Published: September 2008

AbstractA Barbier‐type regioselective propargylation of aldehydes and ketones with (3‐bromobut‐1‐ynyl)trimethylsilane has been achieved using reactive barium as a low‐valent metal in THF. Especially in the case of ketones, the corresponding homopropargylic alcohols form almost exclusively. In the reaction of α,β‐unsaturated carbonyl compounds, only 1,2‐adducts have been observed. This method is also applicable to propargylation of imines, and the corresponding homopropargylic amines are obtained regiospecifically in good yields with diastereomeric ratios of up to 87:13.
Increased risks of infant mortality and of deaths due to congenital malformation in the offspring of male electronics workers
Authors: Sung Tzu‐I , Wang Jung‐Der , Chen Pau‐Chung 
Published: September 2008

AbstractBACKGROUND:There is limited evidence on the association between paternal occupational exposure during preconception and infant mortality and deaths due to congenital malformation. This retrospective cohort study was conducted to determine if such an association existed among male workers employed in an electronics factory.METHODS:We linked the databases of labor insurance, birth registration, and national death registry, identified 7,202 male workers ever employed in this factory with 13,592 liveborn children and 81 deaths in the first year after, excluding 861 children with potential maternal exposure from the same workplace. Fathers employed in this factory during their preconceptional periods (3 months prior to the conception) were considered as exposed compared with those not employed during the same periods. Poisson regression models were constructed to adjust for potential confounding by child's sex, parity, multiple births, year of birth, parental age at delivery, and educational levels.RESULTS:Based on 24 exposed cases, the rate ratios (RRs) of infant mortality were increased to 5.06 (95% CI: 2.33–11.00) and 2.81 (95% CI: 1.44–5.51) among liveborn children whose fathers worked for >10 and 1–10 years, respectively, in this factory during preconception. Maternal delivery age less than 20 years, fathers with less than 10 years of education, and multiple births were associated with increased risks of infant mortality. When limited to 28 deaths with congenital malformation, Poisson regression model showed an increased risk for exposed pregnancies (RR = 3.75; 95% CI: 1.29–10.94), especially among cardiac defects (RR = 5.06; 95% CI: 1.58–16.19).CONCLUSIONS:Our study suggests that paternal occupational exposures, possibly to organic solvents during preconception, might increase infant mortality and deaths due to congenital malformation, especially for cardiac defects. However, the small numbers of this study limited the generalization of its findings. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Culture nutrition and physiology impact the inhibitor tolerance of the yeastPichia stipitisNRRL Y‐7124
Authors: Slininger Patricia J. , Gorsich Steven W. , Liu Zonglin L. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractPichia stipitisNRRL Y‐7124 is one of the natural yeasts best able to utilize biomass because it is able to ferment hexoses and the pentose, xylose, to economically recoverable concentrations of ethanol. To test the impact of culture conditions on inhibitor tolerance, inhibitors were spiked to growing or stationary‐phaseP. stipitissupplied either glucose or xylose and varying nitrogen and mineral compositions; then the ensuing specific death rate response was measured. Resistance of glucose‐ or xylose‐grown cells to inhibitors was generally greater in stationary‐phase cells than log‐phase cells, despite a greater exposure of stationary cells to ethanol. Consistent with this, the specific productivity of detoxification products, furan methanol or furan‐2,5‐dimethanol, from respective spikes of furfural or HMF increased as cultures progressed into stationary phase. However, when xylose was the substrate, ethanol resistance behaved uniquely and was greater for log‐ than stationary‐phase cells. Amino acid enrichment of the growth medium significantly enhanced ethanol tolerance if xylose was the carbon source, but had no impact if glucose supplied carbon. Regardless of the carbon source, amino acid enrichment of the culture medium enhanced the ability of cells to resist furfural and HMF exposure. Mineral compositions tested had little impact on inhibitor resistance except stationary‐phase xylose‐grown cells were more susceptible to inhibitor exposure when magnesium sulfate was excessive. Observed tolerance optimization based on specific death rate as a function of culture physiological state, carbon source, nitrogen source and mineral composition provides new knowledge supporting process designs to convert biomass to ethanol usingP. stipitis. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2009; 102: 778–790. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.