bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimating Fetal and Maternal Genetic Contributions to Premature Birth From Multiparous Pregnancy Histories of Twins Using MCMC and Maximum-Likelihood Approaches
Authors: York Timothy P. , Strauss Jerome F. , Neale Michael C. , Eaves Lindon J.
Published: August 2009

The analysis of genetic and environmental contributions to preterm birth is not straightforward in family studies, as etiology could involve both maternal and fetal genes. Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) methods are presented as a flexible approach for defining user-specified covariance structures to handle multiple random effects and hierarchical dependencies inherent in children of twin (COT) studies of pregnancy outcomes. The proposed method is easily modified to allow for the study of gestational age as a continuous trait and as a binary outcome reflecting the presence or absence of preterm birth. Estimation of fetal and maternal genetic factors and the effect of the environment are demonstrated using MCMC methods implemented in WinBUGS and maximum likelihood methods in a Virginia COT sample comprising 7,061 births. In summary, although the contribution of maternal and fetal genetic factors was supported using both outcomes, additional births and/or extended relationships are required to precisely estimate both genetic effects simultaneously. We anticipate the flexibility of MCMC methods to handle increasingly complex models to be of particular relevance for the study of birth outcomes.
A General Factor of Personality From Multitrait–Multimethod Data and Cross–National Twins
Authors: Rushton J. Philippe , Bons Trudy Ann , Ando Juko , Hur Yoon-Mi , Irwing Paul , Vernon Philip A. , Petrides K. V. , Barbaranelli Claudio
Published: August 2009

In three studies, a General Factor of Personality (GFP) was found to occupy the apex of the hierarchical structure. In Study 1, a GFP emerged independent of method variance and accounted for 54% of the reliable variance in a multitrait–multimethod assessment of 391 Italian high school students that used self-, teacher-, and parent-ratings on the Big Five Questionnaire — Children. In Study 2, a GFP was found in the seven dimensions of Cloninger's Temperament and Character Inventory as well as the Big Five of the NEO PI-R, with the GFPtci correlatingr= .72 with the GFPneo. These results indicate that the GFP is practically the same in both test batteries, and its existence does not depend on being extracted using the Big Five model. The GFP accounted for 22% of the total variance in these trait measures, which were assessed in 651 pairs of 14- to 30-year-old Japanese twins. In Study 3, a GFP accounted for 32% of the total variance in nine scales derived from the NEO PI-R, the Humor Styles Questionnaire, and the Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire assessed in 386 pairs of 18- to 74-year-old Canadian and U.S. twins. The GFP was found to be 50% heritable with high scores indicating openness, conscientiousness, sociability, agreeableness, emotional stability, good humor and emotional intelligence. The possible evolutionary origins of the GFP are discussed.
An Investigation Into Etiological Pathways of DCD and ADHD Using a Monozygotic Twin Design
Authors: Pearsall-Jones Jillian G. , Piek Jan P. , Rigoli Daniela , Martin Neilson C. , Levy Florence
Published: August 2009

We previously described a co-twin control design using questionnaire data on monozygotic twins discordant and concordant for developmental coordination disorder (DCD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Our results suggested that DCD and developmental ADHD had different causal pathways, and that second-born twins were at higher risk for oxygen perfusion problems than first-born twins. In the current study we further explored our findings using DNA confirmed zygosity and assessments of 4 female and 10 male sets of monozygotic twins, aged 8 to 17 years, from the first study. Using the McCarron Assessment of Neuromuscular Development (MAND), twice as many second- as first-born twins met criteria for DCD. Second-born twins attained significantly lower scores on 1-minute Apgar, MAND Gross Motor, Bimanual Dexterity and Neuromuscular Development Index. Seven of the nine twins who met criteria for DCD experienced perinatal oxygen perfusion problems. This supported findings in the first study of an association between perinatal oxygen perfusion problems and DCD, and our hypothesis that DCD and cerebral palsy have similar causal pathways. We found similar numbers of males and females discordant for DCD. On telephone interview using the Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children Parent Interview, the only first-, and all five second-born twins who met criteria for ADHD had an inattentive component — three Inattentive; three Combined. All twins positive for ADHD were male. This adds support to our hypothesis that ADHD symptoms found in some participants may reflect secondary ADHD associated with environmental factors, rather than developmental ADHD.
How Couples Cope With the Death of a Twin or Higher Order Multiple
Authors: Swanson Patricia B. , Kane Robert T. , Pearsall-Jones Jillian G. , Swanson Carl F. , Croft Maxine L.
Published: August 2009

Fifty-two Australian couples who had experienced the death of at least one member of a multiple birth (twin or higher order), with at least one survivor of that birth, were interviewed about their experiences at the time of the death, and since. This study compared parents' coping after the twins' deaths using the Beck Depression Inventory II, Perinatal Grief Scale, and unstructured interviews with some structured queries. Parents provided information on the influence of family, community and medical staff. According to retrospective reports, mothers experienced significantly more depression and grief than fathers at the time of loss. Both parents found the death of their twins grievous, but fathers, unlike mothers, were not encouraged to express their emotions. Although parents generally agreed about what helped them cope, fathers believed that they should be able to cope regardless of their grief. The strength of parents' spiritual beliefs had increased significantly since their loss, and there was some evidence that depressed and grieving mothers turned to spiritual support. Parents whose children died earlier reported levels of depression similar to those reported by parents whose children died later. To date, this is the largest study of grief in couples who have experienced the death of a twin and who have a surviving twin or higher order multiple.
International Atomic Energy Agency Coordinated Research Projects on Structural Integrity of Reactor Pressure Vessels
Authors: Server William L. , Nanstad Randy K.
Published: August 2009

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has conducted a series of coordinated research projects (CRPs) that have focused on irradiated reactor pressure vessel (RPV) steel fracture toughness properties and approaches for assuring structural integrity of RPVs throughout operating life. A series of nine CRPs has been sponsored by the IAEA, starting in the early 1970s, focused on neutron radiation effects on RPV steels. The purpose of the CRPs was to develop comparisons and correlations to test the uniformity of irradiated results through coordinated international research studies and data sharing. Consideration of dose rate effects, effects of alloying (nickel, manganese, silicon, etc.) and residual elements (e.g., copper and phosphorus), and drop in upper shelf toughness is also important for assessing neutron embrittlement effects. The ultimate use of embrittlement understanding is assuring structural integrity of the RPV under current and future operation and accident conditions. Material fracture toughness is the key ingredient needed for this assessment, and many of the CRPs have focused on measurement and application of irradiated fracture toughness. This paper presents an overview of the progress made since the inception of the CRPs in the early 1970s. The chronology and importance of each CRP have been reviewed and put into context for continued and long-term safe operation of RPVs.
Pediatric Urolithiasis: Clinical Predictors in the Emergency Department
Authors: Persaud Andre C. , Stevenson Michelle D. , McMahon Daniel R. , Christopher Norman C.
Published: August 2009

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to identify factors that predict the presence of urolithiasis detected with unenhanced computed tomography (UCT) in children.

METHODS: A retrospective study of all subjects <21 years of age who presented to the emergency department at Akron Children's Hospital and underwent UCT of the abdomen between January 2002 and December 2005 was performed. Demographic, clinical, diagnostic, treatment, and disposition data were abstracted by using a standardized form. Univariate and logistic regression analyses of factors associated with urolithiasis were performed.

RESULTS: A total of 339 eligible patients were identified, with 110 cases of urolithiasis detected with UCT for 95 individual patients. The mean age of the study patients was 14.4 years; 72 patients (66%) were female. In 17 cases (15%) of urolithiasis, initial urinalysis results were negative for blood. Fifty-seven stones (51.8%) were ureteral, 26 (23.6%) were renal, and 4 (3.6%) were in the bladder. Among children who did not have a stone identified through UCT, 23 cases (10%) of potentially significant, alternative diagnoses were identified. A history of urolithiasis, a history of nausea and vomiting, the presence of flank pain on examination, and >2 red blood cells per high-power field in urine microscopy were positively associated with urolithiasis. A history of fever or dysuria and costovertebral angle tenderness on physical examination were inversely associated with urolithiasis on UCT scans.

CONCLUSIONS: UCT plays an important role in the diagnostic evaluation of children with flank pain. Approximately 15% of children with urolithiasis do not have hematuria.
Conservation in the dark? The information used to support management decisions
Authors: Cook Carly N , Hockings Marc , Carter RW (Bill)
Published: August 2009

The management requirements for protected areas are frequently complex and urgent; as a result, managers often need to act quickly and make decisions with limited supporting evidence at their disposal. Despite demands for high‐quality information, it is unclear how much of this evidence conservation practitioners use to assist with their decision making. We investigated the information used to manage protected areas, based on the evidence reported by practitioners when evaluating their management performance. We examined the management of over 1000 protected areas run by two Australian conservation agencies – Parks Victoria and the New South Wales Department of Environment and Climate Change – an unprecedented scope for this type of study. We found that very few conservation practitioners use evidence‐based knowledge to support their management. The evidence used varies with the management issue, reserve type, and reserve size. Around 60% of conservation management decisions rely on experience‐based information, and many practitioners report having insufficient evidence to assess their management decisions. While experience plays an important role in conservation management, the apparent lack of evidence‐based information to support decision making in the reserves has the potential to compromise outcomes and jeopardize the investment made in protected areas for conservation.
Refined aquatic risk assessment for aldicarb in the United States
Authors: Moore Dwayne RJ , Thompson Ryan P , Rodney Sara I , Fischer David , Ramanarayanan Tharacad , Hall Tilghman
Published: August 2009

Aldicarb is a systemic insecticide applied directly to soil and to control mites, nematodes, and aphids on a variety of crops (e.g., cotton, potatoes, peanuts). It is highly soluble in water (6,000 mg/L) and mobile in soils (Koc = 100). As a result, aldicarb has the potential to be transported to aquatic systems close to treated fields. The US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) recently conducted an aquatic screening-level ERA for aldicarb as part of the re-registration review process. We conducted a refined risk assessment for aldicarb to characterize better the risks posed by aldicarb to fish and invertebrates inhabiting small freshwater ponds near agricultural areas. For the exposure assessment, tier II PRZM/EXAMS (Predicted Root Zone Model [PRZM] and Exposure Analysis Modelling System [EXAMS]) modelling was conducted to estimate 30-y distributions of peak concentrations of aldicarb and the carbamate metabolites (aldicarb sulfoxide, aldicarb sulfone) in surface waters of a standard pond arising from different uses of aldicarb. The effects assessment was performed using a species sensitivity distribution (SSD) approach. The resulting risk curves as well as available incident reports suggest that risks to freshwater fish and invertebrates from exposure to aldicarb are minor. The available monitoring data did not provide conclusive evidence about risks to aquatic biota. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2010; 6:102–118. © 2009 SETAC
Définissabilité dans les corps de fonctions p-adiques
Authors: Bélair Luc , Duret Jean-Louis
Published: August 2009

We study function fields over p-adically closed fields in the first-order language of fields. Using ideas of Duret [D], we show that the field of constants is definable, and that the genus is an elementary property.
Concerning n-tactics in the countable-finite game
Authors: Scheepers Marion
Published: August 2009

In the paper [S1] I introduced a game, denoted by MG(J) (where J is a free ideal on some infinite set S) and called “the meager nowhere dense game for J”. The special case when J is the collection of finite subsets of the set S is called the countable-finite game on S. It proceeds as follows.

First player ONE picks a countable set C1, then player TWO picks a finite set F1. Then in the second inning ONE picks a countable set C2 with C1 ⊂ C2 (unless explicitly indicated otherwise, “⊂” means “is a proper subset of”) and TWO responds with a finite set F2, and so on. The players construct a sequence (C1,F1,C2,F2,…,Ck,Fk,…) where for each positive integer k

(i) Ck denotes ONE's countable set picked during the kth inning,

(ii) Fk denotes TWO's finite set picked during the kth inning, and

(iii) Ck ⊂ Ck + 1.

Such a sequence is a play of the countable-finite game on S, and TWO wins this play if is contained in . The notion of a winning perfect information strategy is defined as usual (see, for example, [S1]). Zermelo-Fraenkel set theory together with the axiom of choice (denoted by ZFC; for a statement of the axioms see pp. xv–xvi of [K]) is a strong enough theory to build a winning perfect information strategy for player TWO in this game.

Does TWO have a winning strategy requiring less than perfect information? Fix a positive integer k. A strategy of TWO which requires knowledge of only at the most the k most recent moves of ONE is said to be a k-tactic. For the countable-finite game on an infinite set S the following facts about the existence of winning k-tactics for TWO are proved in [S1]:

1) TWO does not have a winning 1-tactic (Theorem 1 of [S1]).

2) If the cardinality of S is less than ℵ2 then TWO has a winning 2-tactic (Corollary 4 of [S1]).

3) If TWO has a winning k-tactic in the countable-finite game on an infinite set S, then TWO has a winning 3-tactic (Proposition 15 of [SI]).
XVIIème problème de Hilbert sur les corps chaîne-clos
Authors: Gondard Françoise Delon et Danielle
Published: August 2009

A chain-closed field is defined as a chainable field (i.e. a real field such that, for all n ∈ N, ΣK2n+2 ≠ ΣK2n) which does not admit any “faithful” algebraic extension, and can also be seen as a field having a Henselian valuation ν such that the residue field K/ν is real closed and the value group νK is odd divisible with ∣νK/2νK∣ = 2. If K admits only one such valuation, we show that f ∈ K(X) is in ΣK(X)2n for any real algebraic extension L of K,“f(L) ⊆ ΣL2n” holds. The conclusion is also true for K = R((t))(a chainable but not chain-closed field), and in the case n = 1 it holds for several variables and any real field K.
Study on Creep Properties of Japonica Cooked Rice and Its Relationship with Rice Chemical Compositions and Sensory Evaluation
Authors: Chang Su-qiang , Li Dong , Lan Yubin , Ozkan Necati , Shi John , Chen Xiao Dong , Mao Zhi-huai
Published: August 2009

Creep properties of four varieties japonica cooked rice were tested using a dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA Q800). The creep curve was described by Burgers model. The creep process of japonica cooked rice mainly consisted of retarded elastic deformation, ?R and viscous flow deformation, ?V, and negligible instantaneous elastic deformation, ?E. The retarded elastic modulus, ?2, relaxation time, ?, and the viscosity coefficient, ?1, of the cooked rice according to the Burger model were estimated through nonlinear regression. The effect of the chemical compositions on the rheological parameters based on creep behavior of cooked rice was assessed. Correlation analysis indicated that the retarded elastic modulus, ?2, had positive correlations with protein (r = 0.952, P = 0.048). The relaxation time, ?, had negative correlation with protein content (r = -0.909, P = 0.091). The viscosity coefficient, ?1, was negatively correlated to amylose (r = -0.915, P = 0.085). The analysis between creep parameters and sensory evaluation showed that the viscosity coefficient, ?1, positively correlated to stickiness and total evaluation of cooked rice. So it can be used to evaluate the eating quality of cooked rice.
Comments on "Suspension Mixing Tank - Design Heuristic"
Authors: Fort Ivan
Published: August 2009

The study deals with analysis of the process characteristics of agitated system with a pitched blade impeller and radial baffles (impeller power input and impeller pumping capacity) under turbulent regime of flow of agitated batch. Original experimental data are compared with results of CFD simulation in a pilot plant mixing system published in literature.
Hypermetabolism, Hyperphagia, and Reduced Adiposity in Tankyrase-Deficient Mice
Authors: Yeh Tsung-Yin J. , Beiswenger Kristina K. , Li Pingping , Bolin Krista E. , Lee Ray M. , Tsao Tsu-Shuen , Murphy Anne N. , Hevener Andrea L. , Chi Nai-Wen
Published: August 2009

OBJECTIVE

Tankyrase (TNKS) is a Golgi-associated poly-ADP-ribose polymerase that is implicated in the regulation of GLUT4 trafficking in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Its chromosomal locus 8p23.1 is linked to monogenic forms of diabetes in certain kindred. We hypothesize that TNKS is involved in energy homeostasis in mammals.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Gene-trap techniques were used to ablate TNKS expression in mice. Homozygous and wild-type littermates maintained on standard chow were compared.

RESULTS

Wild-type mice express the TNKS protein abundantly in adipose tissue, the brain, and the endocrine pancreas but scarcely in the exocrine pancreas and skeletal muscle. TNKS-deficient mice consume increased amounts of food (by 34%) but have decreased plasma leptin levels and a >50% reduction in epididymal and perirenal fat pad size. Their energy expenditure is increased as assessed by metabolic cage studies and core body temperatures. These changes are not attributable to an increase in physical activity or uncoupled respiration (based on oxygraph analyses of mitochondria isolated from brown fat and skeletal muscle). The heightened thermogenesis of TNKS-deficient mice is apparently fueled by increases in both fatty acid oxidation (based on muscle and liver gene expression analyses and plasma ketone levels) and insulin-stimulated glucose utilization (determined by hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamps). Although TNKS deficiency does not compromise insulin-stimulated GLUT4 translocation in primary adipocytes, it leads to the post-transcriptional upregulation of GLUT4 and adiponectin in adipocytes and increases plasma adiponectin levels.

CONCLUSIONS

TNKS-deficient mice exhibit increases in energy expenditure, fatty acid oxidation, and insulin-stimulated glucose utilization. Despite excessive food intake, their adiposity is substantially decreased.
Common Genetic Variation Near Melatonin Receptor MTNR1B Contributes to Raised Plasma Glucose and Increased Risk of Type 2 Diabetes Among Indian Asians and European Caucasians
Authors: Chambers John C. , Zhang Weihua , Zabaneh Delilah , Sehmi Joban , Jain Piyush , McCarthy Mark I. , Froguel Philippe , Ruokonen Aimo , Balding David , Jarvelin Marjo-Riitta , Scott James , Elliott Paul , Kooner Jaspal S.
Published: August 2009

OBJECTIVE

Fasting plasma glucose and risk of type 2 diabetes are higher among Indian Asians than among European and North American Caucasians. Few studies have investigated genetic factors influencing glucose metabolism among Indian Asians.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We carried out genome-wide association studies for fasting glucose in 5,089 nondiabetic Indian Asians genotyped with the Illumina Hap610 BeadChip and 2,385 Indian Asians (698 with type 2 diabetes) genotyped with the Illumina 300 BeadChip. Results were compared with findings in 4,462 European Caucasians.

RESULTS

We identified three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with glucose among Indian Asians at P < 5 × 10−8, all near melatonin receptor MTNR1B. The most closely associated was rs2166706 (combined P = 2.1 × 10−9), which is in moderate linkage disequilibrium with rs1387153 (r2 = 0.60) and rs10830963 (r2 = 0.45), both previously associated with glucose in European Caucasians. Risk allele frequency and effect sizes for rs2166706 were similar among Indian Asians and European Caucasians: frequency 46.2 versus 45.0%, respectively (P = 0.44); effect 0.05 (95% CI 0.01–0.08) versus 0.05 (0.03–0.07 mmol/l), respectively, higher glucose per allele copy (P = 0.84). SNP rs2166706 was associated with type 2 diabetes in Indian Asians (odds ratio 1.21 [95% CI 1.06–1.38] per copy of risk allele; P = 0.006). SNPs at the GCK, GCKR, and G6PC2 loci were also associated with glucose among Indian Asians. Risk allele frequencies of rs1260326 (GCKR) and rs560887 (G6PC2) were higher among Indian Asians compared with European Caucasians.

CONCLUSIONS

Common genetic variation near MTNR1B influences blood glucose and risk of type 2 diabetes in Indian Asians. Genetic variation at the MTNR1B, GCK, GCKR, and G6PC2 loci may contribute to abnormal glucose metabolism and related metabolic disturbances among Indian Asians.
Significant Synergistic Effect of Peroxisome Proliferator–Activated Receptor γ C-2821T and Diabetes on the Risk of Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Hsieh Fang-I , Lo Wei-Cheng , Lin Huey-Juan , Hsieh Yi-Chen , Lien Li-Ming , Bai Chyi-Huey , Tseng Hung-Pin , Chiou Hung-Yi
Published: August 2009

OBJECTIVE

To explore the relationship between the genetic polymorphisms of PPARγ (Pro12Ala, C1431T, and C-2821T) and the risk of ischemic stroke and to investigate whether these genetic polymorphisms of PPARγ would modify the risk of ischemic stroke among patients with hypertension or diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The case-control study was conducted with 537 ischemic stroke patients and 537 control subjects. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information on conventional cardiovascular risk factors and laboratory results. The genetic polymorphisms of PPARγ were determined by PCR–restriction fragment–length polymorphism.

RESULTS

A significant interaction was seen between the −2821C allele and diabetes but not between this allele and hypertension. A markedly elevated risk of ischemic stroke (odds ratio 9.7) was found in the subjects with diabetes and the −2821C allele compared with that in those without these two risk factors.

CONCLUSIONS

The −2821C allele of PPARγ was a strong predictor of ischemic stroke for diabetic patients.
Translations from Greek and Latin Classics, Part 2: 1701–1800: A Revised Bibliography
Authors: Gillespie Stuart
Published: August 2009

This is the second instalment of a two-part revision of the classical translation sections of the second edition of The Cambridge Bibliography of English Literature, Vols 2-3. The recent discontinuation of the revised edition of CBEL deprives the scholarly world of an up-to-date version of the most complete bibliography of its kind; this contribution makes good that loss for this topic. Over its now complete two parts 1550-1800 it runs to some 1,500 items of translation for what might be held to constitute the golden age of the English classical translating tradition. Checking of existing entries in the listings has led to a large number of internal corrections, including deletions, but the records have been expanded by a net 20%, with several minor classical authors added. As compared to the previous CBEL editions of the 1940s, this reflects the availability of digital-era resources such as the English Short Title Catalogue.
2-(4-Pentyloxyphenyl)benzothiazole
Authors: Ha Sie , Koh Teck , Ong Siew , Lee Teck , Sivasothy Yasodha
Published: August 2009

2-(4-Pentyloxyphenyl)benzothiazole was synthesized and its IR, 1H NMR and MS spectroscopic data are presented.
An Efficient and Self-Adapting Localization in Static Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Teng Guodong , Zheng Kougen , Dong Wei
Published: August 2009

Localization is one of the most important subjects in Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs). To reduce the number of beacons and adopt probabilistic methods, some particle filter-based mobile beacon-assisted localization approaches have been proposed, such as Mobile Beacon-assisted Localization (MBL), Adapting MBL (A-MBL), and the method proposed by Hang et al. Some new significant problems arise in these approaches, however. The first question is which probability distribution should be selected as the dynamic model in the prediction stage. The second is whether the unknown node adopts neighbors’ observation in the update stage. The third is how to find a self-adapting mechanism to achieve more flexibility in the adapting stage. In this paper, we give the theoretical analysis and experimental evaluations to suggest which probability distribution in the dynamic model should be adopted to improve the efficiency in the prediction stage. We also give the condition for whether the unknown node should use the observations from its neighbors to improve the accuracy. Finally, we propose a Self-Adapting Mobile Beacon-assisted Localization (SA-MBL) approach to achieve more flexibility and achieve almost the same performance with A-MBL.
Implementation of E-learning in a Large Organization: The Critical Role of Relevance to Work
Authors: Netteland Grete
Published: August 2009

The literature on workplace e-learning recommends in general a standardized implementation process, in which the same type of implementation approach is used in all parts of the company.

The findings reported in this paper extend the previous research on workplace e-learning. The paper suggests that large, multilevel organizations with different types of work need to adopt a differentiated implementation process that takes the unique characteristics of the organizational units into account. Based on a case study of a large-scale, enterprise-wide implementation of e-learning in the largest Norwegian telecommunications company, the bottlenecks associated with different work contexts are explored.

Using aspects of Activity Theory and the five typologies of work introduced by the Theory of the Historical Development of Production as a conceptual framework for the analysis, six critical problems were identified during a four-year case study. The problem of Relevance to Work is described and analyzed, focusing on the disruptive role of this issue both in the introduction phase as well as for the sustainability of e-learning in the four main units of the company. The findings provide new insight into the importance of Relevance to Work when implementing e-learning in a corporate setting. By exploring the problem not only in terms of the current workplace e-learning tradition but also informed by Activity Theory and the Theory of the Historical Development of Production, the paper aims to make a contribution to the literature on e-learning implementations in large organizations.
Supporting Informal Learning at the Workplace
Authors: Lukosch Heide Karen , De Vries Pieter
Published: August 2009

In times of rapid technological and socio-economic changes, knowledge sharing and learning have become critical assets for most organizations and companies. New ways of learning and training are needed to cope with the rising demand of information. The Microtraining method developed on basis of recent learning theories and concepts is an answer to the need of flexibility of learning settings related to space and time, the availability of experts and the applicability of what is learned and trained at the workplace. This concept of informal learning comprises short learning sessions with work related topics. These learning occasions facilitate informal learning at the workplace on individual as well as on organizational level, as can be seen from two case studies.
TalkShop/2CG(R) – Language Learning on the Debate
Authors: Merl Christina
Published: August 2009

TalkShop/2CG® stands for content- and context-based generic competence coaching and has been developed to prepare individuals and organizations for work and leadership in the knowledge-based economy. The integrated face-to-face and online coaching methodology provides tailor-made language and generic competence coaching â??on the debateâ??, while facilitating peer exchange in communities of practice. Particular emphasis is placed on promoting collaborative and social learning processes in blended learning environments where learners can develop and improve their foreign language skills and other generic competencies that are required for effective communication in todayâ??s international business environment.
Lifelong Learning and Virtual Communities in the Public Administration: A Case Study in Italy
Authors: Colazzo Luigi , Molinari Andrea , Villa Nicola
Published: August 2009

This work introduces our experience in developing L3, a project that aims at developing an educational and collaborative environment oriented towards public employees of our provincial administration (Autonomous Province of Trento - P.A.T. - Italy). Our research group has been involved for years in the design and development of e-learning applications; in the new L3 system we realized that the simple re-design of a traditional e-learning system was too limited with respect to the needs, especially concerning users' active participation in a more "social" sense. This work presents the first results of the project, which has a three year duration, and its development towards a future "Private Community Environment".
Adaptive Learning Environments: A Requirements Analysis in Business Settings
Authors: Höver Kai Michael , Steiner Christina
Published: August 2009

The design and development of an adaptive learning system (ALS) should be guided by a thorough analysis of usersâ?? expectations and needs. A requirements analysis has been carried out by means of scenario-based semi-structured interviews in order to investigate the personalization and adaptation preferences of different stakeholder groups in business settings. Results show that an ALS has a decided advantage over a non-adaptive learning system by offering individual treatment of learners. The adaptation of content and learning activities to learner knowledge and learning goal, particularly determined by the job role, is perceived to be most relevant.
hData - A Simple XML Framework for Health Data Exchange
Authors: Beuchelt Gerald , Sleeper Harry , Gregorowicz Andrew , Dingwell Robert
Published: August 2009

Health data interoperability issues limit the expected benefits of Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems. Ideally, the medical history of a patient is recorded in a set of digital continuity of care documents which are securely available to the patient and their care providers on demand. The history of electronic health data standards includes multiple standards organizations, differing goals, and ongoing efforts to reconcile the various specifications. Existing standards define a format that is too complex for exchanging health data effectively. We propose hData, a simple XML-based framework to describe health information. hData addresses the complexities of the current HL7 Clinical Document Architecture (CDA). hData is an XML design that can be completely validated by modern XML editors and is explicitly designed for extensibility to address future health information exchange needs. hData applies established best practices for XML document architectures to the health domain, thereby facilitating interoperability, increasing software developer productivity, and thus reducing the cost for creating and maintaining EHR technologies.
Markup Meaning and Mereology
Authors: Huitfeldt Claus , Sperberg-McQueen C. M. , Marcoux Yves
Published: August 2009

When marking up a document we chop it up into elements. Elements are parts of the document, some of which contain further elements, i.e., have parts of their own. Thus, the part-whole relation is central to the way markup works.

Mereology is precisely the theory of part-whole relationships, but has not yet found much application in markup theory. In this paper we provide a sketch of how mereology, in the form more specifically of Nelson Goodman's Calculus of Individuals, might be applied to markup.

We discuss ways of identifying the individuals of marked-up documents and of referencing these individuals, and we sketch some ways of applying the calculus to the problem of propagation of properties in documents.
Aspirin vs Placebo as Adjuvant Therapy for Breast Cancer
Authors: Chen Wendy Y. , Ballman Karla V. , Partridge Ann H. , Hahn Olwen M. , Briccetti Frederick M. , Irvin William J. , Symington Banu , Visvanathan Kala , Pohlmann Paula R. , Openshaw Thomas H. , Weiss Anna , Winer Eric P. , Carey Lisa A. , Holmes Michelle D.
Published: April 2024

Importance

Observational studies of survivors of breast cancer and prospective trials of aspirin for cardiovascular disease suggest improved breast cancer survival among aspirin users, but prospective studies of aspirin to prevent breast cancer recurrence are lacking.

Objective

To determine whether aspirin decreases the risk of invasive cancer events among survivors of breast cancer.

Design, Setting, and Participants

A011502, a phase 3, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial conducted in the United States and Canada with 3020 participants who had high-risk nonmetastatic breast cancer, enrolled participants from 534 sites from January 6, 2017, through December 4, 2020, with follow-up to March 4, 2023.

Interventions

Participants were randomized (stratified for hormone receptor status [positive vs negative], body mass index [≤30 vs >30], stage II vs III, and time since diagnosis [<18 vs ≥18 months]) to receive 300 mg of aspirin (n = 1510) or placebo once daily (n = 1510) for 5 years.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was invasive disease–free survival. Overall survival was a key secondary outcome.

Results

A total of 3020 participants were randomized when the data and safety monitoring committee recommended suspending the study at the first interim analysis because the hazard ratio had crossed the prespecified futility bound. By median follow-up of 33.8 months (range, 0.1-72.6 months), 253 invasive disease–free survival events were observed (141 in the aspirin group and 112 in the placebo group), yielding a hazard ratio of 1.27 (95% CI, 0.99-1.63; P = .06). All invasive disease–free survival events, including death, invasive progression (both distant and locoregional), and new primary events, were numerically higher in the aspirin group, although the differences were not statistically significant. There was no difference in overall survival (hazard ratio, 1.19; 95% CI, 0.82-1.72). Rates of grades 3 and 4 adverse events were similar in both groups.

Conclusion and Relevance

Among participants with high-risk nonmetastatic breast cancer, daily aspirin therapy did not improve risk of breast cancer recurrence or survival in early follow-up. Despite its promise and wide availability, aspirin should not be recommended as an adjuvant breast cancer treatment.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02927249
Global Production of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients for US Generic Drugs Experiencing Shortages
Authors: Socal Mariana P. , Crane Matthew A. , Anderson Gerard F.
Published: April 2024

This study evaluates the characteristics of generic active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) used to manufacture drugs with shortages in the US and facilities producing APIs worldwide.
Sociodemographic Factors and Trends in Bronchiolitis-Related Emergency Department Visit and Hospitalization Rates
Authors: Mahant Sanjay , Borkhoff Cornelia M. , Parkin Patricia C. , Imsirovic Haris , Tuna Meltem , Macarthur Colin , To Teresa , Gill Peter J. ,   Canadian Paediatric Inpatient Research Network (PIRN)
Published: April 2024

Importance

Bronchiolitis is the most common and most cumulatively expensive condition in pediatric hospital care. Few population-based studies have examined health inequalities in bronchiolitis outcomes over time.

Objective

To examine trends in bronchiolitis-related emergency department (ED) visit and hospitalization rates by sociodemographic factors in a universally funded health care system.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This repeated cross-sectional cohort study was performed from April 1, 2004, to March 31, 2022, using population-based health administrative data from children younger than 2 years in Ontario, Canada.

Main Outcome and Measures

Bronchiolitis ED visit and hospitalization rates per 1000 person-years reported for the equity stratifiers of sex, residence location (rural vs urban), and material resources quintile. Trends in annual rates by equity stratifiers were analyzed using joinpoint regression and estimating the average annual percentage change (AAPC) with 95% CI and the absolute difference in AAPC with 95% CI from April 1, 2004, to March 31, 2020.

Results

Of 2 921 573 children included in the study, 1 422 088 (48.7%) were female and 2 619 139 (89.6%) lived in an urban location. Emergency department visit and hospitalization rates were highest for boys, those with rural residence, and those with least material resources. There were no significant between-group absolute differences in the AAPC in ED visits per 1000 person-years by sex (female vs male; 0.22; 95% CI, −0.92 to 1.35; P = .71), residence (rural vs urban; −0.31; 95% CI −1.70 to 1.09; P = .67), or material resources (quintile 5 vs 1; −1.17; 95% CI, −2.57 to 0.22; P = .10). Similarly, there were no significant between-group absolute differences in the AAPC in hospitalizations per 1000 person-years by sex (female vs male; 0.53; 95% CI, −1.11 to 2.17; P = .53), residence (rural vs urban; −0.62; 95% CI, −2.63 to 1.40; P = .55), or material resources (quintile 5 vs 1; −0.93; 95% CI −3.80 to 1.93; P = .52).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this population-based cohort study of children in a universally funded health care system, inequalities in bronchiolitis ED visit and hospitalization rates did not improve over time.
A deep learning‐based 3D Prompt‐nnUnet model for automatic segmentation in brachytherapy of postoperative endometrial carcinoma
Authors: Xue Xian , Liang Dazhu , Wang Kaiyue , Gao Jianwei , Ding Jingjing , Zhou Fugen , Xu Juan , Liu Hefeng , Sun Quanfu , Jiang Ping , Tao Laiyuan , Shi Wenzhao , Cheng Jinsheng
Published: April 2024

Purpose

To create and evaluate a three‐dimensional (3D) Prompt‐nnUnet module that utilizes the prompts‐based model combined with 3D nnUnet for producing the rapid and consistent autosegmentation of high‐risk clinical target volume (HR CTV) and organ at risk (OAR) in high‐dose‐rate brachytherapy (HDR BT) for patients with postoperative endometrial carcinoma (EC).

Methods and materials

On two experimental batches, a total of 321 computed tomography (CT) scans were obtained for HR CTV segmentation from 321 patients with EC, and 125 CT scans for OARs segmentation from 125 patients. The numbers of training/validation/test were 257/32/32 and 87/13/25 for HR CTV and OARs respectively. A novel comparison of the deep learning neural network 3D Prompt‐nnUnet and 3D nnUnet was applied for HR CTV and OARs segmentation. Three‐fold cross validation and several quantitative metrics were employed, including Dice similarity coefficient (DSC), Hausdorff distance (HD), 95th percentile of Hausdorff distance (HD95%), and intersection over union (IoU).

Results

The Prompt‐nnUnet included two forms of parameters Predict‐Prompt (PP) and Label‐Prompt (LP), with the LP performing most similarly to the experienced radiation oncologist and outperforming the less experienced ones. During the testing phase, the mean DSC values for the LP were 0.96 ± 0.02, 0.91 ± 0.02, and 0.83 ± 0.07 for HR CTV, rectum and urethra, respectively. The mean HD values (mm) were 2.73 ± 0.95, 8.18 ± 4.84, and 2.11 ± 0.50, respectively. The mean HD95% values (mm) were 1.66 ± 1.11, 3.07 ± 0.94, and 1.35 ± 0.55, respectively. The mean IoUs were 0.92 ± 0.04, 0.84 ± 0.03, and 0.71 ± 0.09, respectively. A delineation time < 2.35 s per structure in the new model was observed, which was available to save clinician time.

Conclusion

The Prompt‐nnUnet architecture, particularly the LP, was highly consistent with ground truth (GT) in HR CTV or OAR autosegmentation, reducing interobserver variability and shortening treatment time.
Rigidity‐Tunable Materials for Soft Engineering Systems
Authors: Roh Yeonwook , Lim Daseul , Kang Minji , Cho Junggwang , Han Seungyong , Ko Seung Hwan
Published: April 2024

Engineering systems that leverage the flexibility and softness of soft materials have been fostering revolutionary progress and broad interest across various applications. The inherently flexible mechanical properties of these materials lay the groundwork for engineering systems that can adapt comparably to biological organisms, enabling them to adjust to unpredictable environments effectively. However, alongside the positive benefits of softness, these systems face challenges such as low durability, continuous energy demands, and compromised task performance due to the inherently low stiffness of soft materials. These limitations pose significant obstacles to the practical impact of soft engineering systems in the real world beyond innovative concepts. This review presents a strategy that employs materials with variable stiffness to balance adaptability advantages with the challenge of low rigidity. The developments are summarized in materials capable of stiffness modulation alongside their applications in electronics, robotics, and biomedical fields. This focus on stiffness modulation at the material unit level is a critical step toward enabling the practical application of soft engineering systems in real‐world scenarios.
Multifunctional Dual‐Metal‐Salt Derived Ternary Eutectic Electrolyte for Highly Reversible Zinc Ion Battery
Authors: Li Jianhui , Qin Siqi , Xu Mi , Wang Wei , Zou Jiabin , Zhang Yongguang , Dou Haozhen , Chen Zhongwei
Published: April 2024

Deep eutectic electrolytes offer opportunities for tailoring solvation structure and interface chemistry in advanced batteries, but developing deep eutectic electrolytes for high‐performance zinc ion batteries (ZIBs) remains a challenge. Herein, multifunctional dual‐metal‐salt derived ternary eutectic electrolytes (DMEEs) are designed via a supporting salt strategy for dendrite‐free and long‐lifespan ZIBs. DMEEs are constructed by zinc trifluoromethanesulfonate (Zn(OTF)2), supporting salt of lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide, and neutral ligand of N‐methylacetamide. Noticeably, supporting salt with weak lattice energy not only induces the reconstruction of intermolecular interactions to form ion pairs and ion aggregates but also tailors the Zn2+ solvation structure and solid electrolyte interface (SEI). The developed DMEEs possess a dual‐anion‐rich Zn2+ solvation shell and induce an inorganic‐rich hybrid SEI, which effectively suppresses side reactions and obtains a dendrite‐free Zn anode with high reversibility. Remarkably, Zn//Zn cells demonstrate cycling stability for over 3000 h, and Zn//PANI full cells deliver no significant capacity decay after 5000 cycles at a high current density of 5 A g−1. This work opens a new avenue to design advanced deep eutectic electrolytes, and the deep understanding of solvation structure and SEI offers guidelines for developing high‐performance batteries.
Universal CRISPR‐Cas12a and Toehold RNA Cascade Reaction on Paper Substrate for Visual Salmonella Genome Detection
Authors: Kachwala Mahera J. , Hamdard Farishta , Cicek Damla , Dagci Hilal , Smith Christopher W. , Kalla Nabeel , Yigit Mehmet V.
Published: April 2024

Salmonella, the most prevalent food‐borne pathogen, poses significant medical and economic threats. Swift and accurate on‐site identification and serotyping of Salmonella is crucial to curb its spread and contamination. Here, a synthetic biology cascade reaction is presented on a paper substrate using CRISPR‐Cas12a and recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA), enabling the programming of a standard toehold RNA switch for a genome of choice. This approach employs just one toehold RNA switch design to differentiate between two different Salmonella serotypes, i.e., S. Typhimurium and S. Enteritidis, without the need for reengineering the toehold RNA switch. The sensor exhibits high sensitivity, capable of visually detecting as few as 100 copies of the whole genome from a model Salmonella pathogen on a paper substrate. Furthermore, this robust assay is successfully applied to detect whole genomes in contaminated milk and lettuce samples, demonstrating its potential in real sample analysis. Due to its versatility and practical features, genomes from different organisms can be detected by merely changing a single RNA element in this universal cell‐free cascade reaction.
A Lead‐Free Ferroelectric 2D Dion–Jacobson Tin Iodide Perovskite
Authors: Park Jae Yong , Mihalyi‐Koch Willa , Triggs Christopher T. , Roy Chris R. , Sanders Kyana M. , Wright John C. , Jin Song
Published: April 2024

2D hybrid organic–inorganic halide perovskites emerge as a new class of 2D semiconductors with the potential to combine excellent optoelectronic properties with symmetry‐enabled properties such as ferroelectricity. Although many lead‐based ferroelectric 2D halide perovskites are reported, there is yet to be a conclusive report of ferroelectricity in tin‐based 2D perovskites. Here, the structures and properties of a new series of 2D Dion–Jacobson (DJ) Sn perovskites: (4AMP)SnI4, (4AMP)(MA)Sn2I7, and (4AMP)(FA)Sn2I7 (4AMP = 4‐(aminomethyl)piperidinium, MA = methylammonium, and FA = formamidinium), are reported. Structural characterization reveals that (4AMP)SnI4 is polar with in‐plane spontaneous polarization whereas (4AMP)(MA)Sn2I7 and (4AMP)(FA)Sn2I7 are centrosymmetric. Further, (4AMP)SnI4 displays second harmonic generation (SHG) and polarization‐electric field hysteresis measurements confirm it is ferroelectric with a spontaneous polarization of 10.0 µC cm−2 at room temperature. (4AMP)SnI4 transitions into a centrosymmetric structure above 367 K. As the first direct experimental observation of the spontaneous ferroelectric polarization of a Sn‐based 2D hybrid perovskite, this work opens up environmentally friendly 2D tin halide perovskites for ferroelectricity and other physical property studies.