bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preferences for ARV-based HIV prevention methods among men and women, adolescent girls and female sex workers in Gauteng Province, South Africa: a protocol for a discrete choice experiment
Authors: Quaife Matthew , Eakle Robyn , Cabrera Maria , Vickerman Peter , Tsepe Motlalepule , Cianci Fiona , Delany-Moretlwe Sinead , Terris-Prestholt Fern 
Published: June 2016

IntroductionFor the past few decades, condoms have been the main method of HIV prevention. Recent advances in antiretroviral (ARV)-based prevention products have substantially changed the prevention landscape, yet little is known about how popular these products will be among potential users, or whether new methods might be used in conjunction with, or instead of, condoms. This study will use a discrete choice experiment (DCE) to (1) explore potential users' preferences regarding HIV prevention products, (2) quantify the importance of product attributes and (3) predict the uptake of products to inform estimates of their potential impact on the HIV epidemic in South Africa. We consider preferences for oral pre-exposure prophylaxis; a vaginal microbicide gel; a long-acting vaginal ring; a SILCS diaphragm used in concert with gel; and a long-acting ARV-based injectable.Methods and analysisThis study will gather data from 4 populations: 200 women, 200 men, 200 adolescent girls (aged 16–17 years) and 200 female sex workers. The DCE attributes and design will be developed through a literature review, supplemented by a thematic analysis of qualitative focus group discussions. Extensive piloting will be carried out in each population through semistructured interviews. The final survey will be conducted using computer tablets via a household sample (for women, men and adolescents) and respondent-driven sampling (for female sex workers), and DCE data analysed using a range of multinomial logit models.Ethics and disseminationThis study has been approved by the University of the Witwatersrand Human Research Ethics Committee and the Research Ethics Committee at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. Findings will be presented to international conferences and peer-reviewed journals. Meetings will be held with opinion leaders in South Africa, while results will be disseminated to participants in Ekurhuleni through a public meeting or newsletter.
Short-term nitrogen dynamics in soil amended with poultry litter containing woodchip bedding
Authors: Thomas Ben W. , Whalen Joann K. , Sharifi Mehdi 
Published: June 2016

Concurrent N mineralization and immobilization in soils receiving poultry litter containing woodchip bedding may reduce synchrony between the short-term N supply and crop N demand. Therefore, we used soil chemical tests, ion exchange membranes, and wheat N uptake to assess N dynamics in a poultry-litter-amended soil. Air-dried soil was thoroughly mixed with five poultry litter rates (50, 100, 150, 200, or 250 mg total N kg−1) and preincubated for 7 d in a controlled environment chamber. After preincubating, soil was placed in 10-cm-diameter pots and planted with spring wheat (Triticum aestivum ‘Wilkin’), or left unplanted and monitored with anion and cation exchange membranes for 45 d. Soil nitrate (NO3-N) concentration increased with poultry litter application rate at the end of the preincubation period, but subsequent wheat N uptake did not, suggesting that little net N mineralization occurred during the 45 d of wheat growth. The membrane data indicated a shift from net N immobilization during the early part of the wheat growth period to net mineralization during the latter portion of the wheat growth period. We conclude that alternating N mineralization and immobilization in soils receiving poultry litter containing woodchip bedding limited the short-term N supply to wheat.
Direct Instantaneous Power Control of Three-level Grid-connected
Authors: Yong Yang 
Published: June 2016

Power electronic grid-connected inverters are widely applied as grid interface in renewable energy sources. This paper presents direct instantaneous power control of a three-phase three-level Neutral Point Clamped (NPC) grid-connected inverter in photovoltaic generation systems. The system consists of a PV array, DC/DC converter, three-level NPC LC filter and the grid. In order to achieve maximum power point tracking (MPPT), an adaptive perturb and observe MPPT is used. For balancing the neutral point (NP) voltage, the control scheme through proportional integral (PI) control according to the direction of the NP current based on redundant vector selection is used. Direct instantaneous power control is developed in a rotating synchronous dq reference frame with space vector modulation with improved operation performance study of the positive sequence detector (PSD) plus a synchronous a synchronous reference frame phase-locked loop (PLL) as the synchronization method. The performance of the proposed method is investigated by a grid-connected photovoltaic system with a nominal power of 12kW. The feasibility of the proposed method is verified through experimental results, showing good steady-state and dynamic performance.
Fast document summarization using locality sensitive hashing and memory access efficient node ranking
Authors: Canhasi Ercan 
Published: June 2016

Text modeling and sentence selection are the fundamental steps of a typical extractive document summarization algorithm. The common text modeling method connects a pair of sentences based on their similarities. Even thought it can effectively represent the sentence similarity graph of given document(s) its big drawback is a large time complexity of $O(n^2)$, where n represents the number of sentences. The quadratic time complexity makes it impractical for large documents. In this paper we propose the fast approximation algorithms for the text modeling and the sentence selection. Our text modeling algorithm reduces the time complexity to near-linear time by rapidly finding the most similar sentences to form the sentences similarity graph. In doing so we utilized Locality-Sensitive Hashing, a fast algorithm for the approximate nearest neighbor search. For the sentence selection step we propose a simple memory-access-efficient node ranking method based on the idea of scanning sequentially only the neighborhood arrays. Experimentally, we show that sacrificing a rather small percentage of recall and precision in the quality of the produced summary can reduce the quadratic to sub-linear time complexity. We see the big potential of proposed method in text summarization for mobile devices and big text data summarization for internet of things on cloud. In our experiments, beside evaluating the presented method on the standard general and query multi-document summarization tasks, we also tested it on few alternative summarization tasks including general and query, timeline, and comparative summarization.
A Fast and Efficient Shape Descriptor for an Advanced Weed Type Classification Approach
Authors: Tannouche Adil , Sbai Khalid , Rahmoune Miloud , Zoubir Amine , Agounoune Rachid , Saadani Rachid , Rahmani Abdelali 
Published: June 2016

In weed management, the distinction between monocots and dicots species is an important issue. Indeed, the yield is much higher with the application of a selective treatment instead of using a broadcast herbicide overall the parcel. This article presents a fast shape descriptor designed to distinguish between these two families of weeds. The efficiency of the descriptor is evaluated by analyzing data with the pattern recognition process known as the discriminant factor analysis (DFA). Excellent results have been obtained in the differentiation between these two weed species
The Role of Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9 in Nephrotic Syndrome-Associated Hypercholesterolemia
Authors: Haas Mary E. , Levenson Amy E. , Sun Xiaowei , Liao Wan-Hui , Rutkowski Joseph M. ,   Nephrotic Syndrome Study Network, de Ferranti Sarah D. , Schumacher Valerie A. , Scherer Philipp E. , Salant David J. , Biddinger Sudha B. 
Published: June 2016

Background:
In nephrotic syndrome, damage to the podocytes of the kidney produces severe hypercholesterolemia for which novel treatments are urgently needed. PCSK9 (proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9) has emerged as an important regulator of plasma cholesterol levels and therapeutic target. Here, we tested the role of PCSK9 in mediating the hypercholesterolemia of nephrotic syndrome.

Methods:

PCSK9 and plasma lipids were studied in nephrotic syndrome patients before and after remission of disease, mice with genetic ablation of the podocyte (Podocyte Apoptosis Through Targeted Activation of Caspase-8, Pod-ATTAC mice) and mice treated with nephrotoxic serum (NTS), which triggers immune-mediated podocyte damage. In addition, mice with hepatic deletion of
Pcsk9
were treated with NTS to determine the contribution of PCSK9 to the dyslipidemia of nephrotic syndrome.

Results:

Patients with nephrotic syndrome showed a decrease in plasma cholesterol and plasma PCSK9 on remission of their disease (
P
<0.05, n=47–50). Conversely, Pod-ATTAC mice and NTS-treated mice showed hypercholesterolemia and a 7- to 24-fold induction in plasma PCSK9. The induction of plasma PCSK9 appeared to be attributable to increased secretion of PCSK9 from the hepatocyte coupled with decreased clearance. Interestingly, knockout of
Pcsk9
ameliorated the effects of NTS on plasma lipids. Thus, in the presence of NTS, mice lacking hepatic
Pcsk9
showed a 40% to 50% decrease in plasma cholesterol and triglycerides. Moreover, the ability of NTS treatment to increase the percentage of low-density lipoprotein–associated cholesterol (from 9% in vehicle-treated Flox mice to 47% after NTS treatment), was lost in mice with hepatic deletion of
Pcsk9
(5% in both the presence and absence of NTS).

Conclusions:

Podocyte damage triggers marked inductions in plasma PCSK9, and knockout of
Pcsk9
ameliorates dyslipidemia in a mouse model of nephrotic syndrome. These data suggest that PCSK9 inhibitors may be beneficial in patients with nephrotic syndrome–associated hypercholesterolemia.
On-Treatment Outcomes in Patients With Worsening Renal Function With Rivaroxaban Compared With Warfarin
Authors: Fordyce Christopher B. , Hellkamp Anne S. , Lokhnygina Yuliya , Lindner Samuel M. , Piccini Jonathan P. , Becker Richard C. , Berkowitz Scott D. , Breithardt Günter , Fox Keith A. A. , Mahaffey Kenneth W. , Nessel Christopher C. , Singer Daniel E. , Patel Manesh R. 
Published: June 2016

Background:
Despite rapid clinical adoption of novel anticoagulants, it is unknown whether outcomes differ among patients with worsening renal function (WRF) taking these new drugs compared with warfarin. We aimed to determine whether the primary efficacy (stroke or systemic embolism) and safety (major bleeding and nonmajor clinically relevant bleeding) end points from the ROCKET AF trial (Rivaroxaban Once-Daily, Oral, Direct Factor Xa Inhibition Compared With Vitamin K Antagonism for Prevention of Stroke and Embolism Trial in Atrial Fibrillation trial) differed among participants with WRF taking rivaroxaban and those taking warfarin.

Methods:
After excluding patients without at least 1 follow-up creatinine measurement (n=1624), we included all remaining patients (n=12 612) randomly assigned to either rivaroxaban or dose-adjusted warfarin. On-treatment WRF (a decrease of >20% from screening creatinine clearance measurement at any time point during the study) was evaluated as a time-dependent covariate in Cox proportional hazards models.

Results:

Baseline characteristics were generally similar between patients with stable renal function (n=9292) and WRF (n=3320). Rates of stroke or systemic embolism, myocardial infarction, and bleeding were also similar, but WRF patients experienced a higher incidence of vascular death versus stable renal function (2.21 versus 1.41 events per 100 patient-years;
P
=0.026). WRF patients who were randomized to receive rivaroxaban had a reduction in stroke or systemic embolism compared with those taking warfarin (1.54 versus 3.25 events per 100 patient-years) that was not seen in patients with stable renal function who were randomized to receive rivaroxaban (
P
=0.050 for interaction). There was no difference in major or nonmajor clinically relevant bleeding among WRF patients randomized to warfarin versus rivaroxaban.

Conclusions:
Among patients with on-treatment WRF, rivaroxaban was associated with lower rates of stroke and systemic embolism compared with warfarin, without an increase in the composite bleeding end point.

Clinical Trial Registration:

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00403767.
Postnatal Development of Right Ventricular Myofibrillar Biomechanics in Relation to the Sarcomeric Protein Phenotype in Pediatric Patients with Conotruncal Heart Defects
Authors: Elhamine Fatiha , Iorga Bogdan , Krüger Martina , Hunger Mona , Eckhardt Jan , Sreeram Narayanswami , Bennink Gerardus , Brockmeier Konrad , Pfitzer Gabriele , Stehle Robert 
Published: June 2016

Background
The postnatal development of myofibrillar mechanics, a major determinant of heart function, is unknown in pediatric patients with tetralogy of Fallot and related structural heart defects. We therefore determined the mechanical properties of myofibrils isolated from right ventricular tissue samples from such patients in relation to the developmental changes of the isoforms expression pattern of key sarcomere proteins involved in the contractile process.

Methods and Results

Tissue samples from the infundibulum obtained during surgery from 25 patients (age range 15 days to 11 years, median 7 months) were split into half for mechanical investigations and expression analysis of titin, myosin heavy and light chain 1, troponin‐T, and troponin‐I. Of these proteins, fetal isoforms of only myosin light chain 1 (
ALC
‐1) and troponin‐I (ssTnI) were highly expressed in neonates, amounting to, respectively, 40% and 80%, while the other proteins had switched to the adult isoforms before or around birth.
ALC
‐1 and ssTnI expression subsequently declined monoexponentially with a halftime of 4.3 and 5.8 months, respectively. Coincident with the expression of ssTnI, Ca
2+
sensitivity of contraction was high in neonates and subsequently declined in parallel with the decline in ssTnI expression. Passive tension positively correlated with Ca
2+
sensitivity but not with titin expression. Contraction kinetics, maximal Ca
2+
‐activated force, and the fast phase of the biphasic relaxation positively correlated with the expression of
ALC
‐1.

Conclusions
The developmental changes in myofibrillar biomechanics can be ascribed to fetal‐to‐adult isoform transition of key sarcomeric proteins, which evolves regardless of the specific congenital cardiac malformations in our pediatric patients.
Factors contributing to the uptake and maintenance of regular exercise behaviour in emerging adults
Authors: Langdon Jody , Johnson Chad , Melton Bridget 
Published: June 2016

Objective: To identify the influence of parental autonomy support, basic need satisfaction and motivation on emerging adults’ physical activity level and exercise behaviours. Design: Cross-sectional survey. Setting: This study convenience-sampled approximately 435 college students identified as emerging adults – aged 18–25 years, who did not have a child, own a home, or have sufficient income to be fully independent. Methods: Survey responses were used in a path model to investigate how parental autonomy support, psychological mediators and motivational processes influenced emerging adults’ exercise behaviour. Results: The hypothesised model was supported with minor modifications. Most notable was the influence of parental physical activity level and autonomy support on psychological mediators, motivational processes and exercise behaviour. Conclusion: Results indicate that parents influence their children both directly and indirectly. The impact of autonomy and competence support was found to promote emerging adults’ intrinsic motivation, which consequently influenced actual physical activity and behaviour.
Population-Based Estimates of Decreases in Quality-Adjusted Life Expectancy Associated with Unhealthy Body Mass Index
Authors: Jia Haomiao , Zack Matthew M. , Thompson William W. 
Published: June 2016

Objective. Being classified as outside the normal range for body mass index (BMI) has been associated with increased risk for chronic health conditions, poor health-related quality of life (HRQOL), and premature death. To assess the impact of BMI on HRQOL and mortality, we compared quality-adjusted life expectancy (QALE) by BMI levels. Methods. We obtained HRQOL data from the 1993–2010 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System and life table estimates from the National Center for Health Statistics national mortality files to estimate QALE among U.S. adults by BMI categories: underweight (BMI <18.5 kg/m2), normal weight (BMI 18.5–24.9 kg/m2), overweight (BMI 25.0–29.9 kg/m2), obese (BMI 30.0–34.9 kg/m2), and severely obese (BMI ≥35.0 kg/m2). Results. In 2010 in the United States, the highest estimated QALE for adults at 18 years of age was 54.1 years for individuals classified as normal weight. The two lowest QALE estimates were for those classified as either underweight (48.9 years) or severely obese (48.2 years). For individuals who were overweight or obese, the QALE estimates fell between those classified as either normal weight (54.1 years) or severely obese (48.2 years). The difference in QALE between adults classified as normal weight and those classified as either overweight or obese was significantly higher among women than among men, irrespective of race/ethnicity. Conclusions. Using population-based data, we found significant differences in QALE loss by BMI category. These findings are valuable for setting national and state targets to reduce health risks associated with severe obesity, and could be used for cost-effectiveness evaluations of weight-reduction interventions.
Physician Attitudes toward Adult Vaccines and other Preventive Practices, United States, 2012
Authors: Hurley Laura P. , Bridges Carolyn B. , Harpaz Rafael , Allison Mandy A. , Leary Sean T. O‘ , Crane Lori A. , Brtnikova Michaela , Stokley Shannon , Beaty Brenda L. , Jimenez-Zambrano Andrea , Kempe Allison 
Published: June 2016

Objectives. We described the following among U.S. primary care physicians: ( 1) perceived importance of vaccines recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices relative to U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) preventive services, ( 2) attitudes toward the U.S. adult immunization schedule, and ( 3) awareness and use of Medicare preventive service visits. Methods. We conducted an Internet and mail survey from March to June 2012 among national networks of general internists and family physicians. Results. We received responses from 352 of 445 (79%) general internists and 255 of 409 (62%) family physicians. For a 67-year-old hypothetical patient, 540/606 (89%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 87, 92) of physicians ranked seasonal influenza vaccine and 487/607 (80%, 95% CI 77, 83) ranked pneumococcal vaccine as very important, whereas 381/604 (63%, 95% CI 59, 67) ranked Tdap/Td vaccine and 288/607 (47%, 95% CI 43, 51) ranked herpes zoster vaccine as very important ( p<0.001). All Grade A USPSTF recommendations were considered more important than Tdap/Td and herpes zoster vaccines. For the hypothetical patient aged 30 years, the number and percentage of physicians who reported that the Tdap/Td vaccine (377/604; 62%, 95% CI 59, 66) is very important was greater than the number and percentage who reported that the seasonal influenza vaccine (263/605; 43%, 95% CI 40, 47) is very important ( p<0.001), and all Grade A and Grade B USPSTF recommendations were more often reported as very important than was any vaccine. A total of 172 of 587 physicians (29%) found aspects of the adult immunization schedule confusing. Among physicians aware of “Welcome to Medicare” and annual wellness visits, 492/514 (96%, 95% CI 94, 97) and 329/496 (66%, 95% CI 62, 70), respectively, reported having conducted fewer than 10 such visits in the previous month. Conclusions. Despite lack of prioritization of vaccines by ACIP, physicians are prioritizing some vaccines over others and ranking some vaccines below other preventive services. These attitudes and confusion about the immunization schedule may result in missed opportunities for vaccination. Medicare preventive visits are not being used widely despite offering a venue for delivery of preventive services, including vaccinations.
Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting in the United States: Updated Estimates of Women and Girls at Risk, 2012
Authors: Goldberg Howard , Stupp Paul , Okoroh Ekwutosi , Besera Ghenet , Goodman David , Danel Isabella 
Published: June 2016

Objectives. In 1996, the U.S. Congress passed legislation making female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) illegal in the United States. CDC published the first estimates of the number of women and girls at risk for FGM/C in 1997. Since 2012, various constituencies have again raised concerns about the practice in the United States. We updated an earlier estimate of the number of women and girls in the United States who were at risk for FGM/C or its consequences. Methods. We estimated the number of women and girls who were at risk for undergoing FGM/C or its consequences in 2012 by applying country-specific prevalence of FGM/C to the estimated number of women and girls living in the United States who were born in that country or who lived with a parent born in that country. Results. Approximately 513,000 women and girls in the United States were at risk for FGM/C or its consequences in 2012, which was more than three times higher than the earlier estimate, based on 1990 data. The increase in the number of women and girls younger than 18 years of age at risk for FGM/C was more than four times that of previous estimates. Conclusion. The estimated increase was wholly a result of rapid growth in the number of immigrants from FGM/C-practicing countries living in the United States and not from increases in FGM/C prevalence in those countries. Scientifically valid information regarding whether women or their daughters have actually undergone FGM/C and related information that can contribute to efforts to prevent the practice in the United States and provide needed health services to women who have undergone FGM/C are needed.