bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Baseline Psychological Treatment Reduces the Effect of Coaching in a Randomised Trial of a Depression Self-Care Intervention
Authors: McCusker Jane , Cole Martin , Lambert Sylvie , Yaffe Mark , Ciampi Antonio , Belzile Eric 
Published: May 2016

Objective: To explore the effects of baseline psychological and antidepressant medication treatment in a trial of lay telephone coaching in a low-intensity, supported depression self-care intervention. Method: A single blind, individually randomised, pragmatic trial was conducted among primary care adults with chronic physical conditions and comorbid depressive symptoms. Eligible subjects were randomised to receive a depression self-care toolkit with (intervention group) or without (control group) telephone coaching provided by trained lay coaches. For this brief communication, a secondary analysis of the trial data focused on the effects of baseline psychological and antidepressant treatments on mental health outcomes (Patient Health Questionnaire 9 [PHQ-9], SF-12 Mental Component Summary [MCS], Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 [GAD-7]) and satisfaction with the intervention. Results: In total, 223 patients were randomised, and 165 (74.0%) completed both 3- and 6-month follow-ups. There were 2 significant interactions of baseline treatment and study group for 6-month mental health outcomes. A significant benefit of coaching on 6-month PHQ-9 was seen only among participants who were not receiving baseline psychological treatment. A smaller interaction was found for baseline antidepressant medications and 6-month mental health. There was a significant main effect for baseline psychological treatment and lower 6-month satisfaction. Conclusions: Depressed patients receiving baseline psychological treatment may not benefit from lay coaching offered as part of a low-intensity depression self-care intervention.
Engaging GPs in commissioning: realist evaluation of the early experiences of Clinical Commissioning Groups in the English NHS
Authors: McDermott Imelda , Checkland Kath , Coleman Anna , Osipovič Dorota , Petsoulas Christina , Perkins Neil 
Published: May 2016

Objectives To explore the ‘added value’ that general practitioners (GPs) bring to commissioning in the English NHS. We describe the experience of Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) in the context of previous clinically led commissioning policy initiatives. Methods Realist evaluation. We identified the programme theories underlying the claims made about GP ‘added value’ in commissioning from interviews with key informants. We tested these theories against observational data from four case study sites to explore whether and how these claims were borne out in practice. Results The complexity of CCG structures means CCGs are quite different from one another with different distributions of responsibilities between the various committees. This makes it difficult to compare CCGs with one another. Greater GP involvement was important but it was not clear where and how GPs could add most value. We identified some of the mechanisms and conditions which enable CCGs to maximize the ‘added value’ that GPs bring to commissioning. Conclusion To maximize the value of clinical input, CCGs need to invest time and effort in preparing those involved, ensuring that they systematically gather evidence about service gaps and problems from their members, and engaging members in debate about the future shape of services.
Genomic profiling of murine mammary tumors identifies potential personalized drug targets for p53 deficient mammary cancers
Authors: Pfefferle Adam D. , Agrawal Yash N. , Koboldt Daniel C. , Kanchi Krishna L. , Herschkowitz Jason I. , Mardis Elaine R. , Rosen Jeffrey M. , Perou Charles M. 
Published: May 2016

Targeted therapies against basal-like breast tumors, which are typically ‘triple negative breast cancers (TNBC)’, remain an important unmet clinical need. Somatic TP53 mutations are the most common genetic event in basal-like and TNBC breast tumors. To identify additional drivers and possible drug targets of this subtype, a comparative study between human and murine tumors was performed utilizing a murine Trp53null mammary transplant tumor model.
We show that two subsets of murine Trp53null mammary transplant tumors resemble aspects of the human basal-like subtype. DNA microarray, whole genome, and exome-based sequencing approaches were used to interrogate the secondary genetic aberrations of these tumors, which were then compared to human basal-like tumors to identify conserved somatic genetic features. DNA copy number variation produced the largest number of conserved candidate personalized drug targets. These candidates were filtered using a DNA-RNA Pearson correlation cutoff and a requirement that the gene was deemed essential in at least 5% of human breast cancer cell lines from a RNA-mediated interference screen database. Five potential personalized drug target genes were identified which were spontaneously amplified loci in both murine and human basal-like tumors: Cul4a, Lamp1, Met, Pnpla6, and Tubgcp3. As a proof of concept, inhibition of Met using Crizotinib caused Met amplified murine tumors to initially undergo complete regression.
This study identifies Met as a promising drug target in a subset of murine Trp53null tumors, thus identifying a potential shared driver with a subset of human basal-like breast cancer. Our results also highlight the importance of comparative genomic studies for discovering personalized drug targets and for providing a preclinical model for further investigations of key tumor signaling pathways.
Constructing identities in Second Life: The challenge of representation in cyberspace
Authors: Johnson Phylis , Pluskota Jonathan P. 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
This article centres on understanding the issues of representation involved during identity construction in Second Life, and how it applies to virtual worlds more broadly. After a review of traditional and new media literature, the author examines several threads within the Second Life Community Forum related to race, ethnicity and gender bias among residents over a nearly four year period of time. Appearance, most notably skin colour, has been one of the most significant points raised (and argued) during forum discussions. The authors propose a duality of outcomes for virtual world participants; while there may be benefits of experimentation, such experiences do not lend themselves towards the actualization of a utopian society free of discrimination and cultural barriers. Second Life, in particular, offers some promise towards better understanding the dynamics contributing towards authenticity in identity construction and representation, and offers members opportunities to view others outside of their individual lens and social sphere. Challenges remain in real and virtual worlds, and cultural exchanges in (or perceptions of) both should be further examined.
Analyzing of Coatings on Steel - Reinforced Concrete Elements by Mobile NMR
Authors: Orlowsky J. 
Published: May 2016

Abstract A large number of infrastructural concrete buildings are protected against aggressive environments by coating systems. The functionality of these coating systems is mainly affected by the composition and thickness of the individual polymeric layers. For the first time ever, a mobile nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) sensor allows a non-destructive determination of these important parameters on the building site. However, before this technique can be used on steel-reinforced concrete elements, the potential effect of the reinforcement on the measurement, i.e. the NMR signal, needs to be studied. The results show a shift of the NMR profile as well as an increase of the signals amplitude in the case of the reinforced samples, while calculating the thickness of concrete coating leading to identical results.
Identification of the Interference in the Investment Process During the Realization of a Shopping Centre – A Case Study
Authors: Lendo-Siwicka M. , Połoński M. , Pawluk K. 
Published: May 2016

Abstract During the planning and controlling of the construction process, most attention is focused on risk analysis, especially in the context of final costs and deadlines of the investment. In this analysis, the primary and most significant concern is the proper identification and quantification of events, which on a certain level of probability may affect the development process. This paper presents the result of a risk analysis for a particular building object, made after completion of the investment and accepting it for use. Knowledge of the planned values and the actual investment process allowed for the identification of the events and their effects that in this case have significantly disrupted the investment process. The limited total cost of the investment project in question had a considerable impact on the progress of the project execution. Despite three transitions of administrative procedures, the opening date of the shopping centre was delayed by only three weeks.
Hydroxyapatite-modified gelatin bioinks for bone bioprinting
Authors: Wenz Annika , Janke Katharina , Hoch Eva , Tovar Günter E.M. , Borchers Kirsten , Kluger Petra J. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractIn bioprinting approaches, the choice of bioink plays an important role since it must be processable with the selected printing method, but also cytocompatible and biofunctional. Therefore, a crosslinkable gelatin-based ink was modified with hydroxyapatite (HAp) particles, representing the composite buildup of natural bone. The inks’ viscosity was significantly increased by the addition of HAp, making the material processable with extrusion-based methods. The storage moduli of the formed hydrogels rose significantly, depicting improved mechanical properties. A cytocompatibility assay revealed suitable ranges for photoinitiator and HAp concentrations. As a proof of concept, the modified ink was printed together with cells, yielding stable three-dimensional constructs containing a homogeneously distributed mineralization and viable cells.
Identification of a novel microRNA, miR-4449, as a potential blood based marker in multiple myeloma
Authors: Shen Xianjuan , Ye Yan , Qi Jing , Shi Wei , Wu Xinhua , Ni Hongbing , Cong Hui , Ju Shaoqing 
Published: May 2016

AbstractBackground:miRNAs act in diverse biological processes including development, cell growth, apoptosis, and hematopoiesis, suggesting their role in cancer.Methods:We examined the miRNAs perturbed in CD138+ primary multiple myeloma (MM) cells, using microarray analysis and real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). Serum miR-4449 expression levels were detected from 71 primary MM patients and 46 healthy controls by RT-qPCR.Results:Our analysis revealed up-regulation of 54 and down-regulation of 28 miRNAs in MM subjects compared to healthy controls. miR-4449 has not been reported in MM. It was found that the relative expression of bone marrow miR-4449 in MM patients (2.14±1.42) was higher than that in healthy controls (0.815±0.165) (U=8, p=0.0093). The relative expression of serum miR-4449 in MM patients (2.11±2.10) was significantly higher than that in healthy controls (0.357±0.235) (U=374, p<0.0001) and was significantly correlated with βConclusions:The expression levels of serum miR-4449 in MM patients were significantly higher than in healthy controls, suggesting that it may prove to be useful in the auxiliary diagnosis of MM.
A Note on the Mantel-Haenszel Estimators When the Common Effect Assumptions Are Violated
Authors: Noma Hisashi , Nagashima Kengo 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
The Mantel-Haenszel estimators for the common effect parameters of stratified 2×2 tables have been widely adopted in epidemiological and clinical studies for controlling the effects of confounding factors. Although the Mantel-Haenszel estimators are simple and effective estimating methods, the correctness of the common effect assumptions cannot be justified in general practices. Also then, the targeted “common effect parameters” do not exist. Under these settings, even if the Mantel-Haenszel estimators have desirable properties, it is quite uncertain what they estimate and how the estimates are interpreted. In this article, we conducted theoretical evaluations for their asymptotic behaviors when the common effect assumptions are violated. We explicitly showed that the Mantel-Haenszel estimators converge to weighted averages of stratum-specific effect parameters and they can be interpreted as intuitive summaries of the stratum-specific effect measures. Also, the Mantel-Haenszel estimators correspond to the standardized effect measures on standard distributions of stratification variables to be the total cohort, approximately. In addition, the ordinary sandwich-type variance estimators are still valid for quantifying variabilities of the Mantel-Haenszel estimators. We implemented numerical studies based on two epidemiologic studies of breast cancer and schizophrenia for evaluating empirical properties of these estimators, and confirmed general validities of these theoretical results.
Pathways between BMI and adherence to weight management in adolescence
Authors: Prioste Ana , Fonseca Helena , Pereira Cícero R. , Sousa Pedro , Gaspar Pedro , do Céu Machado Maria 
Published: May 2016

Abstract

Background:
In order to understand the mechanisms involved in how overweight adolescents adhere to weight management and perceive its benefits, a few variables have been identified, namely, body mass index (BMI), body self-esteem (BSE) and positive perspective of life (PPL).

Methods:
In a sample of 112 adolescents, we investigated whether BMI would predict adolescents’ self-efficacy/adherence (SEA) to weight management and perception of its benefits. A structural equation modeling approach was chosen. We hypothesized that perceived quality of life (PQL) would mediate the relationships between BMI and SEA and between BMI and perception of benefits (PB).

Results:
The results suggested that BMI is not directly associated with SEA and PB. However, PQL was identified as a mediator between BMI and SEA and PB.

Conclusion:
These findings bring important implications for understanding overweight adolescents’ adherence to weight management. There is evidence that adolescents’ adherence to weight management and PB are not predicted by their BMI. However, it has been shown that PQL mediates this process. For a long time, health professionals have been too focused on BMI. Time has come to be more focused on quality of life and how to improve it.
Phase and Frequency Matching-based Signal Processing Method for Coriolis Mass Flowmeters
Authors: Tu Yaqing , Shen Yanlin , Zhang Haitao , Li Ming 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
Signal processing precision of Coriolis mass flowmeters affects the measurement accuracy directly. To improve the measurement accuracy of Coriolis mass flowmeters, a phase and frequency matching-based signal processing method for Coriolis mass flowmeters is proposed. Estimated phase difference is obtained by means of frequency estimation, 90° phase shift, generating reference signals and cross-correlation. Simulated results demonstrate that the proposed method has better phase difference estimation and anti-interference performance than the Hilbert transform method, cross-correlation method, data extension-based correlation method, and quadrature delay estimator. Measurement results of Coriolis mass flowmeters verify the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed method in practice.
3D Body Scanning Measurement System Associated with RF Imaging, Zero-padding and Parallel Processing
Authors: Kim Hyung Tae , Jin Kyung Chan , Kim Seung Taek , Kim Jongseok , Choi Seung-Bok 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
This work presents a novel signal processing method for high-speed 3D body measurements using millimeter waves with a general processing unit (GPU) and zero-padding fast Fourier transform (ZPFFT). The proposed measurement system consists of a radio-frequency (RF) antenna array for a penetrable measurement, a high-speed analog-to-digital converter (ADC) for significant data acquisition, and a general processing unit for fast signal processing. The RF waves of the transmitter and the receiver are converted to real and imaginary signals that are sampled by a high-speed ADC and synchronized with the kinematic positions of the scanner. Because the distance between the surface and the antenna is related to the peak frequency of the conjugate signals, a fast Fourier transform (FFT) is applied to the signal processing after the sampling. The sampling time is finite owing to a short scanning time, and the physical resolution needs to be increased; further, zero-padding is applied to interpolate the spectra of the sampled signals to consider a 1/m floating point frequency. The GPU and parallel algorithm are applied to accelerate the speed of the ZPFFT because of the large number of additional mathematical operations of the ZPFFT. 3D body images are finally obtained by spectrograms that are the arrangement of the ZPFFT in a 3D space.
Crystal structure of poly-[bis(μ
3-5-hydroxyisophtalato-κ3
O:O′:O′′)(μ
2-1,4-bis(2-ethylbenzimidazol-1-ylmethyl)benzene-κ2
N:N′)dizinc(II)], C40H30N4O5Zn2
Authors: Xu Chunying , Lou Xinhua , Wang Shimin 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
C40H30N4O5Zn2, triclinic, P1̅ (No. 2), a = 8.5232(17) Å, b = 9.947(2) Å, c = 11.555(2) Å, α = 72.76(3)°, β = 77.78(3)°, γ = 70.13(3)°, V = 873.2(3) Å3, Z = 1, R
gt
(F) = 0.0363, wR
ref
(F
2
) = 0.0852, T = 293(2) K.
Study on preparation and properties of carbon nanotubes/hollow glass microspheres/epoxy syntactic foam
Authors: Zhang Xingguo , Ya Bin , Huang Bingkun , Zhou Bingwen , Pei Leizhen , Jia Fei 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
Hollow glass microspheres (HGMs)/epoxy syntactic foam reinforced by multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) was prepared in this study. The effect of MWCNTs on the density, mechanical properties and water absorption of HGMs/epoxy syntactic foam was investigated. Because of the low density and low content of MWCNTs, the density of HGMs/epoxy syntactic foam does not change much with adding MWCNTs. In addition, the compression strength of HGMs/epoxy is enhanced by 17–25% when adding 0.3 wt% MWCNTs. The fracture surfaces of specimens were examined with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and results indicated that the bridging effect of MWCNTs is the reinforcement mechanism. Analyzing the water absorption testing results, it is concluded that MWCNTs may decrease the water absorption content due to the hydrophobicity. Bigger inorganic ions in salt water could prevent the water diffusion, which results in a decrease of water absorption. In addition, the water absorption rate decreases with the extension of testing time.
Effect of nano-BaTiO3 on thermal, mechanical, and electrical properties of HDDA/TPA photopolymer prepared by a digital light processor RP machine
Authors: Wicaksono Sigit Tri , Chiu Shih-Hsuan , Chen Kun-Ting , Pong Sheng-Hong 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
The acrylate-based photopolymer consists of tetra-functional polyester acrylate (TPA), and hexanediol diacrylate (HDDA) has been successfully composited with nano barium titanate (BaTiO3) and completely cured via a digital light processor RP machine. The degradation temperature, tensile strength, hardness, resistivity, and dielectric constant of samples were characterized by Thermo Gravimetric Analyzer Hi-Res TGA2950, Universal Tensile Machine JIA701, Hardness Shore D tester, Fluke 117 multimeter, and Agilent B1500A Semiconductor Device Analyzer, respectively. The morphology changes of the samples were also investigated using the JEOL JSM-6390LV scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results show that the improvement of degradation temperature is not obvious. Furthermore, the modulus elasticity, hardness, and dielectric constant increase as the filler loading increases up to 2 phr, but the resistivity is vice versa. Interestingly, there is an inverse correlation between dielectric constant and resistivity of photopolymer/BaTiO3 nanocomposite.
General Principles of Integrity Checking of Digital Images and Application for Steganalysis
Authors: Kobozeva Alla A. , Bobok Ivan I. , Garbuz Artem I. 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
The new common approach for integrity checking of digital images is developed. The new features of formal parameters defining image are revealed, theoretically grounded and practically tested. The characteristics of the mutual arrangement of left and right singular vectors corresponding to the largest singular value of the image’s matrix (block of matrix) and the vector composed of singular numbers is obtained. Formal parameters are obtained using normal singular decomposition of matrix (block of matrix) which is uniquely determined. It is shown that for most blocks of original image (no matter lossy or lossless) the angle between the left (right) mentioned singular vector and vector composed of singular numbers is defined by the angle between the n-optimal vector and the vector of standard basis of the range corresponding dimension. It is shown that the determined feature brakes for the mentioned formal parameters in a non-original image. This shows the integrity violation of the image, i.e. the existence of the additional information embedded using steganography algorithms. So this can be used as a basis for development of new universal steganography methods and algorithms, and one example of the realization is proposed. The efficiency of the proposed algorithm won’t depend on the details of steganography method used for embedding. All the obtained results can be easily adapted for the digital video and audio analysis.
TSH enhancement of FT4 to FT3 conversion is age dependent
Authors: Strich David , Karavani Gilad , Edri Shalom , Gillis David 
Published: May 2016

ObjectiveWe previously reported increasing free T3 (FT3) to free T4 (FT4) ratios as thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) increases within the normal range in children. It is not known if this phenomenon is age-related among humans, as previously reported in rats. This study examines the relationships between TSH and FT3/FT4 ratios in different ages.DesignRetrospective examination of thyroid tests from patients without thyroid disease from community clinics.MethodsFree T3, free T4, and TSH levels from 527 564 sera collected from patients aged 1 year or greater were studied. Exclusion criteria were the following: missing data, TSH greater than 7.5mIU/L, and medications that may interfere with thyroid hormone activity. A total of 27 940 samples remaining after exclusion were stratified by age. Samples with available anthropometric data were additionally stratified for body mass index (BMI). Correlations of TSH to FT4, FT3, and FT3/FT4 ratios by age group were examined.ResultsUp to age 40, for each increasing TSH quartile, FT3 and the FT3/FT4 ratio increased and FT4 decreased significantly (for both FT3, FT4 and FT3/FT4 ratio,P<0.05 for every TSH quartile when compared with the 1st quartile, except FT3 in the 30–40 age group). In older age groups, increasing TSH was not associated with increased FT3/FT4 ratio.ConclusionAs TSH levels increase, FT3/FT4 ratios increase until age 40, but this differential increase does not occur in older age groups. This may reflect a decrease in thyroxine (T4) to triiodothyronine (T3) conversion with age, which may be part of the aging process.