bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effects of cancer and racial disparities in health‐related quality of life among older Americans: A case‐control, population‐based study
Authors: Pinheiro Laura C. , Wheeler Stephanie B. , Chen Ronald C. , Mayer Deborah K. , Lyons Jessica C. , Reeve Bryce B. 
Published: December 2014

BACKGROUNDUnderstanding the impact of the cancer care system on racial/ethnic disparities in health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) is increasingly important as the number of cancer survivors in the United States grows. The authors prospectively assessed changes in HRQOL before and after a first cancer diagnosis among non‐Hispanic whites (NHWs), African Americans (AAs), Hispanics, and Asians in a cohort of Medicare beneficiaries with and without cancer.METHODSData from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results linked with the Medicare Health Outcomes Survey were used to identify 1778 individuals aged ≥65 years with prostate, breast, or colorectal cancer from 1998 to 2007. The Medical Outcomes Trust Short Form 36 (SF‐36) instrument was used to measure HRQOL. By using propensity scores, each patient with cancer (case) was matched to 5 individuals without cancer (noncancer controls), and differences in HRQOL according to race/ethnicity were assessed. Mixed effects analysis of covariance models was used to assess differences in HRQOL, adjusting for baseline HRQOL, demographics, and self‐reported comorbid conditions while controlling for each individual's managed care plan. Stratified analyses were used to assess racial/ethnic disparities between cases and noncancer controls.RESULTSBefore cancer diagnosis, NHWs had better HRQOL scores than AAs and Hispanics on the Role‐Physical and Role‐Emotional SF‐36 subscales. Cancer diagnosis/treatment negatively impacted individuals' lives regardless of race/ethnicity. However, among cases, gaps between racial/ethnic groups narrowed (compared with controls) before and after cancer diagnosis for some SF‐36 HRQOL measures.CONCLUSIONSRacial/ethnic HRQOL gaps exist among cancer survivors but may narrow because of exposure to the cancer care system. Further research to understand why this occurs will help inform initiatives to manage the impact of cancer on HRQOL among elderly cancer survivors. Cancer 2015;121:1312–1320. © 2014 American Cancer Society.
A Study of Self‐Dithering for Fractional‐N PLL
Authors: Kato Yuji , Ioka Eri , Matsuya Yasuyuki 
Published: December 2014

SUMMARYThe fractional‐N phase‐locked loops (PLL) are being investigated in order to realize a low fractional spurious signal characteristic. In this PLL, the modulator sets the fractional division ratio. However, a limit cycle oscillation occurs in the modulator when the input value is fixed, and as a result, the limit cycle oscillation increases the spurious signal power. Therefore, a method is required to suppress this oscillation. In this paper, we propose a self‐dithering fractional‐N PLL that inhibits the limit cycle oscillation without an external dither generating circuit. The proposed circuit generates dither from the internal signals of the PLL. We simulated the output spectrum of the proposed circuit. The results showed that the proposed circuit suppressed limit cycle oscillation, and that the spurious level of the proposed circuit was almost equal to the spurious level without limit cycle oscillation.
Development of Optically Transparent Ultrathin Microwave Absorber for Suppression of Misidentification Possibility of UHF‐RFID System
Authors: Okano Yoshinobu , Ogino Satoshi , Ishikawa Koji 
Published: December 2014

SUMMARYRecently, wireless telecommunication devices have been used with the worldwide spread of the mobile phone, wireless local area networks (WLAN), and UHF‐radio frequency identification (UHF‐RFID). Therefore, EMI problems have also been serious. In the case of indoor use, the wireless telecommunication environment is degraded by multiple reflection interference. That interference must be controlled in order to improve wireless communication conditions. In particular, improvement of the multipath environment is regarded as indispensable for assuring reliability UHF‐RFID systems. In this paper, an ultrathin microwave absorber is described as a technology for improving the multipath environment for UHF‐RFID system. Additionally, provision is made for transparency of this absorber, because microwave absorbers should not increase the blind area of the observation camera in the region in which the UHF‐RFID system is used (around the entrance gate of offices or warehouses). Verification of tag identification probability improvement with this absorber in an actual warehouse is also presented.
Attention bias modification and its impact on experimental pain outcomes: Comparison of training with words versus faces in pain
Authors: Sharpe L. , Johnson A. , Dear B.F. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of training participants' attention towards or away from painful faces versus pain‐related words on pain outcomes on an acute experimental pain paradigm.MethodsParticipants were randomized to receive either training towards or away from painful faces or words. Following training, participants completed the cold pressor task.ResultsThe results confirm that attention bias modification produced the predicted changes in attentional biases. Clear training effects were observed for words and faces, such that attentional biases changed in the predicted direction on the stimuli presented during the training. However, for those trained on words, training effects also generalized to face stimuli. As predicted, those who received training away from painful stimuli took longer to report pain (higher pain threshold) during the cold pressor task, and this effect was more pronounced for those trained on words. Contrary to expectations, those trained on faces (regardless of training direction) reported less pain than those trained on words. There were no differences between the groups for pain tolerance (length of time participants were able to keep their arms in the cold pressor).ConclusionsThese findings confirm that attentional biases are modifiable, and impact (in the expected manner) how quickly participants perceive pain. Further, exposure to painful faces resulted in additional benefits to the level of pain reported. However, we were unable to confirm that change in attentional biases was the mechanism of change.
Antioxidative effect of loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.) fruit skin extract in soybean oil
Authors: Delfanian Mojtaba , Esmaeilzadeh Kenari Reza , Sahari Mohammad Ali 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThe aim of this study was to compare the effects of solvent and ultrasound‐assisted extraction methods with supercritical fluid extraction on antioxidant activity of loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.) fruit skin extract in stability of soybean oil at 25°C. Oxidative stability alterations of soybean oils containing 400 (SEA) and 1000 ppm (SEB) of ethanol extract, 400 (SSA) and 1000 ppm (SSB) of supercritical CO2 extract, 400 (SUA) and 1000 ppm (SUB) of ultrasound‐assisted extract, and 100 ppm of tertiary butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) were monitored by measuring the peroxide value, thiobarbituric acid value, free fatty acids, conjugated dienes and trienes values. Oxidative changes in SEA were lower than that of oils treated with other extracts, but the best protection was observed in soybean oil consisting TBHQ. The solvent extraction method produces the maximum amount of phenolic and tocopherol compounds from loquat fruit skin. Therefore, solvent extraction method had a better effect on antioxidant activity of the loquat fruit skin extract.
The Welfare Cost of Homicides in Brazil: Accounting for Heterogeneity in the Willingness to Pay for Mortality Reductions
Authors: Cerqueira Daniel , Soares Rodrigo R. 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACTThis paper estimates the health dimension of the welfare cost of homicides in Brazil incorporating age, gender, educational, and regional heterogeneities. We use a marginal willingness to pay approach to assign monetary values to the welfare cost of increased mortality due to violence. Results indicate that the present discounted value of the welfare cost of homicides in Brazil corresponds to roughly 78% of the GDP or, in terms of yearly flow, 2.3%. The analysis also shows that reliance on aggregate data to perform such calculations can lead to biases of around 20% in the estimated social cost of violence. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
3D Bioprinting of complex channels—Effects of material, orientation, geometry, and cell embedding
Authors: Wüst Silke , Müller Ralph , Hofmann Sandra 
Published: December 2014

AbstractCreating filled or hollow channels within 3D tissues has become increasingly important in tissue engineering. Channels can serve as vasculature enhancing medium perfusion or as conduits for nerve regeneration. The 3D biofabrication seems to be a promising method to generate these structures within 3D constructs layer‐by‐layer. In this study, geometry and interface of bioprinted channels were investigated with micro‐computed tomography and fluorescent imaging. In filament printing, size and shape of printed channels are influenced by their orientation, which was analyzed by printing horizontally and vertically aligned channels, and by the ink, which was evaluated by comparing channels printed with an alginate‐gelatin hydrogel or with an emulsion. The influence of geometry and cell‐embedding in the hydrogel on feature size and shape was investigated by printing more complex channels. The generation of hollow channels, induced through leaching of a support phase, was monitored over time. Horizontally aligned channels provided 16× smaller cross‐sectional areas than channels in vertical orientation. The smallest feature size of hydrogel filaments was twice as large compared to emulsion filaments. Feature size and shape depended on the geometry but did not alter when living cells were embedded. With that knowledge, channels can be consciously tailored to the particular needs. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 103A: 2558–2570, 2015.
Polymers and Ionic Liquids: A Successful Wedding
Authors: Livi Sébastien , Duchet‐Rumeau Jannick , Gérard Jean‐François , Pham Thi Nhan 
Published: December 2014

In the last few years, polymer materials scientists have put a lot of effort into the design of poly­mer‐based materials, tailored from the nanometer scale via the introduction of block copolymers, ionomers, or inorganic‐rich nano‐objects in order to introduce functionalities such as mechanical reinforcement, gas barrier properties, fire retardancy, etc. In the last decade, ionic liquids (ILs) have moved from relative obscurity to something that most chemists are now very aware of. At present, the interest in ILs shows a continuous increase and they are being examined as new components within polymer‐based materials for a wide range of applications of advanced materials. The unique set of physico‐chemical properties of ILs finely tuned from their chemical structure makes them suitable in numerous applications in polymer science. ILs can be investigated as additives in the design of polymer materials, as novel electrolytes in batteries, as structuration agents of polymer matrices, and as processing aids, plasticizers, and surfactants in the preparation of functional polymers.
image
Solution‐Processable Donor‐Acceptor‐Donor Oligomers with Cross‐Linkable Functionality
Authors: Brotas Graça , Costa Cristiana , Dias Sandra I. G. , Costa Pedro M. M. , Di Paolo Roberto E. , Martins João , Farinhas Joana , Alcácer Luís , Morgado Jorge , Matos Manuel , Charas Ana 
Published: December 2014

Electron‐acceptor units, combined with bithiophene substituted with flexible chains end‐functionalized with cross‐linkable moieties, provide soluble donor‐acceptor‐donor (DAD) π‐conjugated oligomer‐type molecules with cross‐linking ability and broad absorption in the visible spectrum. A study on the cross‐linking conditions of the new oligomers to yield insoluble polymer networks is presented, including conditions for obtaining polymer films over poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate‐covered substrates. The combination of the DAD molecular design and cross‐linking functionality opens prospects for applications in solution‐processed small‐molecule solar cells with morphologically‐stable organic layers.
image
Using an FSDS-R Item to Screen for Sexually Related Distress: A MsFLASH Analysis
Authors: Carpenter Janet S. , Reed Susan D. , Guthrie Katherine A. , Larson Joseph C. , Newton Katherine M. , Lau R. Jane , Learman Lee A. , Shifren Jan L. 
Published: December 2014

Abstract

Introduction
The Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised (FSDS-R) was created and validated to assess distress associated with impaired sexual function, but it is lengthy for use in clinical practice and research when assessing sexual function is not a primary objective.

Aim
The study aims to evaluate whether a single item from the FSDS-R could be identified to use to screen midlife women for bothersome diminution in sexual function based on three criteria: (i) highly correlated with total scores; (ii) correlated with commonly assessed domains of female sexual functioning; and (iii) able to differentiate between women reporting high and low sexual concerns during the prior month.

Methods
Data from 93 midlife women were collected by the Menopause Strategies Finding Lasting Answers to Symptoms and Health (MsFLASH) research network.

Main Outcome Measures
Women completed the FSDS-R, Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), and Menopausal Quality of Life Scale (MENQOL). Those who reported a change in the past month on the MENQOL sexual were categorized into a high sexual concerns group, while all others were categorized into a low sexual concerns group.

Results
Women were an average of 54.6 years old (SD 3.1) and mostly Caucasian (77.4%), college educated (60.2%), married/living as married (64.5%), and postmenopausal (79.6%). The FSDS-R item number 1 “Distressed about sex life” was: (i) highly correlated with FSDS-R total scores (r = 0.90); (ii) moderately correlated with FSFI total scores (r = −0.38) and FSFI desire (r = −0.37) and satisfaction domains (r = −0.40); and (iii) showed one of the largest mean differences between high and low sexual concerns groups (P &lt; 0.001). Other FSDS-R items met one or two, but not all three of the prespecified criteria (i, ii, iii).

Conclusions
A single FSDS-R item may be a useful screening tool to quickly identify midlife women with sexually related distress when it is not feasible to administer the entire scale, though further validation is warranted.
Influence of axial tension on the shear strength of floor joists without transverse reinforcement
Authors: Fernández‐Montes David , González Valle Enrique , Díaz Heredia Elena 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThe mechanism governing shear strength in reinforced concrete members without transverse reinforcement subjected to both bending and tensile stress is complex. Further, formulas used to estimate shear failure are inconsistent with each other and do not fit well with experimental findings. This article highlights the differences between the results of experimental tests and the shear strength values estimated with the equations of ACI 318‐11, Eurocode 2 (EC2) and modified compression field theory (MCFT). The tests considered are the ones reported in the literature consulted and the tests carried out for this experimental investigation, some with high‐performance concrete. The review also puts forward a proposal for improving the method and fitting procedure when estimating the shear failure in a longitudinal reinforced concrete member without transverse reinforcement due to an excessive principal tensile stress in its web.
Determination of optimal timing of serial in‐utero transfusions in red‐cell alloimmunization
Authors: Friszer S. , Maisonneuve E. , Macé G. , Castaigne V. , Cortey A. , Mailloux A. , Pernot F. , Carbonne B. 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACTObjectivesTo assess the performance of middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity (MCA‐PSV) and of the expected daily decrease in fetal hemoglobin in determining the timing of serial in‐utero transfusions (IUT) in red‐cell alloimmunization.MethodsThis was a retrospective study of a continuous series of suspected anemic fetuses undergoing IUT between June 2003 and December 2012. Doppler measurement of MCA‐PSV and pre‐ and post‐transfusion hemoglobin levels were recorded at the time of the first, second and third IUT. Receiver–operating characteristics (ROC) curves and negative and positive predictive values of MCA‐PSV in the prediction of severe fetal anemia were calculated. The daily decrease of fetal hemoglobin (Hb) between IUTs was calculated. Regression analysis was used to assess the correlation between pretransfusion fetal hemoglobin and MCA‐PSV, and between observed and expected (by projection of daily decreases) pretransfusion fetal hemoglobin levels.ResultsOne hundred and eleven fetuses required an IUT, of which 96 and 67 received a second and third IUT, respectively. The area under the ROC curve for MCA‐PSV in the prediction of severe fetal anemia was not different for each rank of transfusion. The positive predictive value of MCA‐PSV decreased from 75.3% at the first IUT, to 46.7% and 48.8% at the second and third IUTs, respectively, while the negative predictive value for a 1.5‐MoM threshold remained high (88.9% at the second and 91.7% at the third IUT). The mean daily decrease in hemoglobin following each transfusion was 0.45, 0.35 and 0.32 g/dL, respectively. There was a persistent linear correlation between fetal hemoglobin and MCA‐PSV and between observed and expected fetal hemoglobin levels.ConclusionsBoth MCA‐PSV and projection of daily decrease in hemoglobin are reliable means of diagnosing fetal anemia following previous IUTs. The high negative predictive value of MCA‐PSV could allow subsequent IUTs to be postponed in selected cases. Copyright © 2014 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Structure and function of G protein‐coupled receptor oligomers: implications for drug discovery
Authors: Schonenbach Nicole S. , Hussain Sunyia , O'Malley Michelle A. 
Published: December 2014

G protein‐coupled receptor (GPCR) oligomers are promising targets for the design of new highly selective therapeutics. GPCRs have historically been attractive drug targets for their role in nearly all cellular processes, and their localization at the cell surface makes them easily accessible to most small molecule therapeutics. However, GPCRs have traditionally been considered a monomeric entity, a notion that greatly oversimplifies their function. As evidence accumulates that GPCRs tune function through oligomer formation and protein–protein interactions, we see a greater demand for structural information about these oligomers to facilitate oligomer‐specific drug design. These efforts are slowed by difficulties inherent to studying membrane proteins, such as low expression yield, in vitro stability and activity. Such obstacles are amplified for the study of specific oligomers, as there are limited tools to directly isolate and characterize these receptor complexes. Thus, there is a need to develop new interdisciplinary approaches, combining biochemical and biophysical techniques, to address these challenges and elucidate structural details about the oligomer and ligand binding interfaces. In this review, we provide an overview of mechanistic models that have been proposed to underlie the function of GPCR oligomers, and perspectives on emerging techniques to characterize GPCR oligomers for structure‐based drug design. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2015, 7:408–427. doi: 10.1002/wnan.1319This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies
Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology
High energy density physics at the Atomic Weapons Establishment
Authors: Randewich Andrew , Danson Colin 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
The Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) is tasked with supporting Continuous At Sea Deterrence (CASD) by certifying the performance and safety of the national deterrent in the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) era. This means that recourse to further underground testing is not possible, and certification must be achieved by supplementing the historical data with the use of computer calculation. In order to facilitate this, AWE operates some of the largest supercomputers in the UK. To validate the computer codes, and indeed the designers who are using them, it is necessary to carry out further experiments in the right regimes. An excellent way to meet many of the requirements for material property data and to provide confidence in the validity of the algorithms is through experiments carried out on high power laser facilities.
Assuming niceness: private and public relationships in Drake'sNothing Was the Same
Authors: Singh Kris , Tracy Dale 
Published: December 2014

AbstractAs an artist understood to be foregrounding in hip hop topics such as the emotional experience of private relationships, Drake has the opportunity to shape the conceptions of masculinity that are especially hardened in the context of male rappers. Recognised for his niceness in terms of rap skill and personal decentness, Drake has established himself as a genuine person making intimate connections with his fans. However, this image depends on his disregard, in his interviews and his albums, for the effects of the commercialised hip hop genre on his music and his message. Although he presents himself as a model for his generation, this discounting of context limits Drake's possibilities as a public figure.
Nuuk underground: musical change and cosmopolitan nationalism in Greenland
Authors: Otte Andreas 
Published: December 2014

AbstractIn Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, there have been a significant number of musical events in recent years that have been called ‘underground’. These have formed an underground scene that offered a cosmopolitan alternative to established ‘greenlandificated’ popular music. This paper accounts for the building of this underground scene by Nuuk youth, and asks why these young people valued musical change informed by a cosmopolitan outlook, while at the same time holding firmly to the conviction that their activities were a part of the dominant Greenlandic nation-building project. Social agents, which played key roles in building the Nuuk underground scene, described their activities as attempts to come to terms with a history in which Greenland has been perceived as a subaltern nation. This enquiry explains the nationalist logic behind a concern with performing similarity with Western nations in the Nuuk underground scene, as opposed to the more widespread romantic nationalist logic concerned with expressing a distinguishable national character. This further leads to an expansion of a position of cosmopolitan nationalism.
Right ventricular failure with high echoic ventricular wall change after foetoscopic laser photocoagulation: a case report of a donor in twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome
Authors: Mineo Eri , Honda Takashi , Ishii Masahiro 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThe introduction of foetoscopic laser photocoagulation has dramatically improved the prognosis of patients with severe twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome. We present the case of a donor who exhibited right-heart failure with a high echoic wall change of the right ventricle after the foetoscopic laser photocoagulation procedure. The prenatal and 1-year postnatal follow-up revealed the gradual recovery of the right ventricular function.