bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The benefits of Fischer‐Tropsch waxes in synthetic petroleum jelly
Authors: Bekker M. , Louw N. R. , Jansen Van Rensburg V. J. , Potgieter J. 
Published: October 2012

SynopsisThis article is an introduction and general discussion regarding the use of Fisher‐Tropsch wax in petroleum jelly applications. Traditionally, petroleum jelly is prepared from a blend of microwax, paraffin wax and mineral oil that are all derived from crude oil. Sasol Wax has successfully prepared a petroleum jelly based on predominantly to fully synthetic Fisher‐Tropsch wax. Sasol Wax was awarded a patent P53898ZP00‐29 November 11 for a predominantly to fully synthetic petroleum jelly based on Fisher‐Tropsch wax blends. The benefits of Fisher‐Tropsch wax discussed in this article include the absence of aromatic compounds and polycyclic aromatic compounds in Fisher‐Tropsch wax as well as the sustainable production that is possible with Fisher‐Tropsch wax, as opposed to paraffin wax that may be affected by the closure of group I Base Oil plants. This article will be the first in a series of articles from the same authors, and follow‐up articles will include solid‐state nuclear magnetic resonance and crystallization studies to determine the influence of predominantly synthetic waxes on petroleum jelly network structures compared with more traditional mineral oil‐derived petroleum jellies, final product performance and stability of synthetic petroleum jelly used in, for example, personal care lotions or creams. The influence of oxygenated compounds and product safety and rheological properties (including primary skin feel upon application and secondary skin feel after application) of synthetic petroleum jellies compared with traditional mineral oil‐derived petroleum jellies are discussed.
Accuracy of CBCT for volumetric measurement of simulated periapical lesions
Authors: Ahlowalia M. S. , Patel S. , Anwar H. M. S. , Cama G. , Austin R. S. , Wilson R. , Mannocci F. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractAimTo compare the accuracy of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and micro‐computed tomography (μCT) when measuring the volume of bone cavities.MethodologyTen irregular‐shaped cavities of varying dimensions were created in bovine bone specimens using a rotary diamond bur. The samples were then scanned using the Accuitomo 3D® CBCT scanner. The scanned information was converted to the Digital Imaging and Communication in Medicine (DICOM) format ready for analysis. Once formatted, 10 trained and calibrated examiners segmented the scans and measured the volumes of the lesions. Intra/interexaminer agreement was assessed by each examiner re‐segmenting each scan after a 2‐week interval. Micro‐CT scans were analysed by a single examiner. To achieve a physical reading of the artificially created cavities, replicas were created using dimensionally stable silicone impression material. After measuring the mass of each impression sample, the volume was calculated by dividing the mass of each sample by the density of the set impression material. Further corroboration of these measurements was obtained by employing Archimedes' principle to measure the volume of each impression sample. Intraclass correlation was used to assess agreement.ResultsBoth CBCT (mean volume: 175.9 mm3) and μCT (mean volume: 163.1 mm3) showed a high degree of agreement (intraclass correlation coefficient >0.9) when compared to both weighed and ‘Archimedes’ principle' measurements (mean volume: 177.7 and 182.6 mm3, respectively).ConclusionCone beam computed tomography is an accurate means of measuring volume of artificially created bone cavities in an ex vivo model. This may provide a valuable tool for monitoring the healing rate of apical periodontitis; further investigations are warranted.
Prevalence of undiagnosed and undertreated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in lung cancer population
Authors: ZHANG JING , ZHOU JIE‐BAI , LIN XIN‐FENG , WANG QUN , BAI CHUN‐XUE , HONG QUN‐YING 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACTBackground and objective:  Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a risk factor and important coexisting disease for lung cancer; however, the current status of management of COPD in lung cancer patients is not fully described. This study addressed this issue in a general teaching hospital in China.Methods:  Medical records of hospitalized lung cancer patients in Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, between January 2006 and December 2010 were reviewed. The definition of COPD was according to the spirometric criteria of the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) document. The diagnostic rate (COPD recorded as a discharge diagnosis/spirometry‐defined percentage) and conformity to GOLD treatment guidelines were investigated. The factors influencing diagnosis were analysed.Results:  During the study period, the prevalence of spirometry‐defined COPD in hospitalized lung cancer patients was 21.6% (705/3263). The overall diagnostic rate of COPD was 7.1%, and the treatment conformity for stable and acute exacerbation of COPD was 27.1% and 46.8%, respectively. Respiratory physicians had a higher diagnostic rate than non‐respiratory doctors (34.8% vs 2.9%, P < 0.001) and a better treatment conformity for acute exacerbation of COPD (63.6% vs 37.5%, P = 0.048). Patients with COPD as a discharge diagnosis had more chance to receive guideline‐consistent treatment. The diagnostic rate of COPD was higher among patients with a history of smoking, respiratory diseases or symptoms.Conclusions:  COPD is substantially underdiagnosed and undertreated in a hospitalized lung cancer population. History of smoking, respiratory diseases and symptoms promotes diagnosis. Education of COPD knowledge among patients and doctors is urgently required in this special population.
Proximity of brain infarcts to regions of endogenous neurogenesis and involvement of striatum in ischaemic stroke
Authors: Delavaran H. , Sjunnesson H. , Arvidsson A. , Lindvall O. , Norrving B. , van Westen D. , Kokaia Z. , Lindgren A. 
Published: October 2012

Background and purposeClinical stroke trials with stem cell‐based approaches aiming for trophic actions, modulation of inflammation and neuroprotection are ongoing. However, experimental studies also suggest that neuronal replacement by grafted neural stem cells (NSCs) and possibly by endogenousNSCs from the subventricular zone (SVZ) may restore function in the stroke‐damaged striatum. To evaluate the potential clinical impact of these findings, we analyzed the spatial relationship of infarcts to theSVZand the proportion of individuals with striatal lesions in a consecutive series of ischaemic stroke patients.MethodsPatients aged 20–75 years with first‐ever ischaemic stroke underwentDW‐MRIof the brain within 4 days after stroke onset. We analyzed location, size, number of acute focal ischaemic abnormalities and their spatial relationship to theSVZ. Stroke severity was assessed usingNIHStroke Scale (NIHSS).ResultsOf 108 included patients, the distance from the nearest margin of the infarct(s) to theSVZwas ≤2 mm in 51/102 patients with visible ischaemic lesions onDW‐MRI. Twenty‐four patients had involvement of striatum. Eight of these had predominantly striatal lesions, that is >50% of the total ischaemic lesion volume was located in caudate nucleus and/or putamen. These 8 patients had a medianNIHSSof 3.ConclusionsMany stroke patients have infarcts located close to theSVZ, providing some supportive evidence that optimized endogenous neurogenesis may have therapeutic potential. However, predominantly striatal infarcts are rare and tend to give mild neurological deficits, indicating that striatum should not be the primary target for neuronal replacement efforts in humans.
Transport of root‐respired CO2 via the transpiration stream affects aboveground carbon assimilation and CO2 efflux in trees
Authors: Bloemen Jasper , McGuire Mary Anne , Aubrey Doug P. , Teskey Robert O. , Steppe Kathy 
Published: October 2012

Summary

Upward transport of CO2 via the transpiration stream from belowground to aboveground tissues occurs in tree stems. Despite potentially important implications for our understanding of plant physiology, the fate of internally transported CO2 derived from autotrophic respiratory processes remains unclear.

We infused a 13CO2‐labeled aqueous solution into the base of 7‐yr‐old field‐grown eastern cottonwood (Populus deltoides) trees to investigate the effect of xylem‐transported CO2 derived from the root system on aboveground carbon assimilation and CO2 efflux.

The 13C label was transported internally and detected throughout the tree. Up to 17% of the infused label was assimilated, while the remainder diffused to the atmosphere via stem and branch efflux. The largest amount of assimilated 13C was found in branch woody tissues, while only a small quantity was assimilated in the foliage. Petioles were more highly enriched in 13C than other leaf tissues.

Our results confirm a recycling pathway for respired CO2 and indicate that internal transport of CO2 from the root system may confound the interpretation of efflux‐based estimates of woody tissue respiration and patterns of carbohydrate allocation.
Transition of research focus from vasospasm to early brain injury after subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Caner Basak , Hou Jack , Altay Orhan , Fuj Mutsumi , Zhang John H. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractSubarachnoid hemorrhage is a devastating disease that can be difficult to manage. Not only is the initial bleeding and rebleeding associated with high mortality, but a large fraction of patients also develop a delayed neurological deficit even when the aneurysm was successfully secured with clipping or coiling. Past research effort has traditionally been focused on vasospasm, which was conceived to be the sole factor for delayed neurological deficit. The failure of anti‐vasospastic drugs to improve outcome in clinical trials has brought into focus the significance of early brain injury. The immediate events associated with subarachnoid hemorrhage, including increased intracranial pressure, decreased cerebral blood flow and global ischemia initiate a cascade of pathological changes that occur before the onset of delayed vasospasm. These pathological changes in the very early stage of the hemorrhage propagate and cause blood–brain barrier disruption, inflammation, oxidative stress and cell death. Focusing only on the treatment of vasospasm with complete disregard for early brain injury is insufficient for the management of subarachnoid hemorrhage. Instead, a therapeutic intervention has to aim at stopping the molecular cascades of early brain injury that may lead to long‐term deficits in addition to vasospasm. We review the pathological mechanisms of early brain injury, which may reveal new therapeutic avenues that can be exploited to serve as combination therapy with anti‐vasospasm medications in the future.
Transcranial Doppler ultrasound in neurovascular diseases: diagnostic and therapeutic aspects
Authors: Akif Topcuoglu M. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractAlbeit no direct anatomical information can be obtained, neurosonological methods provide real‐time determination of velocity, and spectral waveform of blood flow in basal intracranial arteries adds significant benefit to the care of the patients with neurovascular diseases. Several features, such as relative simplicity in terms of interpretation and performance, significantly low cost, totally non‐invasiveness, portability, and excellent temporal resolution, make neurosonology increasingly popular tool for evaluation, planning, and monitoring of treatment, and for determining prognosis in various neurovascular diseases. Usefulness of transcranial Doppler in diagnosing/monitoring subarachnoid hemorrhage related vasospasm and sickle cell vasculopathy is already well known. Utility in diagnosis of intracranial arterial stenosis, acute occlusion and recanalization, intracranial hemodynamic effect of the cervical arterial pathologies, intracranial pressure increase, and cerebral circulatory arrest are also well established. Neurosonological determination of vasomotor reactivity, cerebral autoregulation, neurovascular coupling, and micro‐embolic signals detection are useful in the assessment of stroke risk, diagnosis of right‐to‐left shunting, and monitoring during surgery and interventional procedures. Transcranial Doppler is also an evolving ultrasound method with a therapeutic potential such as augmentation of clot lysis and cerebral delivery of thrombolytic or neuroprotective agent loaded nanobubbles in neurovascular diseases. The aim of this study is to give an overview of current usage of the different ultrasound modalities in different neurovascular diseases.
The evolution of lenses
Authors: Land Michael F 
Published: October 2012

AbstractStructures which bend light and so form images are present in all the major phyla. Lenses with a graded refractive index, and hence reduced spherical aberration, evolved in the vertebrates, arthropods, annelid worms, and several times in the molluscs. Even cubozoan jellyfish have lens eyes. In some vertebrate eyes, multiple focal lengths allow some correction for chromatic aberration. In land vertebrates the cornea took over the main ray‐bending task, leaving accommodation as the main function of the lens. The spiders are the only other group to make use of a single cornea as the optical system in their main eyes, and some of these – the salticids – have evolved a remarkable system based on image scanning. Similar scanning arrangements are found in some crustaceans, sea‐snails and insect larvae.
Eye cosmetic usage and associated ocular comfort
Authors: Ng Alison , Evans Katharine , North Rachel , Purslow Christine 
Published: October 2012

AbstractPurposeEye cosmetics usage is commonplace and whilst some products such as eyeliner are applied with close proximity to the ocular surface, there is little knowledge of the short‐ and long‐term ocular effects of eye cosmetic formulations. This study aimed to investigate the use of eye cosmetics and identify any relationships between ocular comfort and cosmetic usage.MethodsResults were collated from an online survey comprising 23 questions that recorded demographics, Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) score, extent and range of eye cosmetic use and perceived comfort differences with and without eye cosmetics.ResultsThe 1360 female respondents (median age 25, interquartile range 20–34 years) completed the survey; 83% reported using eye cosmetics regularly (≥ 3 times per week) with mascara being most commonly used. Fifty three per cent used at least three different eye cosmetics products regularly. OSDI scores of cosmetics users were similar to non‐users (p = 0.083), but perceived comfort was greater when cosmetics were not used (p < 0.001). In occasional cosmetics users (use of products < 3 times per week), 65% reported a reduction in comfort when cosmetics were used. Median OSDI scores suggested a trend towards reduced comfort amongst eyeliner users (p = 0.07) although frequency and type of cosmetic products used did not appear to influence OSDI scores.ConclusionsThis study shows the use of multiple eye cosmetics is extensive and associated with the perception of ocular discomfort. With such widespread use of these products, more research is required to assess the effect on the ocular surface and tear film, which may be underestimated.
Comparing Alcohol Screening Measures Among HIV‐Infected and ‐Uninfected Men
Authors: McGinnis Kathleen A. , Justice Amy C. , Kraemer Kevin L. , Saitz Richard , Bryant Kendall J. , Fiellin David A. 
Published: October 2012

BackgroundBrief measures of unhealthy alcohol use have not been well validated among people with HIV. We compared the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) to reference standards for unhealthy alcohol use based on 30‐day Timeline Follow Back (TLFB) and Composite International Diagnostic Interview—Substance Abuse Module (CIDI‐SAM), among 837 male HIV‐infected and ‐uninfected patients in the Veterans Aging Cohort Study.MethodsThree reference standards were (i) Risky drinking—based on TLFB >14 drinks over 7 consecutive days or >4 drinks on 1 day; (ii) Alcohol dependence—based on a CIDI‐SAM diagnosis; and (iii) Unhealthy alcohol use—risky drinking or a CIDI‐SAM diagnosis of abuse or dependence. Various cutoffs for the AUDIT, AUDIT‐C, and heavy episodic drinking were compared with the reference standards.ResultsMean age of patients was 52 years, 53% (444) were HIV‐infected, and 53% (444) were African American. Among HIV‐infected and ‐uninfected patients, the prevalence of risky drinking (14 vs. 12%, respectively), alcohol dependence (8 vs. 7%), and unhealthy alcohol use (22 vs. 20%) was similar. For risky drinking and alcohol dependence, multiple cutoffs of AUDIT, AUDIT‐C, and heavy episodic drinking provided good sensitivity (≥80%) and specificity (≥90%). For unhealthy alcohol use, few cutoffs provided sensitivity ≥80%; however, many cutoffs provided good specificity. For all 3 alcohol screening measures, sensitivity improved when heavy episodic drinking was included with the cutoff. Sensitivity of measures for risky drinking and unhealthy alcohol use was lower in HIV‐infected than in uninfected patients.ConclusionsFor identifying risky drinking, alcohol dependence, and unhealthy alcohol use, AUDIT‐C performs as well as AUDIT and similarly in HIV‐infected and ‐uninfected patients. Cutoffs should be based on the importance of specific operating characteristics for the intended research or clinical use. Incorporating heavy episodic drinking increased sensitivity for detecting alcohol dependence and unhealthy alcohol use.
Faith Matters: Religious Affiliation and Public Opinion About Barack Obama's Foreign Policy in the “Greater” Middle East
Authors: Taydas Zeynep , Kentmen Cigdem , Olson Laura R. 
Published: October 2012

ObjectivesDespite the obvious relevance of religious themes and symbols in U.S. foreign policy since September 11, 2001, scholars know little about whether or how religious affiliation and behavior affect foreign policy attitudes. In this study, we endeavor to fill this gap in the literature.MethodsWe analyze the relationship between religious affiliation and public opinion about several dimensions of U.S. foreign policy in the Greater Middle East under President Barack Obama using pooled data from three surveys conducted in 2009 by the Pew Research Center.ResultsOur analysis indicates that the “faith factor” is a powerful force driving American attitudes about Obama's foreign policy. Specifically, seculars, mainline Protestants, and Catholics variously stand out as more moderate and more supportive of Obama when compared to evangelical Protestants.ConclusionsOur findings demonstrate that even when other determinants of foreign policy public opinion are controlled, religious affiliation has a powerful and independent impact on a wide array of foreign policy attitudes. Religion's impact on foreign policy attitudes thus is limited neither to the period immediately following September 11 nor to the administration of George W. Bush.
The Tea Party, Sarah Palin, and the 2010 Congressional Elections: The Aftermath of the Election of Barack Obama
Authors: Bullock Charles S. , Hood M. V. 
Published: October 2012

ObjectiveSarah Palin and the Tea Party played active roles in endorsing candidates for the U.S. House in 2010; we explore whether they followed different strategies. Palin proved more careful in backing candidates while the decentralized Tea Party movement often became involved in hopeless causes.MethodWe analyze the endorsements made by Palin and the Tea Party in contests involving House seats held by Democrats going into the 2010 elections.ResultsWe show that Palin and the Tea Party had different endorsement approaches.ConclusionsPalin's endorsements seem to have been guided by more strategic considerations than those from the Tea Party. The Tea Party concentrated more on trying to defeat incumbents and especially incumbents who had supported the Obama legislative package with the stimulus bill being a lightning rod for Tea Partiers. Palin proved far more selective in making endorsements and concentrated more on backing challengers likely to unseat Democrats. Although she endorsed less than half as many races as the Tea Party, she backed almost as many winners.
Score and Ignore
Authors: McConway Kevin , Spiegelhalter David 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
Do you shout at the morning radio when a story about a medical “risk” is distorted, exaggerated, mangled out of all recognition? Does your annoyance ruin your breakfast? You are not alone. Kevin McConway and David Spiegelhalter have developed a defence strategy to save their start-of-the-day sanity. Strike back at the presenters! And make it personal …
Open-Label Extension Study of Flibanserin in Women with Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder
Authors: Jayne Christopher , Simon James A. , Taylor Leslie V. , Kimura Toshio , Lesko Lynna M. 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) is a common form of Female Sexual Dysfunction characterized by low sexual desire that causes distress or interpersonal difficulty.

Aim
This 52-week open-label extension study aimed to assess the safety and tolerability of flibanserin, a postsynaptic 5-HT1A agonist/5-HT2A antagonist, in women with HSDD.

Methods
Women with HSDD who had completed a trial of flibanserin or flibanserin placebo received flexible-dose flibanserin (50 or 100 mg once daily at bedtime [qhs] or 25 or 50 mg twice daily [bid]) for 52 weeks.

Main Outcome Measures
Primary end points were: proportions of women with somnolence, sedation, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting (adverse events [AEs] known to be associated with flibanserin); discontinuations due to AEs; and serious AEs. Secondary end points included change from baseline in Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised total and Item 13 scores and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) total and desire domain score scores. FSFI total scores were used to classify women into FSFI remitters (FSFI score &gt;26.55, indicating no clinical sexual dysfunction) and FSFI non-remitters (FSFI score &lt;26.55).

Results
Of the 1723 women who received flibanserin, 962 (55.8%) completed 12 months’ treatment, and 883 women were exposed to flibanserin 100 mg qhs for ≥180 days. Somnolence, sedation, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting were reported by 15.8, 1.6, 7.6, 6.9, 6.3, and 1.4% of participants, respectively. A total of 185 participants (10.7%) discontinued due to AEs. Serious AEs were reported by 1.2% of participants. At study end, 42% of baseline non-remitters had improved their FSFI score to remission level. The proportion of baseline FSFI remitters in remission rose from 83% at week 4 to a stable value of ∼90%.

Conclusion
Flibanserin was well tolerated. Sexual function improved in women who were not FSFI remitters at baseline, and was maintained in those who were remitters at baseline.