bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Associations between pigment epithelium‐derived factor, insulin resistance and high density lipoprotein
Authors: Pek S. , Tavintharan S. , Woon K. , Niyati J. , Lim S. C. , Sum C. F. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractAimsTo measure serum pigment epithelium‐derived factor in control subjects with normal fasting glucose, and in subjects with impaired fasting glucose and those with newly diagnosed Type 2 diabetes, before treatment initiation, and to measure pigment epithelium‐derived factor prospectively in patients being treated with HDL‐raising therapy, niacin.MethodsWe enrolled 89 individuals attending an institutional health screen. Biochemical indices including lipids, homeostasis model assessment‐insulin resistance, high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein and pigment epithelium‐derived factor were analysed in fasting blood. To validate the association between HDL and pigment epithelium‐derived factor, we analysed samples from a separate study cohort with low HDL, followed up for 12‐weeks while on niacin treatment. Secreted pigment epithelium‐derived factor from 3T3‐L1 adipocytes, after HDL treatment (24‐h), was measured using Western blot analysis.ResultsMean (± sd) serum pigment epithelium‐derived factor was significantly higher in subjects with impaired fasting glucose [13.99 (± 3.06) μg/ml] and Type 2 diabetes [12.94 (± 2.61)] μg/ml, compared with control subjects [11.83 (± 2.85) μg/ml (P = 0.014)]. In multivariate analyses, serum pigment epithelium‐derived factor concentration was associated with BMI (β = 0.32, 0.007), homeostasis model assessment‐insulin resistance (β = 0.33, P = 0.01) and HDL (β = −0.24, P = 0.05), after adjustment for age, gender and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein. In the niacin study, on‐treatment HDL was an independent determinant of pigment epithelium‐derived factor (β = −0.439, P = 0.033), after adjusting for age, homeostasis model assessment‐insulin resistance and treatment. Adipocytes treated with HDL were found to have reduced pigment epithelium‐derived factor secretion [24.8% (50 μg/ml), 28.4% (100 μg/ml) HDL; P < 0.05)], compared with the control samples.ConclusionSerum pigment epithelium‐derived factor is positively associated with homeostasis model assessment‐insulin resistance and negatively associated with HDL. Further studies are needed to understand the mechanism of low HDL and raised pigment epithelium‐derived factor and to determine if they are causally related to the pathobiology of insulin resistance.
Objective measurements of activity patterns in people with newly diagnosed Type 2 diabetes demonstrate a sedentary lifestyle
Authors: Cichosz S. L. , Fleischer J. , Hoeyem P. , Laugesen E. , Poulsen P. L. , Christiansen J. S. , Ejskjær N. , Hansen T. K. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractAimsTo evaluate physical activity in people with newly diagnosed Type 2 diabetes using objective measures.MethodsWe analysed data from a study aimed at assessing carotid femoral pulse wave velocity in which a piezoelectric accelerometer was worn by 100 people with newly diagnosed Type 2 diabetes and by 100 age‐ and sex‐matched control subjects. Differences in physical activity patterns were investigated.ResultsCompared with the control group, the people with Type 2 diabetes spent significantly more time engaged in sedentary or lower level activities during the day, with a mean (sd) time of 926 (44) vs 898 (70) min, P < 0.001). This difference remained significant after correction for differences in BMI between the two groups.ConclusionsUsing objective measurements, our findings demonstrate that people with newly diagnosed Type 2 diabetes have a more sedentary lifestyle compared with well‐matched controls.
Hemorrhagic transformation in patients with acute ischaemic stroke and an indication for anticoagulation
Authors: Marsh E. B. , Llinas R. H. , Hillis A. E. , Gottesman R. F. 
Published: March 2013

Background and purposeIntracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) can occur in patients following acute ischaemic stroke in the form of hemorrhagic transformation, and results in significant long‐term morbidity and mortality. Anticoagulation theoretically increases risk. We evaluated stroke patients with an indication for anticoagulation to determine the factors associated with hemorrhagic transformation.MethodsThree‐hundred and forty‐five patients with ICD‐9 codes indicating: (i) acute ischaemic stroke; and (ii) an indication for anticoagulation were screened. One‐hundred and twenty‐three met inclusion criteria. Data were collected retrospectively. Neuroimaging was reviewed for infarct volume and evidence of ICH. Hemorrhages were classified as: hemorrhagic conversion (petechiae) versus intracerebral hematoma (a space occupying lesion); symptomatic versus asymptomatic. Using multivariable logistic regression, we determined the hypothesized factors associated with intracerebral bleeding.ResultsAge [odds ratio (OR) = 1.50 per 10‐year increment, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.07–2.08], infarct volume (OR = 1.10 per 10 ccs, 95% CI 1.06–1.18) and worsening category of renal impairment by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR; OR = 1.95, 95% CI 1.04–3.66) were predictors of hemorrhagic transformation. Ninety‐ nine out of 123 patients were anticoagulated. Hemorrhage rates of patients on and off anticoagulation did not differ (25.3% vs. 20.8%; P = 0.79); however, all intracerebral hematomas (n = 7) and symptomatic bleeds (n = 8) occurred in the anticoagulated group.ConclusionsThe risk of hemorrhagic transformation in patients with acute ischaemic stroke and an indication for anticoagulation is multifactorial, and most closely associated with an individual's age, infarct volume and eGFR.
Assessing Gains in Language Proficiency, Cross‐Cultural Competence, and Regional Awareness During Study Abroad: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Watson Jeffrey R. , Siska Peter , Wolfel Richard L. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractAs a critical part of the internationalization movement in college curricula, study abroad initiatives are becoming more and more popular and the need to assess their outcomes more and more evident. While numerous studies have investigated the language gain associated with study abroad, researchers are also beginning to look at potential gains in the areas of cultural and regional competence. This study presents a theoretical background for a three‐tiered model for assessing student outcomes during study abroad in three domains—language proficiency, cross‐cultural competence, and regional awareness—and presents the quantitative data gathered from the implementation of this model. Results show the feasibility of assessing these outcomes in a holistic manner through formal assessment instruments and participant coaching pre‐ and post‐immersion.
Examining Modeling Approaches for the Rainfall‐Runoff Process in Wildfire‐Affected Watersheds: Using San Dimas Experimental Forest
Authors: Chen Li , Berli Markus , Chief Karletta 
Published: March 2013

AbstractWildfire can significantly change watershed hydrological processes resulting in increased risks for flooding, erosion, and debris flow. The goal of this study was to evaluate the predictive capability of hydrological models in estimating post‐fire runoff using data from the San Dimas Experimental Forest (SDEF), San Dimas, California. Four methods were chosen representing different types of post‐fire runoff prediction methods, including a Rule of Thumb, Modified Rational Method (MODRAT), HEC‐HMS Curve Number, and KINematic Runoff and EROSion Model 2 (KINEROS2). Results showed that simple, empirical peak flow models performed acceptably if calibrated correctly. However, these models do not reflect hydrological mechanisms and may not be applicable for predictions outside the area where they were calibrated. For pre‐fire conditions, the Curve Number approach implemented in HEC‐HMS provided more accurate results than KINEROS2, whereas for post‐fire conditions, the opposite was observed. Such a trend may imply fundamental changes from pre‐ to post‐fire hydrology. Analysis suggests that the runoff generation mechanism in the watershed may have temporarily changed due to fire effects from saturation‐excess runoff or subsurface storm dominated complex mechanisms to an infiltration‐excess dominated mechanism. Infiltration modeling using the Hydrus‐1D model supports this inference. Results of this study indicate that physically‐based approaches may better reflect this trend and have the potential to provide consistent and satisfactory prediction.
Quality Evaluation of Steel, Aluminum, and Road Material Recycled from End‐of‐Life Urban Buildings in Japan in Terms of Total Material Requirement
Authors: Yamasue Eiji , Minamino Ryota , Tanikawa Hiroki , Daigo Ichiro , Okumura Hideyuki , Ishihara Keiichi N. , Brunner Paul H. 
Published: March 2013

SummaryIn this study we introduce the concept of total material requirement (TMR) to quantify the quality of materials from end‐of‐life buildings. The TMRs for the recycling of materials (urban ore TMR [UO‐TMR]) from four types of Japanese buildings ( Japanese traditional wooden structure [ JTWS], wooden frame with walls structure [ WFS ], reinforced‐concrete structure [RCS], and steel‐based structure [SS]) have been estimated and the trade‐off between the increase in function of recycled materials such as steel made from scrap and the additional inputs of energy and materials required to create the increase in function were evaluated. Steel made from scrap, aluminum made from scrap, and road material are assumed to be recycled from steel products, aluminum products, and aggregate and cement concrete in the buildings, respectively. Case study analyses were carried out to determine the effect of recycling only aboveground materials compared to recycling both aboveground and subsurface materials. Also, the effect of varying the recycling rate of wooden demolition debris is determined.The UO‐TMRs of steel made from scrap range from 4.7 kilograms per kilogram (kg/kg) to 18.2 kg/kg. Urban tailings (unrecycled components) account for the greatest proportion of the UO‐TMR of steel made from scrap, and the next largest contributor is the recycling process. In the case of aluminum made from scrap, the UO‐TMRs range from 22 to 196 kg/kg, with the contribution of urban tailings generally dominant, and the second largest contributor being on‐site demolition and shredding. The UO‐TMRs of recycled road material range from 1.04 to 1.16 kg/kg and are similar for different recycling cases and types of buildings.
Producer Responsibility Organizations Development and Operations
Authors: Mayers Kieren , Butler Scott 
Published: March 2013

SummaryExtended producer responsibility (EPR) regulations are now in effect in 27 European Union member states and are applicable to up to 100 million tonnes of waste packaging, batteries, automobiles, and electrical and electronic products annually. This article investigates the implementation of EPR through a case study of European Recycling Platform (ERP) UK Ltd., the UK arm of one of the largest producer responsibility organizations (PROs) in Europe, recycling more than 1.5 million tonnes of waste electrical and electronic equipment to date.Previous research is extremely limited on the detailed operations of PROs. This case is presented as an example illustrating typical operational challenges PROs face in implementing EPR, such as how PROs gain an understanding of the waste management infrastructure and legislation in each country, collect sufficient volumes of waste using cost‐effective arrangements, and maintain uninterrupted collection, treatment, and recycling services. The case study provides new insights and context on the practical implementation of EPR regulations relevant for both policy makers and researchers.
The nanoscale mineralogy of Fe,Ni sulfides in pristine and metamorphosed CM and CM/CI‐like chondrites: Tapping a petrogenetic record
Authors: Harries Dennis , Langenhorst Falko 
Published: March 2013

AbstractWe have sampled sulfide grains from one pristine CM2 chondrite (Yamato [Y‐] 791198), one thermally metamorphosed CM2 chondrite (Y‐793321), and two anomalous, metamorphosed CM/CI‐like chondrites (Y‐86720 and Belgica [B‐] 7904) by the focused ion beam (FIB) technique and studied them by analytical transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Our study aims at exploring the potential of sulfide assemblages and microstructures to decipher processes and conditions of chondrite petrogenesis. Complex exsolution textures of pyrrhotite (crystallographic NC‐type with N ≈ 6), troilite, and pentlandite occur in grains of Y‐791198 and Y‐793321. Additionally, polycrystalline 4C‐pyrrhotite‐pentlandite‐magnetite aggregates occur in Y‐791198, pointing to diverse conditions of gas–solid interactions in the solar nebula. Coarser exsolution textures of Y‐793321 grains indicate higher long‐term average temperatures in the <100 °C range compared to Y‐791198 and other CM chondrites. Sulfide mineralogy of Y‐86720 and B‐7904 is dominated by aggregates of pure troilite and metal, indicating metamorphic equilibration at sulfur fugacities (fS2) of the iron‐troilite buffer. Absence of magnetite in equilibrium with sulfide and metal in Y‐86720 indicates higher peak temperatures compared with B‐7904, in which coexistence of troilite, metal, and magnetite constrains metamorphic temperature to less than 570 °C. NC‐pyrrhotite occurs in both meteorites as nm‐wide rims on troilite grains and, together with frequent anhydrite, indicates a retrograde metamorphic stage at higher fS2 slightly above the fayalite‐magnetite‐quartz‐pyrrhotite buffer. Fine‐grained troilite‐olivine intergrowths in both meteorites suggest the pre‐metamorphic presence of tochilinite‐serpentine interlayer phases, pointing to mineralogical CM affinity. Pseudomorphs after euhedral pyrrhotite crystals in Y‐86720 in turn suggest CI affinity as do previously published O isotopic data of both meteorites.
Thermomechanics of Solids With Lower-Dimensional Energetics: On the Importance of Surface, Interface, and Curve Structures at the Nanoscale. A Unifying Review
Authors: Javili A. , McBride A. , Steinmann P. 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
Surfaces and interfaces can significantly influence the overall response of a solid body. Their behavior is well described by continuum theories that endow the surface and interface with their own energetic structures. Such theories are becoming increasingly important when modeling the response of structures at the nanoscale. The objectives of this review are as follows. The first is to summarize the key contributions in the literature. The second is to unify a select subset of these contributions using a systematic and thermodynamically consistent procedure to derive the governing equations. Contributions from the bulk and the lower-dimensional surface, interface, and curve are accounted for. The governing equations describe the fully nonlinear response (geometric and material). Expressions for the energy and entropy flux vectors, and the admissible constraints on the temperature field, all subject to the restriction of non-negative dissipation, are explored. A particular emphasis is placed on the structure of these relations at the interface. A weak formulation of the governing equations is then presented that serves as the basis for their approximation using the finite element method. Various forms for a Helmholtz energy that describes the fully coupled thermomechanical response of the system are given. They include the contribution from surface tension. The vast majority of the literature on surface elasticity is framed in the infinitesimal deformation setting. The finite deformation stress measures are, thus, linearized and the structure of the resulting stresses discussed. The final objective is to elucidate the theory using a series of numerical example problems.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Chronic, Nonclonal Cystic Fibrosis Isolate Pseudomonas aeruginosa Strain 18A
Authors: Woo Jerry K. K. , McElroy Kerensa , Rice Scott A. , Kirov Sylvia M. , Thomas Torsten , Kjelleberg Staffan 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT

Pseudomonas aeruginosa
strain 18A is a clinical, nonclonal isolate retrieved from the sputum of a chronically infected cystic fibrosis patient. The genome of 18A was sequenced for comparison with environmental and clinical isolates to identify genes that might facilitate its persistence during infection.
Complete Genome Sequence of the Probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum Strain ZJ316
Authors: Li Xuan , Gu Qing , Lou Xiuyu , Zhang Xiaomei , Song Dafeng , Shen Lei , Zhao Yizhen 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT

Lactobacillus plantarum
strain ZJ316, a probiotic strain with several functions, was isolated from healthy newborn infant fecal samples. Here we report the finished and annotated genome sequence of this organism.
Complete Genome Sequence of Myxococcus stipitatus Strain DSM 14675, a Fruiting Myxobacterium
Authors: Huntley Stuart , Kneip Susanne , Treuner-Lange Anke , Søgaard-Andersen Lotte 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT

Hallmarks of the myxobacteria include the formation of spore-filled fruiting bodies in response to starvation and synthesis of secondary metabolites.
Myxococcus stipitatus
forms morphologically highly distinct fruiting bodies and produces secondary metabolites with antibiotic or cytotoxic activities. Here, we present the 10.35-Mb genome sequence of
M. stipitatus
strain DSM 14675.
A qualitative study of the barriers to prehospital management of acute pain in children
Authors: Murphy Adrian , Barrett Michael , Cronin John , McCoy Siobhan , Larkin Philip , Brenner Maria , Wakai Abel , O'Sullivan Ronan 
Published: March 2013

IntroductionEffective pain management in the prehospital setting is gaining momentum as a potential key performance indicator by many emergency medical service systems, but historically has been shown to be inadequate, particularly in the paediatric population. This study aimed to identify the barriers, as perceived by a national cohort of advanced paramedics (APs), to achieving optimal prehospital management of acute pain in children.MethodsA qualitative approach was employed to capture data through two focus group interviews. Sixteen APs were invited to participate in this study. Both focus groups were audio recorded, transcribed and analysed using Attride–Stirling's framework for thematic network analysis.ResultsThe global theme ‘Understanding Barriers to the Prehospital Management of Acute Pain in Children’ emerged from three organising themes as follows: AP education and training; current clinical practice guidelines for paediatric pain management; realities of prehospital practice. Limited exposure to children in the prehospital setting, difficulty assessing pain intensity in small children, and challenges in administering oral or inhaled analgesic agents to distressed and uncooperative children were highlighted by participants. Short transfer times to the emergency department, and a ‘medical’ cause of pain were also implicated as examples of when children are less likely to receive analgesia from practitioners.ConclusionsThe pathway to improving care must include an emphasis on improvements in practitioner education and training, offering alternatives to assessing pain in preverbal children, exploring the intranasal route of drug delivery in managing acute severe pain, and robustly developed evidence-based guidelines that are practitioner friendly and patient-focused.
Outcomes in UK patients with hospital-acquired bacteraemia and the risk of catheter-associated urinary tract infections
Authors: Melzer Mark , Welch Catherine 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Purpose
There is lack of contemporary outcome data on patients with hospital-acquired infections that cause bacteraemia. We determined the risk factors for 7-day mortality and investigated the hypothesis that, compared with central venous catheter (CVC)-associated bacteraemic infections, catheter-associated bacteraemic urinary tract infections (UTIs) were significantly associated with 7-day mortality.

Methods
From October 2007 to September 2008, demographical, clinical and microbiological data were collected on patients with hospital-acquired bacteraemia. Patients were followed until death, hospital discharge or recovery from infection. Risk factors for 7-day mortality were determined and multivariate logistic regression was used to define the association between catheter-associated bacteraemic UTIs and likelihood of death.

Results
559 bacteraemic episodes occurred in 437 patients. Overall, there were 90 deaths (20.6%) at 7 days and 153 deaths (35.0%) at 30 days. Among patients with catheter-associated bacteraemic UTIs, 7-day and 30-day mortalities associated with each bacteraemic episode were 25/83 (30.1%) and 33/83 (39.8%), respectively. Within this subgroup, the commonest isolates were Escherichia coli, 36 (43.4%), Proteus mirabilis, 11 (13.3%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 9 (10.8%). There were 22 (26.5%) multiple drug-resistant isolates and, of the E coli infections, 6 (16.7%) were extended spectrum β-lactamase producers. In univariate analysis, the variables found to have the strongest association with 7-day mortality were age, Pitt score, Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), medical speciality and site of infection. Compared with CVC-associated bacteraemic infections, there was a significant association between catheter-associated bacteraemic UTIs and 7-day mortality (OR 4.16, 95% CI 1.86 to 9.33). After adjustment for age and CCI, this association remained significant (OR 2.90, 95% CI 1.19 to 7.07).

Conclusions
Compared with CVC-associated bacteraemic infections, catheter-associated bacteraemic UTIs were significantly associated with 7-day mortality. Efforts to reduce these infections should be prioritised.
New Strategies for Carcinoma of Unknown Primary: The Role of Tissue-of-Origin Molecular Profiling
Authors: Varadhachary Gauri 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
The taxonomy and management of carcinoma of unknown primary (CUP) has matured over the past decade with the use of sophisticated imaging and pathologic tools. In the era of tailored therapeutics, this presents both an opportunity and a challenge. Tissue-of-origin (ToO) molecular profiling has an important role in the diagnostic armamentarium of CUP cancers, and its niche continues to evolve with ongoing prospective studies. Despite the inability to conduct direct validation (i.e., primary tumor), the use of the indirect validation methods with immunohistochemistry (IHC), imaging, and treatment response has allowed us to evaluate the performance accuracy of ToO profiling assays in CUP cancers. Despite advances, we struggle with the undifferentiated neoplasms, which often remain unclassifiable after an exhaustive use of IHC and ToO profiling assays. Genomic characterization of these and other select CUP cancers using next-generation sequencing techniques may reveal actionable biomarkers outside the (tissue specific) cellular framework. Also, going forward, using data from comparative effectiveness research, one could envision using a streamlined, cost-effective algorithm that integrates IHC and ToO molecular profiling in patients with limited (or difficult-to-access) biopsies and difficult-to-diagnose cancers. Clin Cancer Res; 19(15); 4027–33. ©2013 AACR.