bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Maternity Support Belts on Postural Balance in Pregnancy
Authors: Cakmak Bulent , Inanir Ahmet , Nacar Mehmet Can , Filiz Behcet 
Published: January 2014

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of maternity support belts (MSB) on postural balance during pregnancy.DesignProspective, observational cohort study.SettingOutpatient visits at a university hospital, obstetrics and gynecology clinic.ParticipantsA total of 90 pregnant women in first, second, and third trimesters of pregnancy; 30 pregnant women for each trimester.MethodsDynamic and postural stability by using a Biodex Stability System and comparing pregnant women with and without an MSB in each cohort group.Main Outcome MeasuresOverall, anterior‐posterior stability index, medial‐lateral stability index, and fall risk test (FRT) scores were obtained with 1 stance at platform stability of level 8. Four measurements from the Biodex Stability System were compared between pregnant women with and without an MSB in each group.ResultsThe scores of anterior‐posterior stability index and FRT were significantly lower in the first‐trimester group with an MSB than without an MSB (P < .05). Medial‐lateral stability index and FRT scores were significantly lower in the second‐trimester group with an MSB than without an MSB (P < .05). In the third‐trimester group, overall, medial‐lateral stability index, and FRT scores were lower for participants with an MSB compared with participants without an MSB (P < .05). In all trimester groups, FRT scores were detected to be lower in pregnant women with an MSB than in those without an MSB (P < .05).ConclusionsMSB use improves impaired balance and FRT scores during all periods of pregnancy, especially in the third trimester. MSB is useful for fall prevention during pregnancy, especially during the third trimester.
Comparison of height‐ and weight‐adjusted sarcopenia in a Taiwanese metropolitan older population
Authors: Meng Nai‐Hsin , Li Chia‐Ing , Liu Chiu‐Shong , Lin Chih‐Hsueh , Lin Wen‐Yuan , Chang Chin‐Kai , Li Tsai‐Chung , Lin Cheng‐Chieh 
Published: January 2014

AimThe present population‐based, cross‐sectional study was carried out in communities in Taichung, Taiwan, to identify the prevalence of and the factors associated with sarcopenia, using the diagnostic criteria of the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People, which requires the presence of low muscle mass and low muscle function.MethodsWe recruited 771 participants aged 65 years or older. Lean soft tissue mass was determined by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry. Skeletal muscle index was calculated by dividing limb muscle mass by the square of height or weight. Low muscle mass was defined as having a skeletal muscle index two standard deviations or more below the gender‐specific means of 506 healthy young adults. Sarcopenic obesity was defined as having sarcopenia and a body mass index over 25.ResultsThe prevalence of height‐ and weight‐adjusted sarcopenia was 5.7% and 9.7%, respectively. The prevalence of height‐adjusted sarcopenic obesity was 0.13%, much lower than that of weight‐adjusted sarcopenic obesity (7.1%). Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that higher urinary albumin‐to‐creatinine ratio was associated with both height‐ and weight‐adjusted sarcopenia. Height‐adjusted sarcopenia was also associated with male gender, lower body mass index and lower diastolic blood pressure. Weight‐adjusted sarcopenia was also associated with older age, female gender, higher body mass index, gout, lack of regular exercise and a history of accidental falls.ConclusionsThe weight‐adjusted skeletal muscle index is more capable of showing the effect of increased age on the prevalence of sarcopenia and identifying subjects with sarcopenic obesity among our study population. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 45–53.
Genomic relationships computed from either next‐generation sequence or array SNP data
Authors: Pérez‐Enciso M. 
Published: January 2014

SummaryThe use of sequence data in genomic prediction models is a topic of high interest, given the decreasing prices of current ‘next’‐generation sequencing technologies (NGS) and the theoretical possibility of directly interrogating the genomes for all causal mutations. Here, we compare by simulation how well genetic relationships (G) could be estimated using either NGS or ascertained SNP arrays. DNA sequences were simulated using the coalescence according to two scenarios: a ‘cattle’ scenario that consisted of a bottleneck followed by a split in two breeds without migration, and a ‘pig’ model where Chinese introgression into international pig breeds was simulated. We found that introgression results in a large amount of variability across the genome and between individuals, both in differentiation and in diversity. In general, NGS data allowed the most accurate estimates of G, provided enough sequencing depth was available, because shallow NGS (4×) may result in highly distorted estimates of G elements, especially if not standardized by allele frequency. However, high‐density genotyping can also result in accurate estimates of G. Given that genotyping is much less noisy than NGS data, it is suggested that specific high‐density arrays (~3M SNPs) that minimize the effects of ascertainment could be developed in the population of interest by sequencing the most influential animals and rely on those arrays for implementing genomic selection.
A Usability Study of a Mobile Health Application for Rural Ghanaian Midwives
Authors: Vélez Olivia , Okyere Portia Boakye , Kanter Andrew S. , Bakken Suzanne 
Published: January 2014

IntroductionMidwives in rural Ghana work at the frontline of the health care system, where they have access to essential data about the patient population. However, current methods of data capture, primarily pen and paper, make the data neither accessible nor usable for monitoring patient care or program evaluation. Electronic health (eHealth) systems present a potential mechanism for enhancing the roles of midwives by providing tools for collecting, exchanging, and viewing patient data as well as offering midwives the possibility for receiving information and decision support. Introducing such technology in low‐resource settings has been challenging because of low levels of user acceptance, software design that does not match the end‐user environment, and/or unforeseen challenges such as irregular power availability. These challenges are often attributable to a lack of understanding by the software developers of the end users’ needs and work environment.MethodsA mobile health (mHealth) application known as mClinic was designed to support midwife access to the Millennium Village‐Global Network, an eHealth delivery platform that captures data for managing patient care as well as program evaluation and monitoring, decision making, and management. We conducted a descriptive usability study composed of 3 phases to evaluate an mClinic prototype: 1) hybrid lab‐live software evaluation of mClinic to identify usability issues; 2) completion of a usability questionnaire; and 3) interviews that included low‐fidelity prototyping of new functionality proposed by midwives.ResultsThe heuristic evaluation identified usability problems related to 4 of 8 usability categories. Analysis of usability questionnaire data indicated that the midwives perceived mClinic as useful but were more neutral about the ease of use. Analysis of midwives' reactions to low‐fidelity prototypes during the interview process supported the applicability of mClinic to midwives' work and identified the need for additional functionality.DiscussionUser acceptance is essential for the success of any mHealth implementation. Usability testing identified mClinic development flaws and needed software enhancements.
Intrapartum Management Associated with Obesity in Nulliparous Women
Authors: Carlson Nicole S. , Lowe Nancy K. 
Published: January 2014

IntroductionThe objective of this systematic review was to determine the current state of knowledge about intrapartum management associated with obesity in healthy nulliparous women. Nulliparous obese women are at higher risk for unplanned cesarean birth when compared with their normal‐weight counterparts, and much of this increased risk is associated with labor management differences. There is a need to better understand the differences in intrapartum management of nulliparous women who are obese.MethodsThe PubMed, CINAHL, EBSCO, Google Scholar, and MEDLINE databases were searched in August 2012, with identified studies then assessed for applicability and quality. Eight studies were retained for the review.ResultsIntrapartum interventions used significantly more often for healthy, obese nulliparous women when compared with normal‐weight women were induction of labor, augmentation of labor, and cesarean birth. It is unclear if assisted vaginal birth occurs more frequently among obese women. Epidural anesthesia, artificial rupture of membranes prior to 6 cm of cervical dilation, and early hospital admission were shown in separate studies to be used more often in obese women. Intrapartum interventions were used more frequently in obese women in a dose‐dependent manner by body mass index.DiscussionFuture studies examining the intrapartum management of obese nulliparous women are needed with: 1) samples defined by standardized obesity classifications; 2) further analysis of diverse intrapartum interventions; and 3) prospective, randomized designs to allow for causality conclusions linking intrapartum intervention use to an obese woman's risk for cesarean birth. Implications for clinical practice from this systematic review are that healthy, nulliparous obese women are exposed to common intrapartum interventions more often than normal‐weight women. In the absence of evidence on the use of appropriate use of intrapartum interventions in this population, health care providers should carefully monitor management choices when working with healthy, nulliparous obese women.
Improving diagnostic accuracy in the transport of infants with suspected duct‐dependent congenital heart disease
Authors: Gupta Neelam , Kamlin C Omar , Cheung Michael , Stewart Michael , Patel Neil 
Published: January 2014

AimTo identify factors that distinguish duct‐dependent congenital heart disease (DDCHD) from non‐DDCHD in newborn infants.MethodA retrospective, cohort study. The Newborn Emergency Transport Service, Victoria (NETS) is a retrieval service for all inter‐hospital neonatal transfers, and the Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne (RCH) is a paediatric cardiac referral centre for the state of Victoria, Australia. All infants ≤10 days and ≥34 weeks gestation with suspected CHD and/or persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN), transferred by NETS from non‐tertiary neonatal units to RCH, over a 4‐year period.ResultsOf 142 eligible infants, 81 had DDCHD and 61 had non‐DDCHD, of whom 51 had PPHN. Diagnostic accuracy of DDCHD by the NETS team was 77%. Presence of a heart murmur, abnormal pulses, upper and lower limb blood pressure (BP) difference >10 mmHg, cardiomegaly, initial SpO2 of <92%, PaO2 <50 mmHg, and pre‐post ductal SpO2 difference >10% were significantly associated with DDHCD on univariate analysis. No single clinical finding was significantly associated with DDCHD on multivariate analysis. Labile SpO2, abnormal lung parenchyma, mean BP <40 mmHg, pH <7.25, lactate >5 and FiO2 >0.5 were significantly associated with non‐DDCHD, but at multivariate analysis only labile SpO2 and mean BP <40 mmHg were associated with non‐DDCHD.ConclusionsClinical diagnosis of DDCHD outside of a cardiac centre is challenging. No single factor predicts DDCHD. Combined interpretation of clinical, physiological and x‐ray findings may assist.
EmrA1 membrane fusion protein of Francisella tularensis LVS is required for resistance to oxidative stress, intramacrophage survival and virulence in mice
Authors: Ma Zhuo , Banik Sukalyani , Rane Harshita , Mora Vanessa T. , Rabadi Seham M. , Doyle Christopher R. , Thanassi David G. , Bakshi Chandra Shekhar , Malik Meenakshi 
Published: January 2014

SummaryFrancisella tularensis is a category A biodefence agent that causes a fatal human disease known as tularaemia. The pathogenicity of F. tularensis depends on its ability to persist inside host immune cells primarily by resisting an attack from host‐generated reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS). Based on the ability of F. tularensis to resist high ROS/RNS levels, we have hypothesized that additional unknown factors act in conjunction with known antioxidant defences to render ROS resistance. By screening a transposon insertion library of F. tularensis LVS in the presence of hydrogen peroxide, we have identified an oxidant‐sensitive mutant in putative EmrA1 (FTL_0687) secretion protein. The results demonstrate that the emrA1 mutant is highly sensitive to oxidants and several antimicrobial agents, and exhibits diminished intramacrophage growth that can be restored to wild‐type F. tularensis LVS levels by either transcomplementation, inhibition of ROS generation or infection in NADPH oxidase deficient (gp91Phox−/−) macrophages. The emrA1 mutant is attenuated for virulence, which is restored by infection in gp91Phox−/− mice. Further, EmrA1 contributes to oxidative stress resistance by affecting secretion of Francisella antioxidant enzymes SodB and KatG. This study exposes unique links between transporter activity and the antioxidant defence mechanisms of F. tularensis.
Sleep EEG effects of anti‐gluco‐ and anti‐mineralocorticoids in old‐aged men: Pilot study
Authors: Demiralay Cüneyt , Agorastos Agorastos , Steiger Axel , Wiedemann Klaus 
Published: January 2014

AimAge‐related sleep changes have been associated with altered hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal axis reactivity and impaired feedback inhibition at the glucocorticoid (GR) and mineralocorticoid (MR) receptor level. To further investigate the specific role of this binary receptor system in the elderly, sleep electroencephalogram (EEG) effects of the MR antagonist spironolactone and GR antagonist mifepristone in old‐aged men were compared in this pilot study.MethodsOld‐aged healthy men (n = 6, 65–91 years) were treated on three occasions in a single‐blinded design in random order with mifepristone, spironolactone and placebo, respectively, and nocturnal sleep EEG was recorded.ResultsMifepristone led to increased wake time, decreased stage 2 and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and prolonged REM sleep latency in the first half of the night, whereas spironolactone had no considerable effects on sleep EEG.ConclusionGR antagonism can potentiate age‐related sleep pattern alterations and further support the role of impaired GR signaling in age‐related changes in sleep architecture.
Close encounters: contributions of carbon dioxide and human skin odour to finding and landing on a host in Aedes aegypti
Authors: LACEY EMERSON S. , RAY ANANDASANKAR , CARDÉ RING T. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractIn a wind‐tunnel study, the upwind flight and source location of female Aedes aegypti to plumes of carbon dioxide (CO2) gas and odour from human feet is tested. Both odour sources are presented singly and in combination. Flight upwind along the plumes is evident for both CO2 and odour from human feet when the odours are presented alone. Similarly, both odour sources are located by more than 70% of mosquitoes in less than 3 min. When both CO2 and odour from human feet are presented simultaneously in two different choice tests (with plumes superimposed or with plumes separated), there is no evidence that females orientate along the plume of CO2 and only a few mosquitoes locate its source. Rather, the foot odour plume is navigated and the source of foot odour is located by over 80% of female Ae. aegypti. When a female is presented a plume of CO2 within a broad plume of human foot odour of relatively low concentration, the source of CO2 is not located; instead, flight is upwind in the diffuse plume of foot odour. Although upwind flight by Ae. aegypti at long range is presumably induced by CO2 and the threshold of response to skin odours is lowered, our findings suggest that, once females have arrived near a prospective human host, upwind orientation and landing are largely governed by the suite of human odours, whereas orientation is no longer influenced by CO2.
Polarization and Depolarization Current Measurement of Polymer Added with Nano-particles of Silicon Oxide For HV Insulation
Authors: Jamail N. A. M. , Piah M. A. M. , Muhamad N. A. , Zainir R. A. , Kasri N. F. , Kamarudin Q. E. 
Published: January 2014

Polymer nanocomposites materials have recently emerged as a dielectric and for electrical insulation. Polyethylene has long been used as extruded cable and HV insulation. Currently, this material has received significant attention because of its ability to enhance electrical insulation properties by addition of nano-filler. Polarization and Depolarization Current (PDC) measurement is an efficient and effective diagnostic technique based on time domain measurement for evaluating and condition monitoring of polymer nanocomopsite for HV insulation. Electrical conduction for polymer nanocomposites has been used widely as a tool to monitor the dielectric behaviour. This paper focuses on application of Polarization and Depolarization Current (PDC) testing method to evaluate and determine the performance of LLDPE nanocomposite for high voltage insulating material. The experiment was conducted to find PDC pattern of the material when added with nano-filler (silicon oxide) as well as to find its conductivity values at different percentage of nano- filler. PDC values and DC conductivity exhibits significant reduction with addition of nano-filler at different %wt of concentration. This was due to the decrease of initiation probability of short circuit treeing in the insulation. The PDC result shows that addition with certain percentage of nano-filler into the LLDPE based material could improve HV insulation properties of the material.
Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) Profit Sharing Pattern for the Development of Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) in Indonesia
Authors: Darmansyah Asep , Nasution Reza Ashari , Sutardi Acip , Zen Tuntun Salamatun 
Published: January 2014

MSEs have a strategic role in the Indonesian economy. MSEs face some obstacles that do not provide optimal role in the economic development. Internal problem, MSEs operate only with limited capital and external problem is the absence of financial institutions that can lend capital to all MSEs. This paper is a study of literature with a case study on MSEs in Indonesia by Indonesian standard industrial classification codes. Data were obtained from the Central Bureau of Statistics and the Indonesian Islamic Banking Statistics. Data were analyzed with descriptive comparatif on frequency of five variables of MSE. Conclusions and implication, it is necessary MFIs are close physically and psychologically with MSEs, friendly, easy and fast in process of lending, growing from initiative of MSEs, by MSEs and for MSEs community, and operate in accordance with the traditional values of indigenous people of Indonesia. These MFIs are MFIs profit sharing pattern. MFIs profit sharing pattern which should be developed are MFIs that have a good track record. For the sustainability of MFIs activities, the government needs to help increase funding MFIs in the form of grant and loan.
M2M Communication in Virtual Sensor Network for SHAAL
Authors: Khalid Zubair , Fisal N. , Ullah Rahat , Safdar Hashim , Maqbool Wajahat , Zubair S. , Khan A. S. 
Published: January 2014

Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communication has led to a new paradigm of Internet of Things (IoT). The future of M2M communication in smart home lies in the aggregation and allocation of resources and service provisioning of diverse applications using different radio technologies. M2M communication may operate on the virtual sensor network to provide independent applications running on heterogeneous network simultaneously. M2M is going to play a major role in the area of Smart Home and Ambient Assisted Living (SHAAL) providing assistance to the elderly people with smart sensors that monitor the home environment and provides aid health monitoring to human requiring medical assistance. The current state of the art frameworks are dedicated to specific applications with the support of single radio network with limited service provisioning options. However, in order to fully exploit the resources in this paper we present a service provisioning framework realization of M2M in virtual sensor network for SHAAL, which allows independent parties to work together in a secure and reliable manner. In addition to this, the framework is designed to include benefits of Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) and Resource Oriented Architecture (ROA) along with the use of different low power, low data rate protocols. A middleware is used as a platform to link the underlying virtual networks with various applications. The network virtualization approach is adopted to design an efficient middleware framework that can effectively discover and manage the underlying network resources and provide services at home gateway. The framework will be used as the basis for the development of the SHAAL networked system.
Cancer Detection Using Aritifical Neural Network and Support Vector Machine: A Comparative Study
Authors: Sy Ahmad Ubaidillah Sharifah Hafizah , Sallehuddin Roselina , Ali Nor Azizah 
Published: January 2014

Accurate diagnosis of cancer plays an importance role in order to save human life. The results of the diagnosis indicate by the medical experts are mostly differentiated based on the experience of different medical experts. This problem could risk the life of the cancer patients. From the literature, it has been found that Artificial Intelligence (AI) machine learning classifiers such as an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) and Support Vector Machine (SVM) can help doctors in diagnosing cancer more precisely. Both of them have been proven to produce good performance of cancer classification accuracy. The aim of this study is to compare the performance of the ANN and SVM classifiers on four different cancer datasets. For breast cancer and liver cancer dataset, the features of the data are based on the condition of the organs which is also called as standard data while for prostate cancer and ovarian cancer; both of these datasets are in the form of gene expression data. The datasets including benign and malignant tumours is specified to classify with proposed methods. The performance of both classifiers is evaluated using four different measuring tools which are accuracy, sensitivity, specificity and Area under Curve (AUC). This research has shown that the SVM classifier can obtain good performance in classifying cancer data compare to ANN classifier.