bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
International service and public health learning objectives for medical students
Authors: Block Robert C , Duron Vincent , Creigh Peter , McIntosh Scott 
Published: October 2012

Objective: We aimed to improve the education of medical students involved in a longitudinal perinatal health improvement project in Gowa, Malawi. Design: We conducted qualitative interviews with students who participated in the project, reviewed their quantitative reports, and assessed the application of methodologies consonant with the learning objectives of a novel community health improvement course within their experience. Setting: The Gowa Health Promotions Project, designed to improve perinatal care for women and their families within the Gowa Health Clinic, used community participatory research strategies. Method: Medical students partnered with clinic workers and the local residents evaluated and revised an existing perinatal educational programme. Qualitative and quantitative health and programme data were collected, and programme revisions were implemented. The value of the student experiences as a public health educational tool was evaluated by the authors. Results: Project sustainability was enhanced by a fellowship and planning for sequential students. The community health course structure and goals enhanced learning in the project. Engagement of investigators as early as possible in an international public health enhancement project improves student learning and ongoing commitment. Conclusion: Service learning objectives aimed at providing valuable medical learning to student learners immersed in other cultures are consistent with evidence-based learning objectives in the field of public health. Proactively structuring this experience to explicate these goals can enhance student learning. This dual strategy may improve the sustainability of international health programmes by educating medical students while leading them into careers where these skills will be leveraged.
A cross-lagged longitudinal study of relations between academic achievement and Korean adolescent delinquency
Authors: Lee Julie 
Published: October 2012

Objective: Previous studies have shown that academic achievement has a significant effect on juvenile delinquency, with the reverse reported as well. This study, therefore, examined the reciprocal causal relationships between academic achievement and juvenile delinquency. Methods: The participants were 3449 Korean adolescents (mean age 13.2 years, standard deviation (SD)=0.4 at Time 1) from the Korea Youth Panel Survey. They were followed from the 8th to the 11th grade. A cross-lagged autoregressive model with four-year longitudinal data was used for the analysis. Results: For all grades (Time 1 through Time 4), juvenile delinquency was negatively affected by low academic achievement, while no effects of delinquency on academic achievement were indicated. Conclusion: There was a significant prediction from academic achievement for juvenile delinquency, rather than reciprocal influences between academic achievement and juvenile delinquency among Korean adolescents, which is different from Western counterparts. This study contributes to theoretical understanding of relations between academic achievement and delinquency in diverse cultural settings and interventions to promote optimal social health.
Factors influencing teachers’ views of health and health education: A study in 15 countries
Authors: Jourdan D , Pironom J , Berger D , Carvalho GS 
Published: October 2012

Objective: To analyse teachers’ health views in order to obtain general trends in factors influencing health and health education and to fit them into the negative–positive model of health proposed by Downie and collaborators. Method: This large international study involved 15 countries from Western and Eastern Europe, North and Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East and South America, with high socioeconomic and cultural diversity. The questionnaire constructed and validated by the European FP6 project BIOHEAD-CITIZEN was applied in each country to a balanced sample of pre-service teachers (Pre) and in-service teachers (In) of primary schools (P) and secondary schools, teaching biology (B) or national language (L). Results: Women, older persons, those having longer higher university education, primary school teachers (compared to secondary teachers) and language teachers (compared to biology teachers) have a more positive view of health. The major difference was found between countries, rather than religion, where five groups emerged from cluster analysis. Conclusion: The study does not lead to a comprehensive view of factors influencing teachers’ perceptions of health but results showed that there is a variety of variables associated with health and health education views. These findings can contribute to facilitate developing appropriate specific health education teachers’ training courses.
Estimating a Dose–Response Relationship Between Time Served in Prison and Recidivism
Authors: Meade Benjamin , Steiner Benjamin , Makarios Matthew , Travis Lawrence 
Published: October 2012

Objectives: Estimate the dose–response relationship between time served in prison and offenders’ odds of recidivism. Methods: Using a large, representative sample of adult offenders released from prison under postrelease supervision in the state of Ohio, we examine the relationship between the length of time these offenders served in prison and their odds of recidivism during the year following their release. Multivariate logistic regression and analyses involving propensity score matching for ordered doses are both used to estimate the time served–recidivism relationship. Results: Analyses of these data revealed that offenders confined for longer periods of time had lower odds of recidivism, but these odds were only substantively lower for those offenders who served the longest periods of time in prison. Findings suggest the inverse effect of time served was not realized until after offenders have been confined for at least five years. Conclusion: Study findings indicate that the specific deterrent effect of prison sentences may be limited, and sentences less than five years may be reduced in order to save costs without a substantial threat to public safety.
Effect of pesticide exposure on platelet indices in farm workers
Authors: Varol Ercan , Ogut Serdal , Gultekin Fatih 
Published: October 2012

We aimed to assess the effect of exposure to pesticide on platelet indices including mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet distribution width (PDW) in farm workers. The study group consisted of 40 farm workers (4 females, 36 males; mean age 42.6 ± 9.8 years). An age-, gender- and body mass index–matched control group was composed of 38 healthy volunteers (8 females, 30 males; mean age 46.1±8.9 years). Platelet indices were assessed in farm workers exposed to pesticides. MPV values were significantly lower in farm workers than in those of controls (6.3 ± 1.1 vs. 7.6 ± 0.7 fL, respectively; p < 0.001). Platelet count was significantly lower in farm workers than those of controls (155.7 ± 35.7 vs. 271.3 ± 96.2 × 109/L, respectively; p < 0.001). PDW was significantly lower in farm workers than in those of controls (8.9% ± 2.0% vs. 15.8% ± 0.8%, respectively; p < 0.001). We have found that MPV and other platelet indices were significantly lower in farm workers exposed to pesticides than those of controls. Our findings suggest that MPV may be a sensitive indicator of a pesticide-exposure effect.
Synthesis and properties of epoxy resin-based acrylated poly (ester-amide)s/silane tailored organo-montmorillonite nanocomposites
Authors: Dave Pragnesh N. , Patel Nikul N. 
Published: October 2012

Epoxy resin-based unsaturated poly(ester-amide) (UPEA) resins can be prepared by many methods, but in this study, these resins were prepared by the reported method and further acrylation was carried out using acryloyl chloride. Organo-montmorillonite was treated with 3-amino-propyltrimethoxysilane. Nanocomposites composed of UPEA matrix and organically modified clay filler were prepared by hand lay-up. The flexural property of the nanocomposites were determined, and it was found that adding only 3% w/w organically modified clay improved the flexural modulus of UPEA by 35%. Nanocomposites were characterized by x-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry and scanning electron microscopy.
High performance new heteroaromatic poly(thiourea-imide-ester)s
Authors: Kausar Ayesha , Zulfiqar Sonia , Sarwar Muhammad Ilyas 
Published: October 2012

A new dihydroxy monomer, 1-(2-hydroxypyridin-3-yl)-3-(2-(2-hydroxypyridin-3-yl)-1,3-dioxo-isoindoline-5-carbonyl)thiourea, with preformed trimellitic anhydride chloride-derived imide ring, pyridine and C=S moieties was synthesized. This compound was exploited to prepare three heteroaromatic poly(thiourea-imide-ester)s (PTIEs) by polycondensation with various diacid chlorides. Structural analysis of polymers was carried out by Fourier transformation infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. PTIEs were readily soluble in polar solvents such as N, N-dimethylacetamide, dimethylformamide, dimethyl sulfoxide and N-methylpyrrolidone. Inherent viscosity and gel permeation chromatography measurements revealed high molar mass (140 × 102 to 101 × 102). One of the polymers showed crystalline behavior according to x-ray diffraction. Thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry were adopted for the thermal analysis of the polymers. Novel aromatic PTIEs possess high weight loss temperature ( T10) in the range 524–536°C and glass transition temperature of about 223–230°C.
Phenylethynyl-endcapped polymerizable monomer reactants poly(amic ester) resins for high impact-toughened carbon fiber composites
Authors: Liu Biao , Ji Mian , Lin Fan , Yang Shiyong 
Published: October 2012

Toughened polymerizable monomer reactants (PMR) poly(amic ester) matrix resins were prepared by the reaction of the diesters of aromatic dianhydrides (3,3′,4,4′-biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride (BPDA) and/or 2,3′,3,4′-biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride) and aromatic diamines (the mixture of 3,4′-oxydianiline and 1,3-bis(4-aminophenoxy)benzene) in the presence of monoester of 4-phenylethynyl phthalic anhydride as the end-capping agent using ethanol as solvent. The PMR matrix resins owned the characteristic of high resin concentration and low viscosity, suitable for impregnating carbon fibers (Cfs) to give high-quality Cf prepreg. The B-staged imide oligomers prepared by thermal baking of the PMR matrix resins at the temperature of ≤240°C showed good meltability at elevated temperatures. The polyimide (PI) neat resins prepared by thermally curing the B-staged oligoimide resins at 370°C showed good combined thermal and mechanical properties. The Cf/PI composite (T300/PI) showed high impact toughness, with compression strength after impact of as high as 260 MPa. Unidirectional laminates had high mechanical properties at room temperature and high strength retention at 250°C, with 97.4% for flexural modulus, 53.3% for flexural strength, and 48.8% for interlaminar shear strength, demonstrating that the high impact-toughened Cf/PI composite could be long-term served at a temperature as high as 250°C.
Nephritogenic-antinephritogenic antibody network in lupus glomerulonephritis
Authors: Doria A , Gatto M 
Published: October 2012

Lupus glomerulonephritis (LGN) is one of the most threatening manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and a major predictor of poor prognosis. The mechanisms leading to kidney inflammation are not completely clear; however, autoantibodies seem to play a pivotal role. Apoptosis dysregulation in SLE is likely to trigger generation of autoantibodies, the released nucleosomes being the driving autoantigen for further epitope amplification and selection of DNA or nucleosome-specific B cells. Growing evidence supports a multistep path to LGN involving initial autoantibody binding to chromatin fragments in the mesangial matrix, where they can induce mesangial inflammation leading to a shut-down of the renal DNase gene, generation and deposition of secondary necrotic chromatin on the glomerular basement membrane favouring antibody binding, complement activation and development of membrano-proliferative glomerular lesions. Anti-DNA IgG antibodies display the major pathogenetic potential in LGN initiation; however, other isotypes (IgA or IgE) as well as autoantibodies targeting other molecules (e.g. anti-C1q, anti-C reactive protein) can perpetuate renal injury. Conversely, protective autoantibodies are also likely in SLE which can contain renal damage targeting either DNA (i.e. IgM anti-DNA) or other molecules (e.g. pentraxin 3). Thus, lupus nephritogenic-antinephritogenic antibodies orchestrate the balance between harm and defence of renal tissue.
Incidence and prevalence of adult systemic lupus erythematosus in a large US managed-care population
Authors: Furst DE , Clarke AE , Fernandes AW , Bancroft T , Greth W , Iorga SR 
Published: October 2012

Objective The objective of this paper is to determine the incidence and prevalence of adult systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in a large US managed-care population. Methods Subject inclusion in the incidence cohort required a medical claim with an SLE diagnosis and a service date from 2003 to 2008 that satisfied the following criteria: 1) ≥18 years on service date; 2) continuously enrolled for 24 months before and 12 months after service date; 3) in the 12 months after service date, ≥ one inpatient claim or ≥ two office or ER visits with an SLE diagnosis; 4) no SLE diagnosis 24 months prior to service date; and 5) no SLE medications 12 months prior to service date. Prevalence cohort subjects were identified using a similar algorithm and were not required to satisfy criteria 4) and 5). Results A total of 1,557 subjects were included in the incidence cohort, and 15,396 were included in the prevalence cohort. The overall age- and gender-adjusted SLE incidence rate (2003–2008) was 7.22 cases per 100,000 person-years. The annual prevalence of SLE (per 100,000 individuals) varied from 81.07 in 2003 to 102.94 in 2008. Conclusion The SLE incidence in this large managed-care plan with geographic diversity was slightly higher than previous estimates, and the prevalence was within the range of previous estimates.
ACE I/D and eNOS E298D gene polymorphisms in Saudi subjects with hypertension
Authors: Ali Ahmad , Alghasham Abdullah , Ismail Hisham , Dowaidar Moataz , Settin Ahmad 
Published: October 2012

Background: Hypertension has a multifactorial background based on genetic and environmental interactive factors. Objectives: We aimed to test for the association of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) gene polymorphisms with hypertension. Subjects and methods: Participants included 120 Saudi patients with hypertension and 250 normal healthy controls. For all participants, DNA was processed for characterization of ACE I/D and eNOS E298D gene polymorphisms. Results: Hypertensive cases showed a significantly higher frequency of the ACE mutant D allele carriage (98.3% vs. 92.4%, p = 0.028, OR = 4.8). Cases with hypertension associated with diabetes and obesity showed 100% mutant D allele carriage. Regarding the eNOS E298D polymorphism, the frequency of the mutant D allele carriage was only observed to be higher among cases with hypertension associated with diabetes and obesity, in comparison with controls, yet not reaching statistical significance (41.2% vs. 34%, p > 0.05). Conclusions: There is increased frequency of ACE and eNOS mutant allele carriage among Saudi patients affected with hypertension, particularly if accompanied by obesity and diabetes.
Public Welfare Spending and Private Social Services in U.S. States
Authors: Lowry Robert C. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractSocial services in the United States are supplied by both the public and private sectors. Previous political science research has focused on public transfers or Medicaid; I study “Other Public Welfare” programs that include contracts and grants to private social services providers, focusing on the relationship between the two sectors. My results imply that an increase in either Other Public Welfare spending or private individual and family services employees leads to an increase in the other sector. I find weaker evidence of similar relationships involving private residential care or day care services, and private social services employment is generally independent of public spending on transfers and Medicaid. My results have implications for the full effects of changes in public welfare spending, including the effects on the private sector, as well as the effects of organized interests on public welfare spending.
Immigrant Social Policy in the American States: Race Politics and State TANF and Medicaid Eligibility Rules for Legal Permanent Residents
Authors: Filindra Alexandra 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThis article examines differences in the drivers of state Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and Medicaid immigrant eligibility policies, determined in the wake of the 1996 Welfare Reform. The findings show that differences in the incentive structures of the two programs may affect the way race politics influence each. Specifically, race is a strong negative correlate for TANF inclusion of immigrants as states with large African American populations were more likely to exclude legal permanent residents from the program. In the case of Medicaid, the size of the immigrant population is a strong positive correlate for inclusion. The effect of the size of the black population, although negative, is small and not significant. The study confirms extant research findings that ideological factors play an important role in the formation of both policies.
Formatt: Correcting protein multiple structural alignments by incorporating sequence alignment
Authors: Daniels Noah M , Nadimpalli Shilpa , Cowen Lenore J 
Published: October 2012

AbstractBackgroundThe quality of multiple protein structure alignments are usually computed and assessed based on geometric functions of the coordinates of the backbone atoms from the protein chains. These purely geometric methods do not utilize directly protein sequence similarity, and in fact, determining the proper way to incorporate sequence similarity measures into the construction and assessment of protein multiple structure alignments has proved surprisingly difficult.ResultsWe present Formatt, a multiple structure alignment based on the Matt purely geometric multiple structure alignment program, that also takes into account sequence similarity when constructing alignments. We show that Formatt outperforms Matt and other popular structure alignment programs on the popular HOMSTRAD benchmark. For the SABMark twilight zone benchmark set that captures more remote homology, Formatt and Matt outperform other programs; depending on choice of embedded sequence aligner, Formatt produces either better sequence and structural alignments with a smaller core size than Matt, or similarly sized alignments with better sequence similarity, for a small cost in average RMSD.ConclusionsConsidering sequence information as well as purely geometric information seems to improve quality of multiple structure alignments, though defining what constitutes the best alignment when sequence and structural measures would suggest different alignments remains a difficult open question.
Evidence for 5S rDNA Horizontal Transfer in the toadfish Halobatrachus didactylus (Schneider, 1801) based on the analysis of three multigene families
Authors: Merlo Manuel A , Cross Ismael , Palazón José L , Úbeda-Manzanaro María , Sarasquete Carmen , Rebordinos Laureana 
Published: October 2012

Abstract

Background
The Batrachoididae family is a group of marine teleosts that includes several species with more complicated physiological characteristics, such as their excretory, reproductive, cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Previous studies of the 5S rDNA gene family carried out in four species from the Western Atlantic showed two types of this gene in two species but only one in the other two, under processes of concerted evolution and birth-and-death evolution with purifying selection. Here we present results of the 5S rDNA and another two gene families in Halobatrachus didactylus, an Eastern Atlantic species, and draw evolutionary inferences regarding the gene families. In addition we have also mapped the genes on the chromosomes by two-colour fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH).

Results
Two types of 5S rDNA were observed, named type α and type β. Molecular analysis of the 5S rDNA indicates that H. didactylus does not share the non-transcribed spacer (NTS) sequences with four other species of the family; therefore, it must have evolved in isolation. Amplification with the type β specific primers amplified a specific band in 9 specimens of H. didactylus and two of Sparus aurata. Both types showed regulatory regions and a secondary structure which mark them as functional genes. However, the U2 snRNA gene and the ITS-1 sequence showed one electrophoretic band and with one type of sequence. The U2 snRNA sequence was the most variable of the three multigene families studied. Results from two-colour FISH showed no co-localization of the gene coding from three multigene families and provided the first map of the chromosomes of the species.

Conclusions
A highly significant finding was observed in the analysis of the 5S rDNA, since two such distant species as H. didactylus and Sparus aurata share a 5S rDNA type. This 5S rDNA type has been detected in other species belonging to the Batrachoidiformes and Perciformes orders, but not in the Pleuronectiformes and Clupeiformes orders. Two hypotheses have been outlined: one is the possible vertical permanence of the shared type in some fish lineages, and the other is the possibility of a horizontal transference event between ancient species of the Perciformes and Batrachoidiformes orders. This finding opens a new perspective in fish evolution and in the knowledge of the dynamism of the 5S rDNA. Cytogenetic analysis allowed some evolutionary trends to be roughed out, such as the progressive change in the U2 snDNA and the organization of (GATA)n repeats, from dispersed to localized in one locus. The accumulation of (GATA)n repeats in one chromosome pair could be implicated in the evolution of a pair of proto-sex chromosomes. This possibility could situate H. didactylus as the most highly evolved of the Batrachoididae family in terms of sex chromosome biology.