bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vitamin D Supplementation: What's Known, What to Do, and What's Needed
Authors: Haines Stuart T. , Park Sharon K. 
Published: September 2012

The use of vitamin D supplements to prevent and treat a wide range of illnesses has increased substantially over the last decade. Epidemiologic evidence links vitamin D deficiency to autoimmune disease, cancer, cardiovascular disease, depression, dementia, infectious diseases, musculoskeletal decline, and more. The Institute of Medicine published an exhaustive report in 2010 that concluded that vitamin D supplementation for indications other than musculoskeletal health was not adequately supported by evidence and that most North Americans receive sufficient vitamin D from their diet and sun exposure. These conclusions are at odds with some clinical practice guidelines; thus, we sought to summarize the best available evidence regarding the benefits of vitamin D supplementation, to examine the potential risks, and to provide practical dosing advice. The adequacy of vitamin D stores is determined by measuring the 25‐hydroxyvitamin D serum concentrations. The demarcations between deficiency (< 20 ng/ml), insufficiency (20–30 ng/ml), and optimal (30–80 ng/ml) serum concentrations are controversial. Vitamin D in doses of 800–5000 IU/day improve musculoskeletal health (e.g., reduces the rate of fractures and falls in older adults (aged ≥ 65 yrs). In patients with documented vitamin D deficiency, a cumulative dose of at least 600,000 IU administered over several weeks appears to be necessary to replenish vitamin D stores. Single large doses of 300,000–500,000 IU should be avoided. Vitamin D supplementation should not be offered routinely to other patient populations. Although results from some prospective clinical trials are promising, most have not been robustly designed and executed. The decision by young, otherwise healthy adults to take vitamin D in doses of 2000 IU/day or lower is unlikely to cause harm. For patients who are not at risk for developing vitamin D deficiency, sensible sun exposure is an inexpensive and enjoyable way to maintain vitamin D stores.
Irreversible Atorvastatin‐Associated Hearing Loss
Authors: Liu Michael , Alafris Antonia , Longo Anthony J. , Cohen Henry 
Published: September 2012

Drug‐associated ototoxicity is a potentially irreversible adverse event. Among the several 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (statins) available in the United States, only atorvastatin is associated with tinnitus, but none are associated with any forms of hearing loss. A search of the published literature (1950–August 2011) revealed no published case reports of ototoxicity associated with statins. To our knowledge, we describe the first case of progressive, irreversible hearing loss in a 32‐year‐old man 18 months after starting atorvastatin therapy. He began taking atorvastatin 20 mg every evening for treatment of hypercholesterolemia. Six months later, he complained of occasional episodes of tinnitus, which resolved spontaneously. An audiogram was obtained and was normal. By 18 months, the tinnitus became continuous. Another audiogram revealed bilateral “cookie‐bite” middle‐frequency hearing loss. Atorvastatin was immediately discontinued, and the patient was fitted with hearing aids. Four years after drug discontinuation, his hearing loss had neither progressed nor regressed. Use of the Naranjo adverse drug reaction probability scale indicated a possible (score of 2) temporal and causal relationship between the patient's hearing loss and atorvastatin. Causes of “cookie‐bite” hearing loss include chronic exposure to loud noises, presbycusis, genetic predisposition, and drugs. The manufacturer of atorvastatin has received three unpublished cases of deafness, but claims that causal relationships were not established. Despite these claims by the manufacturer, based on this case report, we recommend that clinicians and patients be aware of the risk of atorvastatin‐associated tinnitus and permanent hearing loss. Further research is needed to better understand the mechanism and frequency of this adverse event.
A culturally adapted family intervention for African American families coping with parental cancer: outcomes of a pilot study
Authors: Davey Maureen P. , Kissil Karni , Lynch Laura , Harmon La‐Rhonda , Hodgson Nancy 
Published: September 2012

AbstractObjectivesThe primary objective of this 2‐year pilot study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a culturally adapted family intervention in improving family communication among African American parents coping with cancer and their school‐age children. A secondary objective was to determine its impact on other symptoms of psychosocial distress (depression and anxiety). The third objective was to assess for acceptability and feasibility.MethodsUsing a two‐arm pre‐intervention and post‐intervention prospective design, 12 African American families received five bi‐monthly sessions of either a culturally adapted family intervention (n = 7 families) or psycho‐education treatment (n = 5 families). Parents and their children completed pre‐intervention and post‐intervention questionnaires assessing perceptions of family communication, quality of their relationship, and symptoms of depression. School‐age children additionally completed a questionnaire assessing their levels of anxiety. Consumer satisfaction was also evaluated at post‐intervention.ResultsParents and school‐age children who completed the culturally adapted family intervention reported significantly better communication with each other and were more satisfied compared with the psycho‐education control group. No changes were noted in symptoms of anxiety or depression. The culturally adapted family intervention was acceptable based on our findings, families' feedback, and rates of retention. Feasibility is uncertain because our oncology clinic approach to recruitment was slower than expected.ConclusionsProviding culturally adapted family intervention programs to African American families who are coping with parental cancer may result in improved family communication. This pilot study serves as the first step in the development of culturally adapted family intervention programs to help African American families cope with parental cancer. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Embedded software product lines: domain and application engineering model‐based analysis processes
Authors: Belategi Lorea , Sagardui Goiuria , Etxeberria Leire , Azanza Maider 
Published: September 2012

SUMMARYNowadays, embedded systems are gaining importance. At the same time, the development of their software is increasing its complexity, having to deal with quality, cost, and time‐to‐market issues among others. With stringent quality requirements such as performance, early verification and validation become critical in these systems. In this regard, advanced development paradigms such as model‐driven engineering and software product line engineering bring considerable benefits to the development and validation of embedded system software. However, these benefits come at the cost of increasing process complexity. This work presents a process based on UML and MARTE for the analysis of embedded model‐driven product lines. It specifies the tasks, the involved roles, and the workproducts that form the process and how it is integrated in the more general development process. Existing tools that support the tasks to be performed in the process are also described. A classification of such tools and a study of traceability among them are provided, allowing engineering teams to choose the most adequate chain of tools to support the process. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spannungsfaktoren für die Bemessung punktgestützter Verglasungen
Authors: Beyer Jörg , Seel Matthias 
Published: September 2012

AbstractDie Bemessung punktgestützter Verglasungen gehörte bisher zu den größeren Herausforderungen im konstruktiven Glasbau, da die eingeführten technischen Baubestimmungen hierfür kein allgemeingültiges Bemessungsverfahren zur Verfügung stellten. Das statische System einer elastisch gelagerten, punktförmig gestützten Platte wurde daher auf Basis der Finiten‐Elemente‐Methode (FEM) numerisch simuliert, größtenteils mit spezialisierter und kostspieliger Software. Die neue DIN 18008‐3 [1] beschreibt im Anhang C erstmalig ein allgemeines Verfahren zur Bemessung punktgestützter Verglasungen, die durch Tellerhalter gelagert sind. Das Verfahren wird vereinfachtes Verfahren genannt und basiert auf der Aufteilung des Gesamtproblems in lokale und globale Bereiche nach dem Prinzip von St. Venant. Für den Spannungsnachweis im lokalen Bereich werden Spannungsfaktoren zur Umrechnung der Auflagerreaktionen in lokale Spannungsanteile genutzt. Dieser Beitrag beschreibt die Herleitung der Spannungsfaktoren auf analytischem Weg und liefert damit eine konsequente Weiterentwicklung des vereinfachten Verfahrens.Stress component factors as part of the simplified method for the design of glass supported by point fittings according to DIN 18008‐3. The design of glass supported by point fittings has been a challenging task in structural engineering so far because of the lack of a general design method which should be provided by established technical regulations. The calculation of the static system of a plate, which is supported elastically and pointwise, could only be done by numerical simulation using specialized and expensive finite element analysis (FEA) software. The upcoming new standard DIN 18008‐3 [1] introduces in annex C for the first time a general design method for glass with cylindrical boreholes supported by point fittings. The method is called simplified method and is based on the concept of splitting the whole problem into local and global areas according to St. Venant´s principle. The design equation contains stress component factors which are used to convert the support reactions into stress components. This article describes the analytical derivation of the stress component factors and thus is a consequent advancement of the simplified method.
Improving energy efficiency in India: need for a targeted and tailored strategy
Authors: Singh Daljit , Sant Girish , Chunekar Aditya 
Published: September 2012

AbstractDespite keen interest shown by Indian policymakers and significant efforts to enhance energy efficiency of the Indian economy, progress has been limited. Initial efforts laudably sought to be comprehensive and cover all sectors and subsectors. However, it resulted in limited human and financial resources being spread too thin resulting in sluggish progress in improving energy efficiency. In addition, several of the approaches tried have not been directly applicable in India because of the challenges of limited institutional capacity and human resources. India should reorganize its efforts, and develop a targeted and tailored strategy based on three principles: (1) target efforts at areas where they will bring about the biggest reductions in energy use (‘maximum bang for the buck’); (2) design energy efficiency policies and plans to achieve a radically higher level of implementation; and (3) design programs creatively to succeed under the challenging policy and implementation environment. An approximate estimation of the potential savings in existing and new additions in various consumer categories highlights the importance of new additions particularly in the commercial buildings sector, and the relative importance of different categories. As an example of a tailored and targeted strategy, the paper describes the development of a program for superefficient appliances that is expected to be appropriate for the Indian environment. The paper is intended to add to the discourse on rapid improvement in energy efficiency not only in India, but also in other developing countries that face similar challenges of limited human and financial resources.This article is categorized under:

Energy Efficiency > Economics and Policy
Developing a data‐transfer model for a novel Wildlife‐tracking network
Authors: Davis Melanie J. , Thokala Sravan , Xing Xinyu , Thompson Hobbs N. , Walsh Daniel P. , Han Richard Y. , Mishra Shivakaht 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThe use of low‐cost, advanced global positioning system (GPS) telemetry devices for wildlife tracking is growing in popularity, especially use of systems that can communicate with each other to track contacts or transfer data. We evaluated the communication and data‐transfer capabilities of a low‐cost, custom‐built GPS telemetry system with an on‐board wireless sensor network using human subjects and captive bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) as an experimental model. We conducted tests in July 2010, at 2 facilities in Colorado, USA. Wireless sensor networks use a collection of nodes to ferry data from one destination to another. We tested data‐transfer capabilities at several transmission strengths (−25 decibel‐milliwatts (dBm), −15 dBm, −10 dBm, −5 dBm, and 0 dBm) and with several types of bodily obstruction (unobstructed, human, bighorn sheep). Under conditions of high transmission strength and low obstruction, a log‐logistic decay curve was the best model for data‐transfer success. Contrastingly, under conditions of low transmission strength and high obstruction, data transfer was noisier, and was best represented by a linear model. Obstruction resulting from the placement of the collar in relation to the subject's body adversely affected the communication abilities of our system, with bighorn sheep lowering baseline data‐transfer success to <50% at low transmission strengths. Obstruction also affected the distance of data transfer for each transmission strength, but bighorn sheep had less of an impact than did humans. Wireless sensor node manufacturers recommend an optimum communications distance for each possible transmission strength, but we suggest that managers calibrate the communications systems of their in‐house‐constructed GPS telemetry systems, preferably by using the target animal subject, in order to optimize operation in field conditions. © 2012 The Wildlife Society.
Construction of self‐cloning bottom‐fermenting yeast with low vicinal diketone production by the homo‐integration of ILV5
Authors: Kusunoki K. , Ogata T. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThe vicinal diketones (VDK), such as diacetyl and 2,3‐pentandione, impart an unpleasant butter‐like flavour to beer. Typically, these are required to be reduced below the flavour thresholds during the maturation (lagering) stages of the brewing process. To shorten beer maturation time, we constructed a self‐cloning, bottom‐fermenting yeast with low VDK production by integrating ILV5, a gene encoding a protein that metabolizes α‐acetolactate and α‐aceto‐α‐hydroxybutyrate (precursors of VDK). A DNA fragment containing Saccharomyces cerevisiae‐type ILV5 was inserted upstream of S. cerevisiae‐type ILV2 in bottom‐fermenting yeast to construct self‐cloning strains with an increased copy number of ILV5. Via transformation, ILV2 was replaced with the sulfometuron methyl (SM) resistance gene SMR1B, which differs by a single nucleotide, to create SM‐resistant transformants. The wort fermentation test, using the SC‐ILV5‐homo inserted transformant, confirmed a consecutive reduction in VDK and a shortening period during which VDK was reduced to within the threshold. The concentrations of ethyl acetate, isoamyl acetate, isoamyl alcohol, 1‐propanol, isobutyl alcohol and active isoamyl alcohol (flavour components) were not changed when compared with the parent strain. We successfully constructed self‐cloning brewer's yeast in which SC‐ILV5 was homo‐inserted. Using the transformed yeast, the concentration of VDK in fermenting wort was reduced, whereas the concentrations of flavour components were not affected. This genetically stable, low VDK‐producing, self‐cloning bottom‐fermenting yeast would contribute to the shortening of beer maturation time without affecting important flavour components produced by brewer's yeast. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Attitude and Perceptions of Work–life Balance: A Comparison Among Women Surgeons in Japan, USA, and Hong Kong China
Authors: Kawase Kazumi , Kwong Ava , Yorozuya Kyoko , Tomizawa Yasuko , Numann Patricia J. , Sanfey Hilary 
Published: September 2012

AbstractBackgroundThe objective of the present study was to explore how women surgeons manage their work–life balance in three environmental and cultural settings.MethodMembers of the Japan Association of Women Surgeons (JAWS), the United States of America (US) based Association of Women Surgeons (AWS), and the Women’s Chapter of the College of Surgeons of Hong Kong (WCHK) were surveyed.ResultsAmong 822 women surgeons contacted, 252 responded (response rate 31.8 %; 55.5 % JAWS, 28.2 % AWS, and 25.3 % WCHK). Japanese women surgeons think that work is the number one priority, whereas US and Hong Kong China (HK) respondents think the number one priority is home life. Work satisfaction level was generally high among women surgeons in all countries; however, 19 % of US surgeons are somewhat dissatisfied with their work and 76.1 % think that men are treated more favorably than women at work. Whereas 51.6 % of Japanese women surgeons think that men are treated more favorably than women at home, at the same time they placed more importance on the role of women in the family. More than half of Japanese women surgeons are “uncertain” about their career path in the future, whereas 55.2/87.1 % of US/HK respondents are optimistic. All surgeons recommended expanding support for child rearing or nursing care during work hours, promoting a flexible work schedule and changing some of the older conventional ideas about gender role.ConclusionsIt is essential to address women surgeons’ concerns to enable them to have a clearer vision and a challenging career, and to be more certain about their personal and professional goals.
A Survey Experiment of Women’s Attitudes About Intimate Partner Violence Against Women in Rural Bangladesh
Authors: Yount Kathryn M. , Halim Nafisa , Schuler Sidney Ruth , Head Sara 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
According to the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) in poorer countries, 50 % of women of reproductive age report that wife hitting or beating is justified. Such high rates may result from structural pressures to adopt such views or to report the perceived socially desirable response. In a survey experiment of 496 ever-married women aged 18–49 years in rural Bangladesh, we compared responses to attitudinal questions that (1) replicated the 2007 Bangladesh DHS wording and portrayed the wife as transgressive for unstated reasons with elaborations depicting her as (2) unintentionally and (3) willfully transgressive. The probabilities of justifying wife hitting or beating were consistently low for unintended transgressions (.01–.08). Willful transgressions yielded higher probabilities (.40–.70), which resembled those based on the DHS wording (.38–.57). Cognitive interviews illustrated that village women held diverse views, which were attributed to social change. Also, ambiguity in the DHS questions may have led some women to interpret them according to perceived gender norms and to give the socially desirable response of justified. Results inform modifications to these DHS questions and identify women for ideational-change interventions.
Parents with bipolar disorder: Are disease characteristics good predictors of psychopathology in offspring?
Authors: Garcia-Amador M. , de la Serna E. , Vila M. , Romero S. , Valenti M. , Sánchez-Gistau V. , Benabarre A. , Vieta E. , Castro-Fornieles J. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractPurposeTo investigate rates of psychopathology in the offspring of subjects with bipolar disorder (BP-offspring) compared to the offspring of healthy subjects (HC-offspring) in a Spanish sample and to study possible predictors of psychopathology in BP-offspring.SubjectsFifty BP-offspring from 36 families and 25 HC-offspring from 25 families.MethodsPsychopathology was compared in BP-offspring and HC-offspring. Factors associated with DSM-IV axis I disorders in BP-offspring were analyzed using logistic regression.ResultsHalf of BP-offspring fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for at least one axis I disorder with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (30%), anxiety disorders (14%) and affective disorders (10%) as the most frequent. After controlling for having more than one sibling in the study, the odds ratio for BP-offspring presenting an axis I disorder was 15.02 when a biological parent had bipolar disorder with a lifetime history of psychotic symptoms and 3.34 when one parent had bipolar II disorder. Moreover, a higher Global Assessment of Functioning score in the biological co-parent was associated with a significantly lower frequency of axis I disorders in BP-offspring.Discussion and conclusionsPsychopathology in BP-offspring should be routinely assessed, with special emphasis on children from parents with specific disease characteristics (psychosis, BP II disorder) in order to establish an early diagnosis and appropriate interventions.
Asperuloside stimulates metabolic function in rats across several organs under high-fat diet conditions, acting like the major ingredient ofEucommialeaves with anti-obesity activity
Authors: Fujikawa Takahiko , Hirata Tetsuya , Hosoo Shingo , Nakajima Kenji , Wada Atsunori , Yurugi Yutaka , Soya Hideaki , Matsui Takashi , Yamaguchi Akihiko , Ogata Masato , Nishibe Sansei 
Published: September 2012

AbstractEucommialeaves (Eucommia ulmoidesOliver) contain chlorogenic acid (a caffeic acid derivative) and geniposidic acid and asperuloside (ASP), iridoid glucosides used in beverages. We used a metabolic syndrome rat model, produced by feeding a 35 % high-fat diet (HFD), to examine potential anti-obesity and anti-metabolic syndrome effects and mechanisms of chronic administration of ASP. These effects were compared withEucommialeaf extract (ELE), the positive control, which exhibits anti-obesity effects. A total of six rats were studied for 3 months in five groups. ASP suppressed body weight, visceral fat weight, food intake and circulating levels of glucose, insulin and lipids, and increased the plasma adiponectin level in rats on a HFD. These effects are similar to those of ELE, except for the influence on the plasma glucose level. RT–PCR studies showed that ASP (like ELE with known anti-obesity effects) diminished isocitrate dehydrogenase 3α, NADH dehydrogenase flavoprotein 1 (Comp I) mRNA and fatty acid synthase levels (white adipose tissue), increased carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1α and acyl-CoA dehydrogenase, very-long-chain mRNA levels (liver), and increased Glut4, citrate synthase, isocitrate dehydrogenase 3α, succinyl CoA synthase, peroxisomal 3-ketoacyl-CoA thiolase, dihydrolipoamide succinyl transferase and succinate dehydrogenase mRNA levels (skeletal muscle) under HFD conditions. Interestingly, ASP administration resulted in significantly increased mRNA levels of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) in the brown adipose tissue of HFD-fed rats; ELE did not affect the expression of UCP1. The increased expression of UCP1 may be negated by many ingredients other than ASP in the ELE. These findings suggest that chronic administration of ASP stimulates anti-obesity and anti-metabolic syndrome activity in HFD-fed rats across several organs, similar to ELE administration; thus, ASP may be an important ingredient of ELE.