bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Calcium and cholecalciferol supplementation provides no added benefit to nutritional counseling to improve bone mineral density in survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)
Authors: Kaste S.C. , Qi A. , Smith K. , Surprise H. , Lovorn E. , Boyett J. , Ferry R.J. , Relling M.V. , Shurtleff S.A. , Pui C.H. , Carbone L. , Hudson M.M. , Ness K.K. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractBackgroundWe sought to improve lumbar spine bone mineral density (LS‐BMD) in long‐term survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) using calcium and cholecalciferol supplementation.ProcedureThis double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial randomized 275 participants (median age, 17 [9–36.1] years) with age‐ and gender‐specific LS‐BMD Z‐scores <0 to receive nutritional counseling with supplementation of 1,000 mg/day calcium and 800 International Unit cholecalciferol or placebo for 2 years. The primary outcome was change in LS‐BMD assessed by quantitative computerized tomography (QCT) at 24 months. Linear regression models were employed to identify the baseline risk factors for low LS‐BMD and to compare LS‐BMD outcomes.ResultsPre‐randomization LS‐BMD below the mean was associated with male gender (P = 0.0024), White race (P = 0.0003), lower body mass index (P < 0.0001), and cumulative glucocorticoid doses of ≥5,000 mg (P = 0.0012). One hundred eighty‐eight (68%) participants completed the study; 77% adhered to the intervention. Mean LS‐BMD change did not differ between survivors randomized to supplements (0.33 ± 0.57) or placebo (0.28 ± 0.56). Participants aged 9–13 years and those 22–35 years had the greatest mean increases in LS‐BMD (0.50 ± 0.66 and 0.37 ± 0.23, respectively). Vitamin D insufficiency (serum 25[OH]D <30 ng/ml) found in 296 (75%), was not associated with LS‐BMD outcomes (P = 0.78).ConclusionCholecalciferol and calcium supplementation provides no added benefit to nutritional counseling for improving LS‐BMD among adolescent and young adult survivors of ALL (93% of whom had LS‐BMD Z‐scores above the mean at study entry). Pediatr Blood Cancer 2014;61:885–893. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Prenatal screening for clubfoot: what factors predict prenatal detection?
Authors: Mahan Susan T. , Yazdy Mahsa M. , Kasser James R. , Werler Martha M. 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACTObjectiveRoutine prenatal ultrasound has often resulted in the early detection of musculoskeletal disorders. The purpose of this study was to determine which socioeconomic factors are associated with prenatal detection of clubfoot.MethodsThe Slone Epidemiology Center at Boston University identified infants in three states (Massachusetts, New York, and North Carolina) who were reported as having a clubfoot. Mothers of these children were contacted and interviewed, and medical records obtained. Data were analyzed by using logistic regression to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).ResultsOverall detection of the clubfoot prenatally was 62.3% (421/676) but this varied considerably by state, 81.1% in Massachusetts (154/190), 58.5% in New York (124/212), and 52.2% in North Carolina (143/274). Multivariate analysis revealed that the strongest predictors for prenatal detection were maternal age ≥35 years (OR: 3.54), non‐Hispanic black race (OR: 0.49), the presence of another birth defect (OR: 2.61), residing in Massachusetts (OR: 2.64), and the presence of a bilateral clubfoot (OR: 1.90).ConclusionsWe found a statistically significantly higher rate of prenatal detection of clubfoot in Massachusetts and lower rate in younger mothers (age <35) and black mothers, even after adjustment for other sociodemographic variables. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Friction of double‐network hydrogels against glass substrate in poly(vinyl alcohol) aqueous solution
Authors: Li Xue‐Feng , Chen Qianwen , Jiang Cheng 
Published: January 2014

AbstractThe frictional coefficient of biological joint cartilage is extremely low. For this, many researchers are looking to develop materials that are similar to those in nature. We prepared a poly(sodium 2‐acrylamido‐2‐methylpropanesulfonate)/polyacrylamide double‐network hydrogel, and tested the friction of the hydrogel in poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) aqueous solution, which imitates a biological environment, against glass substrate. Results show that there is a transition sliding velocity in the friction test, which decreases with an increase in PVA solution concentration. At low sliding velocities, the frictional stress exhibits a minimum at a PVA concentration of 2c*, where c* is the overlap concentration. It is assumed that a separation layer of PVA has formed completely at this concentration, the thickness of which is calculated. In addition, the friction of the hydrogel is not sensitive to the normal pressure in PVA aqueous solution. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Majority carrier transport in single crystal rutile nanowire arrays
Authors: Mohammadpour Arash , Farsinezhad Samira , Wiltshire Benjamin D. , Shankar Karthik 
Published: January 2014

Abstractmagnified imageMonocrystalline n‐TiO2 nanowires of the rutile phase (Rtl‐NWs) grown by a scalable hydrothermal method constitute a functional oxide nanomaterial with potential applications in photovoltaics, photocatalysts, field emitters and electrochemical battery anodes. Carrier transport in Rtl‐NWs is of fundamental importance but has hitherto been inferred indirectly via impedance and intensity‐modulated spectroscopic techniques. We report an effective electron drift mobility of 1.95 × 10–5 cm2 V–1 s–1 in rutile nanowire arrays directly measured using the time‐of‐flight (TOF) and space charge limited current techniques. In addition, we measure an equilibrium free electron concentration of ∼1014 cm–3 and a trap density of 3.5 × 1016 cm–3 in rutile nanowires. These results point to the importance of reducing traps to improve charge transport in rutile nanowires.magnified imageTransient photocurrents in rutile nanowires.(© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Towards nanomedicines for neuroAIDS
Authors: Sagar Vidya , Pilakka‐Kanthikeel Sudheesh , Pottathil Ravi , Saxena Shailendra K. , Nair Madhavan 
Published: January 2014

SUMMARYAlthough highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has resulted in remarkable decline in the morbidity and mortality in AIDS patients, controlling HIV infections still remain a global health priority. HIV access to the CNS serves as the natural viral preserve because most antiretroviral (ARV) drugs possess inadequate or zero delivery across the brain barriers. Thus, development of target‐specific, effective, safe, and controllable drug‐delivery approach is an important health priority for global elimination of AIDS progression. Emergence of nanotechnology in medicine has shown exciting prospect for development of novel drug delivery systems to administer the desired therapeutic levels of ARV drugs in the CNS. Neuron‐resuscitating and/or antidependence agents may also be delivered in the brain through nanocarriers to countercheck the rate of neuronal degradation during HIV infection. Several nanovehicles such as liposomes, dendrimers, polymeric nanoparticles, micelles, and solid lipid nanoparticles have been intensively explored. Recently, magnetic nanoparticles and monocytes/macrophages have also been used as carrier to improve the delivery of nanoformulated ARV drugs across the blood–brain barrier. Nevertheless, more rigorous research homework has to be elucidated to sort out the shortcomings that affect the target specificity, delivery, release, and/or bioavailability of desired amount of drugs for treatment of neuroAIDS. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Use of DNA from bite marks to determine species and individual animals that attack humans
Authors: Farley Sean , Talbot Sandra L. , Sage George K. , Sinnott Rick , Coltrane Jessica 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACTDuring the summer of 2008, 6 documented attacks and close encounters with brown bears (Ursus arctos) occurred in the greater Anchorage, Alaska (USA) area. We discuss findings from 2 incidents in which people were mauled within 2 km of each other over a 6‐week period and in which it was assumed that a single animal was responsible. To ensure public safety, authorities killed a brown bear implicated in the attacks by circumstantial evidence, though it was not known a priori that the animal was responsible. We extracted DNA from hairs and bite sites on the clothing of both victims and determined species and individual identity of the animal(s) involved in both incidents. Genetic data indicated the brown bear killed by authorities was responsible for one of the maulings, but not both. This research demonstrates that DNA‐based techniques, with appropriate sampling, can provide unambiguous identification of animals involved in attacks, as well as provide reasonable justification for excluding others. Because DNA‐based techniques can unequivocally identify individual bears carrying out attacks, they should be considered a standard method employed in wildlife attack investigations. © 2014 The Wildlife Society.
Do necklace‐style radiotransmitters influence flushing behavior of greater sage‐grouse?
Authors: Frye Graham G. , Connelly John W. , Musil David D. , Berkley Regan , Kemner Michelle Commons , Cardinal Casey , Cross Lisa , Forbey Jennifer S. 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACTNecklace‐style radiotransmitters are widely used in galliform research and management, but their influence on galliform flushing behavior has not been evaluated. We evaluated the hypothesis that greater sage‐grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) with necklace‐style radiotransmitters are more likely to flush later within flocks than are their non‐collared flock mates, potentially leaving them more vulnerable to predation. During the winters of 2010–2011 and 2011–2012, we flushed 59 sage‐grouse flocks containing radiocollared individuals at 5 study areas in southern Idaho. We assessed 1) whether radiocollared birds were more likely to be the last individuals to flush within flocks, and 2) whether they flushed later than the majority of flockmates more often than expected from a random process. Additionally, we quantified the occurrence of a slapping noise that was apparently produced by contact between wings and transmitter antennas in flight. Sage‐grouse with radiocollars flushed last during 23% of flush events, which was only slightly less likely than the most likely outcome (20% of flush events). Radiocollared sage‐grouse flushed in the last half of flocks during 50% of flush events, which was the most likely outcome given a random process. We detected the wing‐slapping noise during 74% of flush events, excluding instances in which ambient noise precluded detection. Our results are not consistent with the hypothesis that sage‐grouse outfitted with necklace‐style radiocollars tend to flush later than non‐collared flock mates, but these results should be replicated with independent data before they are considered conclusive. Our observations of the wing‐slapping noise warrant further investigation to ensure that transmitters do not produce other biases in research and management efforts. © 2014 The Wildlife Society.
Long‐Term Results of the Modified Thal Procedure in Patients with Chagasic Megaesophagus
Authors: Alves Andréa Pedrosa Ribeiro , de Oliveira Paulo Gonçalves , de Oliveira Julia Martins , de Mesquita Diego Martins , dos Santos João Henrique Zanotelli 
Published: January 2014

AbstractBackgroundChagas disease is a serious public health issue in South and Central America due to its high prevalence, morbidity, and mortality. The esophageal form of the disease leads to achalasia and consequent megaesophagus. In advanced or recurrent cases of megaesophagus, there is no consensus for which of three established techniques—the Serra‐Dória procedure, subtotal esophagectomy, or Modified Thal cardioplasty—is best. Very few studies have investigated the average efficacy and long‐term outcomes of the Thal procedure. The present study sought to bridge this gap.MethodsThe Modified Thal procedure was performed in 29 patients at Hospital Universitário de Brasília between 1998 and 2008. All underwent clinical and nutritional evaluation, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (UDE) with chromoscopy, esophageal manometry, and 24‐h pH monitoring.ResultsOverall, 86 % experienced resolution of all symptoms after surgery. Most patients were classified as Visick grade I, II, or III. The average body mass index was 22.7 kg/m2. UDE showed normal mucosa in 76 % of patients, and 11 % had unstained areas on chromoscopy. Esophageal manometry demonstrated incomplete lower esophageal sphincter (LES) relaxation in 50 % of patients, complete LES relaxation in 21 %, and no LES relaxation in 29 %. All showed complete relaxation of the upper esophageal sphincter. On 24‐h pH monitoring, reflux was pathological in 50 % of patients.ConclusionsOverall, the modified Thal procedure improved symptoms—namely, dysphagia to liquids with resulting weight loss and malnutrition—in patients with megaesophagus. No correlations were found between clinical complaints, endoscopic findings, and degree of manometric abnormality in these patients.
Genetic assessment of environmental features that influence deer dispersal: implications for prion‐infected populations
Authors: Kelly Amy C. , Mateus‐Pinilla Nohra E. , Brown William , Ruiz Marilyn O. , Douglas Marlis R. , Douglas Michael E. , Shelton Paul , Beissel Tom , Novakofski Jan 
Published: January 2014

AbstractThe landscape can influence host dispersal and density, which in turn, affect infectious disease transmission, spread, and persistence. Understanding how the landscape influences wildlife dispersal and pathogen epidemiology can enhance the efficacy of disease management in natural populations. We applied landscape genetics to examine relationships among landscape variables, dispersal of white‐tailed deer hosts and transmission/spread of chronic wasting disease (CWD), a fatal prion encephalopathy. Our focus was on quantifying movements and population structure of host deer in infected areas as a means of predicting the spread of this pathology and promoting its adaptive management. We analyzed microsatellite genotypes of CWD‐infected and uninfected deer from two disease foci (Southern Wisconsin, Northern Illinois). We quantified gene flow and population structure using FST, assignment tests, and spatial autocorrelation analyses. Gene flow estimates were then contrasted against a suite of landscape variables that potentially mediate deer dispersal. Forest fragmentation and grassland connectivity promoted deer movements while rivers, agricultural fields and large urbanized areas impeded movement. Landscape variables, deer dispersal, and disease transmission covaried significantly and positively in our analyses. Habitats with elevated host gene flow supported the concept of dispersal‐mediated CWD transmission by reflecting a concomitant, rapid CWD expansion. Large, interrelated social groups isolated by movement barriers overlapped disease foci, suggesting that philopatry exacerbated CWD transmission. Our results promote adaptive management of CWD by predicting patterns of its spread and identifying habitats at risk for invasion. Further, our landscape genetics approach underscores the significance of topography and host behavior in wildlife disease transmission.
A Network Perspective on the Processes of Empowered Organizations
Authors: Neal Zachary P. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractOrganizational empowerment is a multi‐faceted concept that involves processes occurring both within and between organizations that facilitate achievement of their goals. This paper takes a closer look at three interorganizational processes that lead to empowered organizations: building alliances, getting the word out, and capturing others’ attention. These processes are located within the broader nomological network of empowerment and organizational empowerment, and are linked to particular patterns of interorganizational relationships that facilitate organizations’ ability to engage in them. A new network‐based measure, γ‐centrality, is introduced to capture the particular network structure associated with each process to be assessed. It is demonstrated first in a hypothetical organizational network, then applied to take a closer look at organizational empowerment in the context of a coordinating council composed of human service agencies. The paper concludes with a discussion of the implications of relationships between these processes, and the potential for unintended consequences in the empowerment of organizations.
Assessing the Integration of Genomic Medicine in Genetic Counseling Training Programs
Authors: Profato Jessica , Gordon Erynn S. , Dixon Shannan , Kwan Andrea 
Published: January 2014

AbstractMedical genetics has entered a period of transition from genetics to genomics. Genetic counselors (GCs) may take on roles in the clinical implementation of genomics. This study explores the perspectives of program directors (PDs) on including genomic medicine in GC training programs, as well as the status of this integration. Study methods included an online survey, an optional one‐on‐one telephone interview, and an optional curricula content analysis. The majority of respondents (15/16) reported that it is important to include genomic medicine in program curricula. Most topics of genomic medicine are either “currently taught” or “under development” in all participating programs. Interview data from five PDs and one faculty member supported the survey data. Integrating genomics in training programs is challenging, and it is essential to develop genomics resources for curricula.
Huntington Disease: Who Seeks Presymptomatic Genetic Testing, Why and What are the Outcomes?
Authors: Scuffham Tracey M. , MacMillan John C. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractThe aims of this study were to: 1) quantify the characteristics of those seeking presymptomatic testing for HD, 2) identify their motivations for testing, 3) quantify the waiting times between the various steps within the testing process, and 4) quantify the outcomes of testing at a large state‐wide genetic testing center in Australia. A review of medical charts for all referrals for presymptomatic testing of Huntington disease received over a 4 year period (2006–2010) was undertaken. A total of 152 cases met the study inclusion criteria; the mean age was 39 years, 46 % were male and 61 % underwent genetic testing. Of the males who were tested there was a non‐significant trend towards having an affected mother vs father (62 %, p = 0.09), whereas females tested were just as likely to have an affected mother or father. The most frequently cited reasons for seeking testing were “family planning”, “plan future”, and “need to know”. Some 11 % deferred testing following the psychological assessment. Of those at 50 % prior risk, 57.5 % tested positive; this was higher than expected and much higher than reported in other studies. The median times from referral to initial appointment, and then to results was 69 days and 144 days respectively. Overall, this review of medical charts shows the depth of information obtainable from routinely collected data and revealed that a high proportion of patients tested positive for HD at this centre.
The Effect of Genetic Counseling for Adult Offspring of Patients with Type 2 Diabetes on Attitudes Toward Diabetes and its Heredity: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Nishigaki M. , Tokunaga‐Nakawatase Y. , Nishida J. , Kazuma K. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractThe aim of this study is to investigate the effect of diabetes genetic counseling on attitudes toward diabetes and its heredity in relatives of type 2 diabetes patients. This study was an unmasked, randomized controlled trial at a medical check‐up center in Japan. Subjects in this study are healthy adults between 30 and 60 years of age who have a family history of type 2 diabetes in their first degree relatives. Participants in the intervention group received a brief genetic counseling session for approximately 10 min. Genetic counseling was structured based on the Health Belief Model. Both intervention and control groups received a booklet for general diabetes prevention. Risk perception and recognition of diabetes, and attitude towards its prevention were measured at baseline, 1 week and 1 year after genetic counseling. Participants who received genetic counseling showed significantly higher recognition about their sense of control over diabetes onset than control group both at 1 week and 1 year after the session. On the other hand, anxiety about diabetes did not change significantly. The findings show that genetic counseling for diabetes at a medical check center helped adults with diabetes family history understand they are able to exert control over the onset of their disease through lifestyle modification.
Elastoplastic contact of rough surfaces: a line contact model for boundary regime of lubrication
Authors: Chong W. W. F. , De la Cruz M. 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
This paper introduces an improved friction model accounting for elastoplastic behavior of interacting asperities along contiguous rough surfaces for a line contact solution. It is based on Greenwood and Tripp’s original boundary friction model and specifically tailored for a boundary regime of lubrication. The numerical solution of Reynolds’ equation is achieved by implementing Elrod’s cavitation algorithm for a one dimensional line contact. The transience in the numerical solution is retained by accounting for the squeeze film term in Reynolds’ equation under fixed loading conditions and varying sliding motion. A sliding bearing rig is used to measure friction and compare the results with the prediction made using the approach highlighted above. The numerical/experimental results show good agreement.
Challenges in Measuring the Sequencing of Life Events Among Adolescents in Malawi: A Cautionary Note
Authors: Mensch Barbara S. , Soler-Hampejsek Erica , Kelly Christine A. , Hewett Paul C. , Grant Monica J. 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
Using data from two rounds of the Malawi Schooling and Adolescent Survey, this research note examines consistency of retrospective reporting on the timing and sequencing of sexual initiation, school leaving, and marriage. The analysis, which compares reporting of events both within and between rounds, indicates substantial inconsistency in reporting of event sequences and highlights difficulties in measuring transitions to adulthood in sub-Saharan Africa with survey data.
Safety, efficacy, and prognostic factors in endovascular treatment of pelvic congestion syndrome
Authors: Nasser Felipe , Cavalcante Rafael N. , Affonso Breno B. , Messina Marcos L. , Carnevale Francisco C. , de Gregorio Miguel A. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the safety and effectiveness of transcatheter embolization using coils for treatment of pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS) and to elucidate prognostic factors for clinical success.MethodsData were retrospectively analyzed from 113 women with PCS who underwent endovascular embolization of ovarian and pelvic varicose veins at Hospital Clínico Universitario, Zaragoza, Spain between January 2001 and January 2011. Pain score was evaluated before and after the procedure via a visual analog scale (VAS). Associated symptoms (dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, urinary urgency, and lower limb symptoms) were also evaluated. Patients were followed up for 12 months.ResultsThe technical and clinical success was 100%. At 12 months, 53% of patients had no pelvic pain and 47% reported a reduction in pelvic pain. The average VAS was 7.34 before the procedure and 0.47 at 12 months. Complete relief of pain and associated symptoms was achieved for 37% of patients. Urinary urgency, lower limb symptoms, and vulvar and lower limbs varicosities were prognostic factors related to incomplete treatment success. The global complication rate was low (5/113, 4.4%).ConclusionTranscatheter embolization was a safe and effective treatment for PCS. Lower limb symptoms, urinary urgency, and varicosities were associated with incomplete clinical success.