bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Factors associated with wait times across the breast cancer treatment pathway in Ontario
Authors: Plotogea Amalia , Chiarelli Anna M , Mirea Lucia , Prummel Maegan V , Chong Nelson , Shumak Rene S , O’Malley Frances P , Holloway Claire M B ,   the Breast Screening Study Group
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Background
Longer times from diagnosis to breast cancer treatment are associated with poorer prognosis. This study examined factors associated with wait times by phase in the breast cancer treatment pathway.

Methods
There were 1760 women eligible for the study, aged 50–69 diagnosed in Ontario with invasive breast cancer from 1995–2003. Multivariate logistic regression examined factors associated with greater than median wait times for each phase of the treatment pathway; from diagnosis to definitive surgery; from final surgery to radiotherapy without chemotherapy and from final surgery to chemotherapy.

Results
The median wait times were 17 days (Inter Quartile Range (IQR) = 0–31) from diagnosis to definitive surgery, 44 days (IQR = 34–56) from final surgery to postoperative chemotherapy and 75 days (IQR = 57–97) from final surgery to postoperative radiotherapy. Diagnosis during 2000–2003 compared to 1995–1999 was associated with significantly longer wait times for each phase of the treatment pathway. Higher income quintile was associated with longer wait time from diagnosis to surgery (OR = 1.47, 95% CI = 1.05-2.06) and shorter wait times from final surgery to radiotherapy (OR = 0.60, 95% CI = 0.37-0.96). Greater stage at diagnosis was associated with shorter wait times from diagnosis to definitive surgery (stage III vs I: OR = 0.49, 95% CI = 0.34-0.71).

Conclusions
While diagnosis during the latter part of the study period was associated with significantly longer wait times for all phases of the treatment pathway, there were variations in the associations of stage and income quintile with wait times by treatment phase. Continued assessment of factors associated with wait times across the breast cancer treatment pathway is important, as they indicate areas to be targeted for quality improvement with the ultimate goal of improving prognosis.
Fixed point results on subgraphs of directed graphs
Authors: Aleomraninejad SMA , Rezapour Sh , Shahzad N 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
In this paper, we obtain some fixed point results on subgraphs of directed graphs. We show that the Caristi fixed point theorem and a version of Knaster-Tarski fixed point theorem are special cases of our results.

2010 MSC

47H10; 05C20; 54H25
Hyperoxemia and long-term outcome after traumatic brain injury
Authors: Raj Rahul , Bendel Stepani , Reinikainen Matti , Kivisaari Riku , Siironen Jari , Lång Maarit , Skrifvars Markus 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Introduction
The relationship between hyperoxemia and outcome in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) is controversial. We sought to investigate the independent relationship between hyperoxemia and long-term mortality in patients with moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury.

Methods
The Finnish Intensive Care Consortium database was screened for mechanically ventilated patients with a moderate-to-severe TBI. Patients were categorized, according to the highest measured alveolar-arterial O2 gradient or the lowest measured PaO2 value during the first 24 hours of ICU admission, to hypoxemia (<10.0 kPa), normoxemia (10.0 to 13.3 kPa) and hyperoxemia (>13.3 kPa). We adjusted for markers of illness severity to evaluate the independent relationship between hyperoxemia and 6-month mortality.

Results
A total of 1,116 patients were included in the study, of which 16% (n = 174) were hypoxemic, 51% (n = 567) normoxemic and 33% (n = 375) hyperoxemic. The total 6-month mortality was 39% (n = 435). A significant association between hyperoxemia and a decreased risk of mortality was found in univariate analysis (P = 0.012). However, after adjusting for markers of illness severity in a multivariate logistic regression model hyperoxemia showed no independent relationship with 6-month mortality (hyperoxemia vs. normoxemia OR 0.88, 95% CI 0. 63 to 1.22, P = 0.43; hyperoxemia vs. hypoxemia OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.63 to 1.50, P = 0.90).

Conclusion
Hyperoxemia in the first 24 hours of ICU admission after a moderate-to-severe TBI is not predictive of 6-month mortality.
Ontogeny, distribution and potential roles of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine in human liver function
Authors: Ivanov Maxim , Kals Mart , Kacevska Marina , Barragan Isabel , Kasuga Kie , Rane Anders , Metspalu Andres , Milani Lili , Ingelman-Sundberg Magnus 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Background
Interindividual differences in liver functions such as protein synthesis, lipid and carbohydrate metabolism and drug metabolism are influenced by epigenetic factors. The role of the epigenetic machinery in such processes has, however, been barely investigated. 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) is a recently re-discovered epigenetic DNA modification that plays an important role in the control of gene expression.

Results
In this study, we investigate 5hmC occurrence and genomic distribution in 8 fetal and 7 adult human liver samples in relation to ontogeny and function. LC-MS analysis shows that in the adult liver samples 5hmC comprises up to 1% of the total cytosine content, whereas in all fetal livers it is below 0.125%. Immunohistostaining of liver sections with a polyclonal anti-5hmC antibody shows that 5hmC is detected in most of the hepatocytes. Genome-wide mapping of the distribution of 5hmC in human liver samples by next-generation sequencing shows significant differences between fetal and adult livers. In adult livers, 5hmC occupancy is overrepresented in genes involved in active catabolic and metabolic processes, whereas 5hmC elements which are found in genes exclusively in fetal livers and disappear in the adult state, are more specific to pathways for differentiation and development.

Conclusions
Our findings suggest that 5-hydroxymethylcytosine plays an important role in the development and function of the human liver and might be an important determinant for development of liver diseases as well as of the interindividual differences in drug metabolism and toxicity.
The CCN family acting throughout the body: recent research developments
Authors: Kubota Satoshi , Takigawa Masaharu 
Published: August 2013

AbstractThe animal body is composed of a variety of cells and extracellular matrices that are organized and orchestrated in a harmonized manner to support life. Therefore, the critical importance of a comprehensive understanding of the molecular network surrounding and integrating the cells is now emphasized. The CCN family is a novel group of matricellular proteins that interact with and orchestrate a number of extracellular signaling and matrix molecules to construct and maintain living tissues. This family comprises six distinct members in mammals, which are characterized by a unique and conserved modular structure. These proteins are not targeted to limited and specific receptors to execute specific missions, but manipulate a vast number of biomolecules in the network by serving as a molecular hub at the center. The unified nomenclature, CCN, originates from a simple acronym of the three classical members, which helps us to avoid having any preconception about their pleiotropic and anonymous functional nature. In this review, after a brief summary of the general molecular concepts regarding the CCN family, new aspects of each member uncovered by recent research are introduced, which represent, nevertheless, only the tip of the iceberg of the profound functionality of these molecules.
The relationship between oxidative stress and exercise
Authors: Finkler Maya , Lichtenberg Dov , Pinchuk Ilya 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Physical exercise has many benefits, but it might also have a negative impact on the body, depending on the training level, length of workout, gender, age and fitness. The negative effects of physical exercise are commonly attributed to an imbalance between the levels of antioxidants (both low molecular weight antioxidants and antioxidant enzymes) and reactive oxygen and nitrogen species due to excessive production of free radicals during physical exercise. In this critical review, we look for answers for three specific questions regarding the interrelationship between physical exercise and oxidative stress (OS), namely, (i) the dependence of the steady-state level of OS on fitness, (ii) the effect of intensive exercise on the OS and (iii) the dependence of the effect of the intense exercise on the individual fitness. All these questions have been raised, investigated and answered, but the answers given on the basis of different studies are different. In the present review, we try to explain the reason(s) for the inconsistencies between the conclusions of different investigations, commonly based on the concentrations of specific biomarkers in body fluids. We think that most of the inconsistencies can be attributed to the difference between the criteria of the ill-defined term denoted OS, the methods used to test them and in some cases, between the qualities of the applied assays. On the basis of our interpretation of the differences between different criteria of OS, we consider possible answers to three well-defined questions. Possible partial answers are given, all of which lend strong support to the conclusion that the network responsible for homeostasis of the redox status is very effective. However, much more data are required to address the association between exercise and OS and its dependence on various relevant factors.
Lab-on-a-chip devices for gold nanoparticle synthesis and their role as a catalyst support for continuous flow catalysis
Authors: Navin Chelliah V. , Krishna Katla Sai , Theegala Chandra S. , Kumar Challa S.S.R. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractLab-on-a-chip (LOC) systems are extensively used in recent times for applications in nanotechnology ranging from synthesis of nanomaterials to their utilization in catalysis, biomedicine, and drug delivery. A variety of nanomaterials – inorganic materials such as metal, metal oxide, quantum dots, and organic materials based on polymers and biological molecules – have been synthesized and their applications explored based on LOC devices. Among several inorganic nanomaterials, the applications of LOC devices for gold-based nanomaterials have been widely investigated over the past couple of decades. Though the synthesis and applications of inorganic nanomaterials using these systems have been thoroughly reviewed earlier, including those from our group, there are only a few recent review articles that cover gold-based nanomaterials. As the promise of supported gold nanoparticles (NPs) as exceptionally effective catalysts is beginning to be realized, LOC-based approach for continuous flow gold catalysis has begun to be exploited. Here, in this review, we focus on synthesis and catalysis applications of nanostructured gold using the LOC systems. With millifluidics-based LOCs gaining traction, this review fulfills the need for a comprehensive analysis covering both traditional microfluidics as well as recent millifluidics for catalysis applications utilizing gold nanomaterials.
Three-dimensional viscoelastic simulation of the effect of wall slip on encapsulation in the coextrusion process
Authors: Liu Hesheng , Deng Xiaozhen , Huang Yibin , Huang Xingyuan , Li Mengshan 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
A three-dimensional viscoelastic numerical simulation was developed for a two-layer coextrusion through a rectangular channel by using the finite element method. The Phan-Thien and Tanner model was considered as viscoelastic constitutive equations. The generalized Navier’s law was adopted to found the slip boundary condition. The numerical results of the effects of the wall slip coefficient and the flow rate on the interface profile and the degree of encapsulation were compared with the experimental results of previous researchers. It was found that the interfacial offset and the degree of encapsulation increased with the increase of the wall slip coefficient and the flow rate, and the growing rate was large when the wall slip coefficient was between 106 and 108. We were able to control the interface shape and the degree of encapsulation at the die exit by varying the wall slip coefficient and the magnitude of the melt flow rate.
Dental malocclusion is not related to temporomandibular joint clicking: a logistic regression analysis in a patient population
Authors: Manfredini Daniele , Perinetti Giuseppe , Guarda-Nardini Luca 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACT

Objectives:
To assess the association of several dental malocclusion features with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) click sounds in a population of temporomandibular disorder (TMD) patients.

Materials and Methods:
Four hundred forty-two TMD patients (72% female; 32.2 ± 5.7 years, range 25–44 years) were divided into a TMJ clicking and a no-TMJ clicking group, based on the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD) assessment. Seven occlusal features were recorded for each patient: (1) posterior crossbite, (2) overbite, (3) open bite, (4) overjet, (5) mediotrusive and (6) laterotrusive interferences and (7) retruded contact position to maximum intercuspation (RCP-MI) slide length. A logistic regression model was created to estimate the association of occlusal features with TMJ clicking.

Results:
The difference between the groups as for the prevalence of the various occlusal features was generally not statistically significant, with minor exceptions. Mediotrusive interferences (P  =  .015) and RCP-MI slide ≥2 mm (P  =  .001) were the two occlusal features that were associated with the probability of having TMJ clicking, even if the adjusted odds ratios for TMJ clicking were low for both variables (1.63 and 1.89, respectively). Moreover, the amount of variance in the prevalence of TMJ clicking that was predicted by the final model was as low as 4.5% (R2  =  0.045).

Conclusions:
Findings from the present investigation suggested that in a population of TMD patients, the contribution of dental malocclusion features to predict TMJ click sounds is minimal with no clinical relevance.
Comparison of Multivariate Analysis Methodologies in a Palliative Care Setting
Authors: Pinto Doria Isabel , Sousa Ferreira Ana , Dias Otília , Bacelar-Nicolau Helena , Le Calvé Georges 
Published: August 2013

Summary This study is focused on measuring the quality and the satisfaction with the palliative care provided to oncology patients in domicile. The SERVQUAL methodology adapted for the Portuguese context was used to evaluate the quality of palliative care and patient satisfaction. The Portuguese SERVQUAL questionnaire is composed of five perception scales and two questionnaires, one about the patient and another about the caregiver. The data analysis presented is the analysis of the answers to the five perception scales, composed of partial ordered variables, evaluating different aspects of quality and satisfaction.The data was analysed comparing metric and symbolic approaches, using Principal Component Analysis Methods and Agglomerative Hierarchical Cluster Analysis Models. The results suggest that a symbolic approach provides a more comprehensive analysis for this kind of data.
The extreme value Birnbaum-Saunders model, its moments and an application in biometry
Authors: Gomes M. Ivette , Ferreira Marta , Leiva Víctor 
Published: August 2013

Summary The Birnbaum-Saunders (BS) model is a life distribution that has been widely studied and applied. Recently, a new version of the BS distribution based on extreme value theory has been introduced, named the extreme value Birnbaum-Saunders (EVBS) distribution. In this article we provide some further details on the EVBS models that can be useful as a supplement to the existing results. We use these models to analyse real survival time data for patients treated with alkylating agents for multiple myeloma. This analysis allow us to show the adequacy of these new statistical distributions and identify them as models useful for medical practitioners in order to predict survival times for such patients and evaluate changes in their treatment dose.
Application of longitudinal analysis to the analysis of height increment of pine stands – simulated data
Authors: Zawieja Bogna 
Published: August 2013

Summary One of the most important characteristics in determining the dendrometrical properties of a stand is the annual height increment of the trees. On the basis of these increments, natural phases of the trees’ life are defined. In the present study the data concern the height increments of the main trunk of 25-year-old Scots pine, as well as simulated data. Our research deals with the application of longitudinal data analysis. This analysis is usually used when measurements are taken at the same treatments at different time points. The calculations performed provide answers to the question of which annual height increments differ.
Churches of Greater Mumbai – a physio-cultural appraisal
Authors: Braganza Charlotte , Mukherji Dipti 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Greater Mumbai is a mosaic of diverse languages, cultures and religions. Churches in Mumbai reflect the long association of Mumbai City and Salsette Island which comprise the present day Greater Mumbai. The churches of Greater Mumbai are relics of art, architecture and culture, as well as multi-lingual and religious tolerance. They enjoy a great history which dates back to the 16th century. With the coming of the Portuguese and British, the churches and their surrounding environment have undergone a spatial and temporal change to withstand the needs of the society with increasing population and prevalent intra-urban migration. The contributions of East Indians, Goans, Mangaloreans, Tamilians and Keralites to the progress and development of the Church in the area is immense. The present paper is an attempt to highlight the environmental history of the churches chronologically with sketches and maps. The study also analyses the geographical background and population composition in and around the churches. It brings out the emerging spatial pattern of churches in Greater Mumbai as well as the changes that have taken place over a period of time. Moreover, the paper describes the contribution of sociofugal and sociopetal forces for generating the socio-environmental scenario in the contemporary spatial framework.
Conceptual framework of value creation through CSR in separate member of value creation chain
Authors: Jonikas Donatas 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
The main goal of this paper is to prepare a conceptual framework which would help to determine where any kind of value might emerge while various actions of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) are implemented. Such conceptual framework is suggested as a backbone for further research and empiric justification in order to develop a simplified yet effective CSR outcome evaluation model which might be used in practice in any company. Such practical model should help to determine which CSR action might bring maximized value outcome with lowest costs. The main attention in this paper is concentrated only on a single company as a member of value creation chain (VCC). The paper lays foundation for perspective to develop the research in a holistic way - to evaluate the effect of CSR integration in whole VCC. Many authors have debated the different possibilities of simultaneously incorporating social, environmental and economic concerns into management thinking and practice (Aguilera et al., 2007) in organizational behavior; Buysse and Verbeke (2003); Starkey and Crane (2003); Barin-Cruz et al. (2006) in strategic management. All those scholars have been developing concept of CSR from different point of view. This paper concerns value creation through CSR as economical category. But therefore in order to indicate areas of possible value creation, various all above mentioned aspects of CSR concept are taken into account.
This paper suggests a framework of value creation through CSR, considering CSR implementation might help to create shared value for few beneficiaries simultaneously. The framework consists of all four types of responsibilities described by Carroll (1999), different levels of CSR activity, three major groups of beneficiaries (company, society, stakeholders) and areas of possible value creation.
The Function of Open Space in Architecture Versus the Function of White Space in Graphic Design
Authors: Jakoubě Helena 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Open, white, or empty are all terms related to space. In architecture, as in graphic design, where 3D stands against 2D. City, house, or room versus layout of a page or poster. Is there a connection? The aim of this paper is to explore the examples from historical to contemporary works, research various functions of open space in architecture, focused on living, indoor and outdoor public areas, and white space in printed graphic design. The functions described and examined here are mainly contrast, economics, luxury and comfort, aesthetics and balance, social but also the functionality often connected to use or spirituality. These functions indicate why architects and designers started to search for freedom of structure and project the open and white space into their constructions and layouts. In many cases, the context plays a key role and hence is also explored and discussed in detail.
An important part of this work is to make the comparison between open and white space and their functions and prove on the selected examples whether the space we live in is comparable to the layout and composition in graphic design.
Instruments for Disease-Specific Quality-of-Life Measurement in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus - A Systematic Review / Инструменты Для Оценки Специфического Качества Жизни Пациентов, Больных Сахарным Диабетом Типа 2
Authors: Levterova Boryana A. , Dimitrova Donka D. , Levterov Georgi E. , Dragova Elena A. 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Diabetes mellitus is a disease which carries a considerable social impact in Bulgaria and across the world because of its high prevalence. Research literature has recently included lots of studies investigating the effects of diabetes mellitus on the quality of life of diabetic patients and also many instruments to assess these effects. Quality of life is a concept that encompasses an individual‘s subjective perception of physical, emotional and social wellbeing, including both a cognitive component (satisfaction) and an emotional component (happiness). We review and analyse in the present article major determinants of disease-specific quality of life in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and the tools used for assessment.
RESULTS: Fourteen instruments for measuring quality of life in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) met our search criteria. Their contents covered different quality-of-life domains or indicators - typical diabetes symptoms, general health and quality of life, personality traits, physical functioning, mental and social well-being, treatment and quality of life. Most of the disease-specific tools had been field tested and data about their reliability and validity have been reported. Few tools had been subjected to formal assessment of their adaptability to changes.
CONCLUSIONS: Of the instruments we assessed the most promising approaches for measuring the diabetes-specific quality of life are offered by ADDQoL, DСP and WBQ. Patients were involved in the development of these tools which have been shown by a number of studies to have good internal reliability, external and construct validity. Efforts are being continually made worldwide to develop a standard ensuring valid, reliable, easy to use tool for assessing quality of life in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in order to promote patients integration into society.