bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Designing psycho‐oncology randomised trials and cluster randomised trials: variance components and intra‐cluster correlation of commonly used psychosocial measures
Authors: Bell Melanie L. , McKenzie Joanne E. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractObjectiveThe study aims to provide information about variance components of psychosocial outcomes: within and between‐participant variance, within‐participant correlation and for cluster randomised trials, the intra‐cluster correlation (ICC) and, also, to demonstrate how estimates of these variance components and ICCs can be used to design randomised trials and cluster randomised trials.MethodData from 15 longitudinal multi‐centre psycho‐oncology studies were analysed, and variance components including ICCs were estimated. Studies with psychosocial outcomes that had at least one measurement post‐baseline including individual randomised controlled trials, cluster randomised trials and observational studies were included.ResultsVariance components and ICCs from 87 outcome measures were estimated. The unadjusted, single timepoint (first post‐baseline) ICCs ranged from 0 to 0.16, with a median value of 0.022 and inter‐quartile range 0 to 0.0605. The longitudinal ICCs ranged from 0 to 0.09 with a median value of 0.0007 and inter‐quartile range 0 to 0.018.ConclusionsAlthough the magnitude of variance components and ICCs used for sample–size calculation cannot be known in advance of the study, published estimates can help reduce the uncertainty in sample‐size calculations. Psycho‐oncology researchers should be conservative in their sample‐size calculations and use approaches that improve efficiency in their design and analysis. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Validity and reliability assessment of health belief scales for mammography screening in Greek asymptomatic women
Authors: Anagnostopoulos Fotios , Dimitrakaki Christine , Niakas Dimitris , Tountas Yannis 
Published: October 2012

AbstractObjectiveThe purpose was to assess the validity and reliability of health belief model variables (perceived benefits, perceived barriers, and self‐efficacy beliefs) that are often the target of mammography screening interventions.MethodsBased on Champion's health belief model scales, questionnaire data were obtained from a nationally representative sample of 408 Greek women, 40 years of age or older and with no personal history of cancer.ResultsUsing confirmatory factor analysis, we found all items to load significantly on their respective factors. Standardized factor loadings ranged from 0.55 to 0.88. An analysis of localized areas of respecification of a three‐factor model revealed that measurement error correlations between a few items existed. Known‐groups and criterion‐related validity was supported for all scales, while internal consistency reliability of the scales was satisfactory, with Cronbach's alpha ranging from 0.71 to 0.88.ConclusionsThe Greek version of the scales measuring perceived benefits, perceived barriers, and self‐efficacy beliefs is a reliable and valid tool when used to assess health beliefs for mammography screening among women. Implications for intervention strategies aimed at increasing the likelihood of mammography utilization are considered. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Criterion Validation of the Rate of Recovery, Single Alphanumeric Measure, in Patients with Low Back Pain
Authors: Wright Alexis A. , Cook Chad E. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractBackground and PurposeThe aim of this study was to determine the criterion validity of patient rate of recovery with the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS).MethodsAssociations between rate of recovery and ODI and pain were examined using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Participants were dichotomized to ODI 50% change versus a <50% change. Pearson correlation coefficients were performed to determine the relationship between the continuous variables of rate of recovery and final ODI score at discharge. Spearman correlation coefficients were performed to determine the relationship between the continuous variable rate of recovery and ordinal variable final pain score at discharge.ResultsROC curve statistics suggest that a cut‐point of greater than 82.5% on the self‐report rate of recovery (sensitivity = 0.72, specificity = 0.71 and positive likelihood ratio = 2.44) corresponded to a 50% change on the ODI. The correlation between ODI final score and self‐report rate of recovery was a moderate, −0.45 (p < 0.01). Cut‐points on the self‐reported rate of recovery ranged from 72.5% to 82.5% depending upon the definition of change in pain (≥2, ≥3 and ≥4 points) score or final pain score (<5/10, <4/10 and <3/10). The correlation between NPRS final score and self‐report rate of recovery was −0.72 (p < 0.01). The correlation between NPRS change score and self‐report rate of recovery was 0.42 (p < 0.01).DiscussionPatients reporting greater than or equal to 82.5% on rate of recovery are likely to have met a 50% change on the ODI. The moderate correlation between rate of recovery and ODI suggests that rate of recovery may capture a dimension of recovery in addition to the self‐reported function in patients with low back pain. Both outcomes measures can be used to capture a more comprehensive evaluation of recovery from low back pain. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optical interband transitions in Zn2TiO4 single crystals
Authors: Li Liang , Li Fangfei , Cui Tian , Zhou Qiang , Xu Dapeng 
Published: October 2012

AbstractA high‐quality Zn2TiO4 crystal was used as a prototype for determination of the optical interband transitions by measuring the absorption spectrum of the crystal along the a‐axes at room temperature in the range of 200–1000 nm. Based on the theory of band‐to‐band transitions, the indirect energy gap and the phonon energy were determined as Egi = 3.29 eV and Ep = 0.09 eV, respectively. Also, this phonon was just the vibrational mode at 721 cm−1 in the Raman spectra, which participated in the indirect transitions of the Zn2TiO4.
Preparation, material analysis, and morphology of Cr2 − xTixO3 + z for gas sensors
Authors: Peter Carolin , Kneer Janosch , Schmitt Katrin , Eberhardt André , Wöllenstein Jürgen 
Published: October 2012

AbstractTitanium substituted chromium oxide (Cr2 − xTixO3 + z, CTO) has gained increasing interest concerning gas sensing applications. CTO is prepared by synthesis of chromium oxide and titanium oxide. Different techniques for verification of successful synthesis of CTO have been investigated. Solid state Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy were performed in addition to the common analysis via X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The spectroscopic methods offer a fast, qualitative verification of a complete synthesis. CTO was synthesized in a high temperature sintering step, and powders and dispersions of CTO were prepared. A high energy grinding process leads to the required particle size reduction. The size distribution and crystallite size of the CTO particles were measured. Furthermore morphology and surface coverage analysis on novel type gas‐sensing CTO layers, deposited via inkjet technology, were performed and specific adsorption energies of nitrogen dioxide on printed CTO layers were derived. High porosity with sub‐micron particles was shown to be characteristic for the layers, resulting in a highly sensitive gas‐sensing behavior, with 500 ppb of nitrogen dioxide being clearly detectable.
Theory of variational calculation with a scaling correct moment functional to solve the electronic schrödinger equation directly for ground state one‐electron density and electronic energy
Authors: Kristyan Sandor 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThe reduction of the electronic Schrodinger equation or its calculating algorithm from 4N‐dimensions to a nonlinear, approximate density functional of a three spatial dimension one‐electron density for an N electron system which is tractable in practice, is a long‐desired goal in electronic structure calculation. In a seminal work, Parr et al. (Phys. Rev. A 1997, 55, 1792) suggested a well behaving density functional in power series with respect to density scaling within the orbital‐free framework for kinetic and repulsion energy of electrons. The updated literature on this subject is listed, reviewed, and summarized. Using this series with some modifications, a good density functional approximation is analyzed and solved via the Lagrange multiplier device. (We call the attention that the introduction of a Lagrangian multiplier to ensure normalization is a new element in this part of the related, general theory.) Its relation to Hartree–Fock (HF) and Kohn–Sham (KS) formalism is also analyzed for the goal to replace all the analytical Gaussian based two and four center integrals (∫gi(r1)gk(r2)rdr1dr2, etc.) to estimate electron‐electron interactions with cheaper numerical integration. The KS method needs the numerical integration anyway for correlation estimation. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Building confidence in causal maps generated from purposive text data: mapping transcripts of the Federal Reserve
Authors: Kim Hyunjung , Andersen David F. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThis paper explains a systematic way to code qualitative text data to generate causal maps for system dynamics modeling. The study was motivated by the important role qualitative data play in system dynamics and the need for formal methods to document the interpretive process of using text data in modeling. The coding method elucidated in the study was influenced by grounded theory, a flexible, yet rigorous way to build a theory from raw qualitative data. The inductive nature of grounded theory generation fits well with the conceptualization phase of simulation modeling. This paper uses verbatim transcripts from the Federal Open Market Committee meetings to illustrate the coding and mapping process, and it provides practical guidelines for systematic and reliable ways to ground simulation models in qualitative text data in order to build higher levels of confidence in models. Copyright © 2012 System Dynamics Society.
Functional Dissection of Pax3 in Paraxial Mesoderm Development and Myogenesis
Authors: Magli Alessandro , Schnettler Erin , Rinaldi Fabrizio , Bremer Paul , Perlingeiro Rita C. R. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThe paired box transcription factor Pax3 is well-known as a major regulator of embryonic myogenesis. Before Pax3 expression becomes restricted to the dermomyotome, this transcription factor is also expressed in the developing somites. The role of Pax3 at this early stage is unclear, in particular because of the scarce frequency of Pax3-positive cells in the early mouse embryo. Inducible gene expression in embryonic stem cells (ESCs) represents an excellent tool to overcome this limitation, since it can provide large quantities of otherwise rare embryonic populations expressing a factor of interest. Here we used engineered mouse ESCs to perform a functional analysis of Pax3 with the aim to identify the molecular determinants involved in the early functions of this transcription factor. We find that Pax3 induction during embryoid body differentiation results in the upregulation of genes expressed in the presomitic and somitic mesoderm. Moreover, we show that paraxial mesoderm induced by transient expression of Pax3 is not irreversibly committed to myogenesis rather requires sustained Pax3 expression. Using a series of deletion mutants of Pax3, which differentially affect its transcriptional activity, we map protein domains necessary for induction of paraxial mesoderm and induction of the myogenic program. The paired, homeo-, and transcriptional activation domains were each required for both processes, however, the paired-c-terminal RED domain showed a paraxial mesoderm-specific activity that was dispensable for myogenesis. These findings demonstrate and provide mechanistic insight into an early role for Pax3 in the generation of paraxial mesoderm.
Transient Receptor Potential Melastatin 4 Channel Controls Calcium Signals and Dental Follicle Stem Cell Differentiation
Authors: Nelson Piper , Ngoc Tran Tran Doan , Zhang Hanjie , Zolochevska Olga , Figueiredo Marxa , Feng Ji-Ming , Gutierrez Dina L. , Xiao Rui , Yao Shaomian , Penn Arthur , Yang Li-Jun , Cheng Henrique 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
Elevations in the intracellular Ca2+ concentration are a phenomena commonly observed during stem cell differentiation but cease after the process is complete. The transient receptor potential melastatin 4 (TRPM4) is an ion channel that controls Ca2+ signals in excitable and nonexcitable cells. However, its role in stem cells remains unknown. The aim of this study was to characterize TRPM4 in rat dental follicle stem cells (DFSCs) and to determine its impact on Ca2+ signaling and the differentiation process. We identified TRPM4 gene expression in DFSCs, but not TRPM5, a closely related channel with similar function. Perfusion of cells with increasing buffered Ca2+ resulted in a concentration-dependent activation of currents typical for TRPM4, which were also voltage-dependent and had Na+ conductivity. Molecular suppression with shRNA decreased channel activity and cell proliferation during osteogenesis but not adipogenesis. As a result, enhanced mineralization and phosphatase enzyme activity were observed during osteoblast formation, although DFSCs failed to differentiate into adipocytes. Furthermore, the normal agonist-induced first and secondary phases of Ca2+ signals were transformed into a gradual and sustained increase which confirmed the channels' ability to control Ca2+ signaling. Using whole genome microarray analysis, we identified several genes impacted by TRPM4 during DFSC differentiation. These findings suggest an inhibitory role for TRPM4 on osteogenesis while it appears to be required for adipogenesis. The data also provide a potential link between the Ca2+ signaling pattern and gene expression during stem cell differentiation.
Limited Gene Expression Variation in Human Embryonic Stem Cell and Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Endothelial Cells
Authors: White Mark P. , Rufaihah Abdul J. , Liu Lei , Ghebremariam Yohannes T. , Ivey Kathryn N. , Cooke John P. , Srivastava Deepak 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
Recent evidence suggests human embryonic stem cell (hESC) and induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell lines have differences in their epigenetic marks and transcriptomes, yet the impact of these differences on subsequent terminally differentiated cells is less well understood. Comparison of purified, homogeneous populations of somatic cells derived from multiple independent human iPS and ES lines will be required to address this critical question. Here, we report a differentiation protocol based on embryonic development that consistently yields large numbers of endothelial cells (ECs) derived from multiple hESCs or iPS cells. Mesoderm differentiation of embryoid bodies was maximized, and defined growth factors were used to generate KDR+ EC progenitors. Magnetic purification of a KDR+ progenitor subpopulation resulted in an expanding, homogeneous pool of ECs that expressed EC markers and had functional properties of ECs. Comparison of the transcriptomes revealed limited gene expression variability between multiple lines of human iPS-derived ECs or between lines of ES- and iPS-derived ECs. These results demonstrate a method to generate large numbers of pure human EC progenitors and differentiated ECs from pluripotent stem cells and suggest individual lineages derived from human iPS cells may have significantly less variance than their pluripotent founders.
Species visitation at free‐choice quail feeders in west texas
Authors: Henson Kelly D. , Rollins Dale , Lyons Eddie K. , Ransom Dean 
Published: October 2012

AbstractProviding supplemental feed is a common practice for the management of northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) and scaled quail (Callipepla squamata). The ecological efficacy and economic efficiency of a feeding program for quail can be evaluated using numerous metrics, including visitation rates by target and non‐target species. We quantified species visitation rates seasonally at free‐choice quail feeders with motion‐sensing cameras at 4 sites in West Texas, USA. Feeders were monitored from autumn 2002 to summer 2003 using both an active‐infrared sensing camera system (TrailMaster 1500®; Goodson & Associates, Inc., Lenexa, KS) and a passive infrared video system (TrophyView®; Wildlife Surveillance Systems, Inc., Kerens, TX). Our camera systems recorded 14 mammal and 18 avian species among 6,558 events observed from 490 days of feeder surveillance. Collectively, northern bobwhite and scaled quail accounted for only 7.3% and 11.3% of all recorded species visitations for the TrophyView and TrailMaster camera systems, respectively. Raccoons (Procyon lotor, 43.2%) and nongame birds (32.5%) comprised the majority of all recorded visitations. Although feeder visitation rates do not necessarily equate to feed consumption, we conclude that the vast majority of the feed in this study was consumed by non‐target species and most notably raccoons. High visitation rates by raccoons at feeders suggest supplemental feeding programs for quail could facilitate targeted removal of a common feed competitor (and potential predator of quail nests) and perhaps improve efficacy of feeding efforts. Managers should consider both direct and indirect effects of providing supplemental feeding efforts. © 2012 The Wildlife Society.
Deterring hooded crows from re‐nesting on power poles
Authors: McIvor Guillam E. , Rowe Candy , Healy Susan D. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractHooded crows (Corvus cornix) nest on power poles throughout the north of Scotland, and the interruptions to electricity supply caused by the nests cost the electricity provider in excess of (UK) £250,000 annually. In the Orkney Isles, where pole nesting is relatively common, most nests are actively removed before they can cause a fault. However, rebuilding often occurs. Although the electrical company routinely fits Firefly FF‐type diverters (P & R Tech Inc., Beaverton, OR, USA) after nest removals to deter the crows from rebuilding, there has been no field test of the effectiveness of the Fireflies as a deterrent. In our study, carried out in Orkney in the Spring/Summer of 2009 and 2010, Fireflies were fitted at half of the sites from which nests were removed and not fitted at the other half of the sites. We found that crows were equally likely to rebuild at sites fitted with Fireflies as they were to rebuild at sites without Fireflies. However, rebuilding was less likely to occur the later in the season that nests were removed, and nests in the middle phase of construction were the most likely to be rebuilt. Therefore, making an appropriate decision as to when to remove a crow nest seems to be a more effective method for deterring nest rebuilding than is the fitting of Firefly diverters. © 2012 The Wildlife Society.
Manipulating resource use by goats with predator fecal odors
Authors: Cox Tarnya E. , Murray Peter J. , Hall Graham P. , Li Xiuhua 
Published: October 2012

AbstractFeral goats (Capra hircus) are estimated to cause >AUD$25 million of losses to pastoralism per year. Feral goats contribute to soil erosion, shrub defoliation, pasture degradation, and compete with stock for browse. Feral goats also impact threatened plants such as curly barked wattle (Acacia curranii), and land degradation by goats is considered a Key Threatening Process under the Australian Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. However, many pastoralists supplement their incomes by harvesting feral goats for their meat, fiber, skins, and for live export; this is an industry worth >AUD$73 million/year. In consideration of the commercial industry associated with feral goats, we evaluated a non‐lethal form of management using predator odors at The University of Queensland's Darbalara Research Farm (Australia) in 2008. We evaluated fecal samples from lion (Panthera leo), tiger (P. tigris), and dingo (Canis lupus dingo) as area deterrents. Dingo fecal odor was not an effective deterrent for goats. Tiger fecal odor affected goat movement patterns, which resulted in a shift away from the test area (P = 0.01). The use of both lion and tiger fecal odors resulted in test animals moving their resting sites away from the test areas (lion, P = 0.03; tiger, P = 0.03). These results show that both lion and tiger fecal odors can be used to manipulate resource use by goats by affecting grazing patterns and shifting goat resting sites. © 2012 The Wildlife Society.
Extra U(1) as natural source of a monochromatic gamma ray line
Authors: Dudas Emilian , Mambrini Yann , Pokorski Stefan , Romagnoni Alberto 
Published: October 2012

Abstract

Extensions of the Standard Model with an extra U′(1) abelian group generically generate terms coming from loops of heavy fermions, leading to three gauge boson couplings, in particular Z′Zγ. We show that WMAP data constrains the gauge coupling of the group g
D to values comparable with the electro-weak ones, rather independently of the mass of Z′. Moreover, the model predicts a monochromatic γ-ray line which can fit a 130 GeV signal at the FERMI telescope for natural values of the Chern-Simons terms and a dark matter mass around 144.5 GeV.
Forest‐cutting rapidly improves the demographic status of Paeonia officinalis, a species threatened by forest closure
Authors: Andrieu Emilie , Fréville Hélène , Besnard Aurélien , Vaudey Valentine , Gauthier Perrine , Thompson John D. , Debussche Max 
Published: October 2012

AbstractIn the Mediterranean region, the spread and densification of woodlands and shrublands subsequent to rural depopulation is a critical issue for the conservation of open‐habitat plant species. Our objective was to assess the effectiveness of forest management to reduce the negative impact of forest closure on the persistence of a protected herbaceous perennial species Paeonia officinalis. Using demographic surveys from 2003 to 2008 in a woodland, open and managed habitat clear‐cutted for the aim of our study, we assessed the effect of forest opening on plant performance and population dynamics. In addition, we performed a shading experiment on reproductive plants to mimic canopy closure and study its impact on plant growth and fecundity. Based on quadrat surveys and matrix models, we showed that forest cutting induced a rapid increase in plant performance and population asymptotic growth rate. Indeed, within 2 years, plant size, flower, seed and ovule numbers as well as the plant stage distribution, asymptotic growth rates and elasticity patterns shifted from values similar to those in the woodland habitat to values similar to those in the open habitat. Similarly, artificially shaded reproductive plants regressed within 2 years towards the vegetative stage. For perennial plants which have a stage in their life‐cycle which allows for individual survival under unfavourable conditions such as the vegetative stage for P. officinalis, such demographic plasticity may be fundamental for their long‐term persistence in temporally heterogeneous environments. Our study highlights the need to mix an experimental approach with a mid‐term demographic survey in order to design efficient conservation management strategies for declining populations of rare species.