bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An Exploration of Social Desirability Bias in Measurement of Attitudes toward Breastfeeding in Public
Authors: Lippitt Margaret , Reese Masterson Amelia , Sierra Ana , Davis Amy B. , White Marney A. 
Published: April 2014

Background: Measurement of attitudes toward breastfeeding has been based on self-report, which may be subject to social desirability. Increasing the perceived anonymity of questionnaires may reduce social desirability bias, producing more accurate results. Objective: We compare a standard questionnaire (SQ) with the unmatched count technique (UCT) to understand the effect of increased perceived anonymity on self-reported attitudes toward breastfeeding in public. Methods: Measures of attitudes toward breastfeeding in public were adapted from existing questionnaires, subjected to expert review, and pilot tested. A web-based survey was then constructed to compare the UCT and the SQ technique. Participants were recruited online and randomly assigned to either the SQ or the UCT condition. Results: In the overall sample (N = 1477), the UCT condition had significantly higher endorsement for the statement, “Breastfeeding in some public settings should be against the law” [χ2(1, n = 1455) = 9.58, P = .002]. Women more frequently endorsed that item in the UCT condition (15.6%) than in the SQ condition (7.1%) [χ2(1, n = 1025) = 18.27, P < .001]. In contrast, among men, rates of endorsement did not vary between experimental and control groups for that question. Conclusion: Perceived anonymity may have influenced responses to some questions about attitudes toward breastfeeding in public. The effects of perceived anonymity may operate differently within demographic sectors. The direction of the effects was not always consistent with hypotheses, and future research is needed to fully explore the various dimensions of attitudes toward breastfeeding. The UCT method shows promise for improving the accuracy of reporting attitudes toward breastfeeding.
The Relationship between Piracy and Kidnapping for Ransom
Authors: Schoeman Marelize , Häefele Benjamin 
Published: April 2014

The world’s attention on maritime piracy is largely focussed on the root causes, modus operandi, extent and prevention. However, the complexity of the relationship between piracy and kidnapping for ransom are largely overlooked. In this article it is argued that modern day pirates are sophisticated, well-resourced transnational criminal syndicates that have tapped into the huge economical potential of organised crime at sea. Due to the involvement of insurance companies the negotiation process for the release of vessels and crew has become little more than a business transaction between the owners of the hijacked vessel and the pirates. In the case of uninsured smaller vessels, such as yachts and fishing vessels, non-existing infrastructures to assist with the negotiation process and governmental policy not to negotiate with pirates has resulted in hostages of piracy being alienated and isolated. The ignorance of governments and the economic driven approach of stakeholders in the maritime sector in general to the plight of hostages were one of the key issues acknowledged at the 2011 International Conference on Piracy at Sea in Malmö, Sweden. A South African case study is used to illustrate the challenges faced by families during negotiation for the release of hostages from smaller vessels.
Sweden’s abolitionist discourse and law: Effects on the dynamics of Swedish sex work and on the lives of Sweden’s sex workers
Authors: Levy Jay , Jakobsson Pye 
Published: April 2014

The Swedish criminalization of the purchase of sex aims to abolish prostitution through targeting the demand, while decriminalizing those selling sex in an ostensible effort to protect sex workers – constructed as passive victims of gendered violence – from criminalization. Drawing from authors’ research and that of others, this article discusses the sex purchase law ( sexköpslagen), exploring some of its impacts on the lives of sex workers and the dynamics of Swedish prostitution. We argue that the law has failed in its abolitionist ambition to decrease levels of prostitution, since there are no reliable data demonstrating any overall decline in people selling sex. Furthermore, we argue that the law has resulted in increased dangers in some forms of sex work. Dangers are exacerbated by a lack of harm reduction services, which are seen to conflict with Swedish abolitionism. Moreover, discourses and social constructions informing the sexköpslagen have informed the attitudes of service providers. In addition to specific outcomes of the law, we note evictions of sex workers, problems with immigration authorities, child custody and the police, and briefly discuss these themes. Where Sweden continues to attempt to export the sexköpslagen to other parts of the world, these elements should be carefully considered.
Outcome after intensity modulated radiotherapy for anaplastic thyroid carcinoma
Authors: He Xiayun , Li Duanshu , Hu Chaosu , Wang Zhuoying , Ying Hongmei , Wu Yi 
Published: April 2014

Abstract

Background
Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is a malignancy with one of the highest fatality rates. We reviewed our recent clinical experience with intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) combined with surgery and chemotherapy for the management of ATC.

Methods
13 patients with ATC who were treated by IMRT in our institution between October 2008 and February 2011, have been analyzed. The target volume for IMRT was planned to include Gross tumor volume (GTV): primary tumor plus any N + disease (66 Gy/33 F/6.6 W), with elective irradiation of thyroid bed, bilateral level II through VI and mediastinal lymph nodes to the level of the carina (54-60 Gy). Seven patients received surgical intervention and eleven patients had chemotherapy.

Results
The median radiotherapy dose to GTV was 60 Gy/30 fractions/6 weeks. The median survival time of the 13 patients was 9 months. The direct causes of death were distant metastases (75%) and progression of the locoregional disease (25%). Ten patients were spared dyspnea and tracheostomy because their primary neck lesion did not progress.

Conclusion
The results showed that IMRT combined by surgery and chemotherapy for ATC might be beneficial to improve locoregional control. Further new therapies are needed to control metastases.
Economic costs of obesity in Thailand: a retrospective cost-of-illness study
Authors: Pitayatienanan Paiboon , Butchon Rukmanee , Yothasamut Jomkwan , Aekplakorn Wichai , Teerawattananon Yot , Suksomboon Naeti , Thavorncharoensap Montarat 
Published: April 2014

Abstract

Background
Over the last decade, the prevalence of obesity (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2) in Thailand has been rising rapidly and consistently. Estimating the cost of obesity to society is an essential step in setting priorities for research and resource use and helping improve public awareness of the negative economic impacts of obesity. This prevalence-based, cost-of-illness study aims to estimate the economic costs of obesity in Thailand.

Methods
The estimated costs in this study included health care cost, cost of productivity loss due to premature mortality, and cost of productivity loss due to hospital-related absenteeism. The Obesity-Attributable Fraction (OAF) was used to estimate the extent to which the co-morbidities were attributable to obesity. The health care cost of obesity was further estimated by multiplying the number of patients in each disease category attributable to obesity by the unit cost of treatment. The cost of productivity loss was calculated using the human capital approach.

Results
The health care cost attributable to obesity was estimated at 5,584 million baht or 1.5% of national health expenditure. The cost of productivity loss attributable to obesity was estimated at 6,558 million baht - accounting for 54% of the total cost of obesity. The cost of hospital-related absenteeism was estimated at 694 million baht, while the cost of premature mortality was estimated at 5,864 million baht. The total cost of obesity was then estimated at 12,142 million baht (725.3 million US$PPP, 16.74 baht =1 US$PPP accounting for 0.13% of Thailand’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Conclusions
Obesity imposes a substantial economic burden on Thai society especially in term of health care costs. Large-scale comprehensive interventions focused on improving public awareness of the cost of and problems associated with obesity and promoting a healthy lifestyle should be regarded as a public health priority.
A robotic object hitting task to quantify sensorimotor impairments in participants with stroke
Authors: Tyryshkin Kathrin , Coderre Angela M , Glasgow Janice I , Herter Troy M , Bagg Stephen D , Dukelow Sean P , Scott Stephen H 
Published: April 2014

AbstractBackgroundExisting clinical scores of upper limb function often use observer-based ordinal scales that are subjective and commonly have floor and ceiling effects. The purpose of the present study was to develop an upper limb motor task to assess objectively the ability of participants to select and engage motor actions with both hands.MethodsA bilateral robotic system was used to quantify upper limb sensorimotor function of participants with stroke. Participants performed an object hit task that required them to hit virtual balls moving towards them in the workspace with virtual paddles attached to each hand. Task difficulty was initially low, but increased with time by increasing the speed and number of balls in the workspace. Data were collected from 262 control participants and 154 participants with recent stroke.ResultsControl participants hit ~60 to 90% of the 300 balls with relatively symmetric performance for the two arms. Participants with recent stroke performed the task with most participants hitting fewer balls than 95% of healthy controls (67% of right-affected and 87% of left-affected strokes). Additionally, nearly all participants (97%) identified with visuospatial neglect hit fewer balls than healthy controls. More detailed analyses demonstrated that most participants with stroke displayed asymmetric performance between their affected and non-affected limbs with regards to number of balls hit, workspace area covered by the limb and hand speed. Inter-rater reliability of task parameters was high with half of the correlations above 0.90. Significant correlations were observed between many of the task parameters and the Functional Independence Measure and/or the Behavioural Inattention Test.ConclusionsAs this object hit task requires just over two minutes to complete, it provides an objective and easy approach to quantify upper limb motor function and visuospatial skills following stroke.
Effect of eccentric isokinetic strengthening in the rehabilitation of patients with knee osteoarthritis: Isogo, a randomized trial
Authors: Jegu Anne-Gaëlle , Pereira Bruno , Andant Nicolas , Coudeyre Emmanuel 
Published: April 2014

AbstractBackgroundFemorotibial knee osteoarthritis is associated with muscle weakness in the lower limbs, particularly in the quadriceps, which results in disease progression. The interest of having muscular strengthening as part of the therapeutic arsenal for the medical treatment of knee osteoarthritis is now well established.The functional disability induced by knee osteoarthritis manifests itself principally when walking, notably downhill, during which the muscles are called upon to contract eccentrically.We can therefore think that eccentric muscular strengthening could bring a functional benefit that is superior to concentric muscular strengthening.Methods/DesignThis is a prospective, randomized, bicenter, parallel-group, international study. Eighty patients aged from 40 to 75 years old, suffering from medical-stage knee osteoarthritis, will undertake 6 weeks of isokinetic muscular strengthening. Randomization determines the mode of muscular strengthening: either exclusively eccentric or exclusively concentric.The principal objective is to demonstrate the superiority of the improvement in the quadriceps isokinetic torque after isokinetic muscular strengthening by the eccentric mode compared to the concentric mode.The following parameters are also evaluated: the variations in the level of pain, the parameters of walking (maximum speed over 10 and 200 meters, analysis on a computerized Gaitrite™ treadmill), static equilibrium (on a FUSYO™ force platform), and the functional status of the patient using the Western Ontario and MacMaster Universities osteoarthritis index (WOMAC) questionnaire after the strengthening period and at 6 months.DiscussionA better knowledge of the most effective mode of muscular strengthening is needed to optimize the functional benefits to the patients. In case of superiority in terms of efficacy of the eccentric mode, the latter could be given priority in the rehabilitation treatment of knee osteoarthritis patients.Trial registrationClinical trials.gov number:NCT01586130.
Influence of endogamy and mitochondrial DNA on immunological parameters in cattle
Authors: Macedo Auricélio A , Bittar Joely F F , Bassi Paula B , Ronda Juliano B , Bittar Eustáquio R , Panetto João C C , Araujo Márcio S S , Santos Renato L , Martins-Filho Olindo A 
Published: April 2014

AbstractBackgroundEndogamy increases the risk of manifestation of deleterious recessive genes. Mitochondrial DNA allows the separation of American Zebu (Bos indicusandBos taurus) and evaluate the effect of mitochondrial DNA on productive traits of cattle. However, the effect of endogamy and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) on the immune system remains unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between endogamy, mtDNA and immune parameters.ResultsA total of 86 cattle (43 cows and 43 calves) were used in this study. Age, endogamy, milk yield, and origin of mtDNA were measured and their influence on immunological parameters was evaluated. Older cows had increased CD4+T cells, decreased CD21+and γδhighT cells as well as increased CD4+/CD8+and T/B ratio. Multiple regression analysis indicated that endogamy in calves was associated with increased CD8+T and CD21+B lymphocytes, and decreased γδhighT cells in peripheral blood. Cows with medium and lower endogamy had a lower percentage of B lymphocytes and γδlowT cells and cows with lower endogamy had higher levels of γδ T cells and γδhighT cells, as well as the CD4+/CD48+cell ratio. Calves with higher endogamy had higher levels of CD8+T lymphocytes, whereas calves with lower endogamy had lower levels of γδlowT cells.ConclusionsThese results demonstrated for the first time that endogamy influences the immune system of cattle.
Phytodegradation potential of bisphenolA from aqueous solution by Azolla Filiculoides
Authors: Zazouli Mohammad Ali , Mahdavi Yousef , Bazrafshan Edris , Balarak Davoud 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Many organic hazardous pollutants such as bisphenolA (BPA) which are toxic and not easily biodegradable can concerns for environmental pollution worldwide. The objective of this study was to examine whether Azolla Filiculoides is able to remove BPA from aqueous solutions. In this study, the Azolla with different biomass (0.3, 0.6, 0.9, 1.2 g) has been cultured in solution that was contained 5, 10, 25 and 50 ppm BPA. Samples were collected every 2 days from all of containers. The analytical determination of BPA was performed by using of DR4000 uv-visible at λmax = 276 nm. The results indicated that Azolla has high ability to remove BPA from aqueous solutions. The BPA removal was 60-90%. The removal efficiency is increasing with decreasing of BPA concentration and increasing of biomass amount and vice versa. The removal efficiency was more than 90% when BPA concentration was 5 ppm and amount of biomass was 0.9gr. It is concluded that Azolla able remove BPA by Phytodegradation from the aqueous solutions. Since conventional methods of BPA removal need to high cost and energy, phytoremediation by Azolla as a natural treatment system can decrease those issues and it can be a useful and beneficial method to removal of BPA.
Open lung approach with low tidal volume mechanical ventilation attenuates lung injury in rats with massive brain damage
Authors: Krebs Joerg , Tsagogiorgas Charalambos , Pelosi Paolo , Rocco Patricia RM , Hottenrott Maximilia , Sticht Carsten , Yard Benito , Luecke Thomas 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Introduction
The ideal ventilation strategy for patients with massive brain damage requires better elucidation. We hypothesized that in the presence of massive brain injury, a ventilation strategy using low (6 milliliters per kilogram ideal body weight) tidal volume (VT) ventilation with open lung positive end-expiratory pressure (LVT/OLPEEP) set according to the minimal static elastance of the respiratory system, attenuates the impact of massive brain damage on gas-exchange, respiratory mechanics, lung histology and whole genome alterations compared with high (12 milliliters per kilogram ideal body weight) VT and low positive end-expiratory pressure ventilation (HVT/LPEEP).

Methods
In total, 28 adult male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to one of four groups: 1) no brain damage (NBD) with LVT/OLPEEP; 2) NBD with HVT/LPEEP; 3) brain damage (BD) with LVT/OLPEEP; and 4) BD with HVT/LPEEP. All animals were mechanically ventilated for six hours. Brain damage was induced by an inflated balloon catheter into the epidural space. Hemodynamics was recorded and blood gas analysis was performed hourly. At the end of the experiment, respiratory system mechanics and lung histology were analyzed. Genome wide gene expression profiling and subsequent confirmatory quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) for selected genes were performed.

Results
In NBD, both LVT/OLPEEP and HVT/LPEEP did not affect arterial blood gases, as well as whole genome expression changes and real-time qPCR. In BD, LVT/OLPEEP, compared to HVT/LPEEP, improved oxygenation, reduced lung damage according to histology, genome analysis and real-time qPCR with decreased interleukin 6 (IL-6), cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant 1 (CINC)-1 and angiopoietin-4 expressions. LVT/OLPEEP compared to HVT/LPEEP improved overall survival.

Conclusions
In BD, LVT/OLPEEP minimizes lung morpho-functional changes and inflammation compared to HVT/LPEEP.
Spiral Structure of 7 Å Halloysite: Mathematical Models
Authors: Mitra Girija Bhushan 
Published: April 2014

AbstractHalloysite is used for targeted delivery of drugs and other biomolecules. Renewed interest in examination by X-ray diffraction (XRD) to predict the size of particles that can be loaded onto the nanotubes has resulted. Anhydrous halloysite consists of spiraled tubules the length and diameter of which can be determined by measurement using an electron microscope. In spite of ample evidence regarding the spiral structure of halloysite, current programs to evaluate the structure of halloysite nanotubes consider it to be a hollow tube or a cylinder which prevents accurate prediction of its structure and leads to misinformation about the sizes of materials that can be loaded onto the nanotubes. The overall objective of the current study was to derive equations to estimate the structure of halloysite nanotubes which take into consideration its spiral structure. The study of Fourier transform either by electron diffraction or XRD led to the measurement of the spiral thickness and the nature of the spiral. Calculations of the nanotube dimensions may determine the ability of these carriers to allow the mechanical delivery of certain drugs. Here the structure of hydrated halloysite (hollow cylindrical tubes with a doughnut-like cross-section) and anhydrous halloysite (spiraled or helical structure) are described as previously reported in the literature. The Fourier transform of the spiraled structure was selected based on three different kinds of spirals: the Archimedean spiral, the Power spiral, and the Logarithmic spiral. Programs used to define the crystal structure of materials and to calculate the Fourier transform need to take the spiral structure into consideration.
Removal of Heavy Metals from Aqueous Solution Using Natural and Fe(III) Oxyhydroxide Clinoptilolite
Authors: Milićević Sonja , Milošević Vladan , Povrenović Dragan , Stojanović Jovica , Martinović Sanja , Babić Blljana 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThe increasing levels of industrial wastewater released to the environment present a serious threat to human health, living resources, and ecological systems. Fe-modified zeolites were developed and tested for removal of Cu2+ and Zn2+ from contaminated water. The surfaces of the naturally occurring zeolite, clinoptilolite, were modified with Fe(III) oxyhydroxides using three different methods, denoted I, II, and III (FeCli1, FeCli2, and FeNaCli1, respectively). The oxyhydroxides were prepared in Method I using 0.1 M FeCl3·6H2O in an acetate buffer (pH = 3.6); in Method II, using 10ai] FeCl3·6H2O solution in 0.1 M KOH (pH = 10); and Method III was the same as Method I except the clinoptilolite was pretreated with NaCl. Newly synthesized materials from these three methods were then tested for their ability to enhance the sorption capacity for Cu and Zn compared to the natural sample (Cli). Powder X-ray diffraction measurements and the chemical composition of these modified samples confirmed that clinoptilolite maintained its structure while amorphous Fe3+ species were synthesized. The specific surface area (BET method) of both the natural and modified clinoptilolite increased by 2 and 7.5 times for Methods I and II, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy revealed that CaO was formed during Method I (FeClii). Throughout the adsorption process, the hydrolysis of CaO and the release of OH− caused the precipitation of Cu and Zn hydroxide, which made the determination of the sorption capacity of FeClii impossible. This phenomenon was avoided in Method III (FeNaClii) because of the absence of exchangeable Ca2+. The adsorption experiments with Method II resulted in double-enchanced adsoprtion capacity. Laboratory batch experiments revealed that the sorption capacities increased in the following order: Cli < FeCli2 < FeNaCli1, for Cu: 0.121 mmol/g < 0.251 mmol/g < 0.403 mmol/g and for Zn: 0.128 mmol/g < 0.234 mmol/g < 0.381 mmol/g.