bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Maternal mobile phone exposure alters intrinsic electrophysiological properties of CA1 pyramidal neurons in rat offspring
Authors: Razavinasab Moazamehosadat , Moazzami Kasra , Shabani Mohammad 
Published: March 2014

Some studies have shown that exposure to electromagnetic field (EMF) may result in structural damage to neurons. In this study, we have elucidated the alteration in the hippocampal function of offspring Wistar rats ( n = 8 rats in each group) that were chronically exposed to mobile phones during their gestational period by applying behavioral, histological, and electrophysiological tests. Rats in the EMF group were exposed to 900 MHz pulsed-EMF irradiation for 6 h/day. Whole cell recordings in hippocampal pyramidal cells in the mobile phone groups did show a decrease in neuronal excitability. Mobile phone exposure was mostly associated with a decrease in the number of action potentials fired in spontaneous activity and in response to current injection in both male and female groups. There was an increase in the amplitude of the afterhyperpolarization (AHP) in mobile phone rats compared with the control. The results of the passive avoidance and Morris water maze assessment of learning and memory performance showed that phone exposure significantly altered learning acquisition and memory retention in male and female rats compared with the control rats. Light microscopy study of brain sections of the control and mobile phone-exposed rats showed normal morphology. Our results suggest that exposure to mobile phones adversely affects the cognitive performance of both female and male offspring rats using behavioral and electrophysiological techniques.
Social Support, a Mediator in Collaborative Depression Care for Cancer Patients
Authors: Oh Hyunsung , Ell Kathleen 
Published: March 2014

Objective: This study assessed whether perceived social support (PSS) is a factor in improving physical and functional well-being observed among cancer patients receiving collaborative depression care. Methods: A secondary analysis was conducted of data collected in a randomized clinical trial testing the effectiveness of collaborative depression care. PSS was measured at 12 months; physical and functional well-being were assessed at 18 and 24 months post-baseline. Mediation analyses via a bootstrapping method were conducted. Results: Significant mediation of PSS at 12 months predicted better physical and functional well-being at 18 months and 24 months. Conclusion: Depressed cancer survivors are likely to benefit when social workers provide psychosocial depression care aimed at activating social support, thereby improving physical and functional well-being.
Computed tomography to assess risk of death in acute pulmonary embolism: a meta-analysis
Authors: Becattini Cecilia , Agnelli Giancarlo , Germini Federico , Vedovati Maria Cristina 
Published: March 2014

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether right ventricle dilation at computed tomography (CT) angiography can be used to assess the risk of death in patients with acute pulmonary embolism.Medline and EMBASE were searched up to April 30, 2013. Studies reporting on the association between right ventricle dilation (right-to-left ventricle diameter) or dysfunction (inter-ventricular septal bowing) at CT angiography and death at 30 days, as well as at 3 months in patients with acute pulmonary embolism, were included in a systematic review and meta-analysis.CT-detected right ventricle dilation was associated with an increased 30 day-mortality in all-comers with pulmonary embolism (OR 2.08 (95% CI 1.63–2.66); p<0.00001) and in haemodynamically stable patients (OR 1.64 (95% CI 1.06–2.52); p=0.03), as well as with death due to pulmonary embolism (OR 7.35 (95% CI 3.59–15.09); p<0.00001). An association between right ventricle dilation and 3-month mortality was also observed (OR 4.65 (95% CI 1.79–12.07); p=0.002).Right-to-left ventricle dilation as assessed by CT angiography can be used to evaluate risk of death in all-comers with pulmonary embolism and in haemodynamically stable patients.
On the use of electromagnetic waves as means of power supply in wireless sensor networks
Authors: Cortés-Sánchez Jorge , Velázquez-Ramírez Andrés , Lucas-Bravo Andrés , Rivero-Angeles Mario E , Salinas-Reyes Victor A 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) can be typically used to achieve continuous monitoring (CM) or event detection inside the supervised area. In CM applications, each sensor node transmits periodically its sensed data to the sink node, while in event-detection driven (EDD) applications, once an event occurs, it is reported to the sink node. Hence, CM applications entail much higher energy consumption since all nodes are actively transmitting information much longer than typical EDD applications. Furthermore, in highly dense WSNs, the energy consumption is even higher. As such, the use of autonomous devices that provide a constant energy supply is becoming relevant for these environments. In this work, we propose to take advantage of the electromagnetic waves found in the radio-electric spectrum in order to supply the energy to each node in the network. To this end, the antenna and the storage and amplifications system for such device are designed. Additionally, the performance of dense CM WSN is studied using a Markov chain in order to calculate the lifetime of the system.
Simultaneous infections by different Salmonellastrains in mesenteric lymph nodes of finishing pigs
Authors: Garrido Victoria , Sánchez Samanta , San Román Beatriz , Zabalza-Baranguá Ana , Díaz-Tendero Yasmin , de Frutos Cristina , Mainar-Jaime Raúl-Carlos , Grilló María-Jesús 
Published: March 2014

Abstract

Background
Salmonellosis is a major worldwide zoonosis, and Salmonella-infected finishing pigs are considered one of the major sources of human infections in developed countries. Baseline studies on salmonellosis prevalence in fattening pigs in Europe are based on direct pathogen isolation from mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN). This procedure is considered the most reliable for diagnosing salmonellosis in apparently healthy pigs. The presence of simultaneous infections by different Salmonella strains in the same animal has never been reported and could have important epidemiological implications.

Results
Fourteen finishing pigs belonging to 14 farms that showed high salmonellosis prevalence and a variety of circulating Salmonella strains, were found infected by Salmonella spp, and 7 of them were simultaneously infected with strains of 2 or 3 different serotypes. Typhimurium isolates showing resistance to several antimicrobials and carrying mobile integrons were the most frequently identified in the colonized MLN. Four animals were found infected by Salmonella spp. of a single serotype (Rissen or Derby) but showing 2 or 3 different antimicrobial resistance profiles, without evidence of mobile genetic element exchange in vivo.

Conclusion
This is the first report clearly demonstrating that pigs naturally infected by Salmonella may harbour different Salmonella strains simultaneously. This may have implications in the interpretation of results from baseline studies, and also help to better understand human salmonellosis outbreaks and the horizontal transmission of antimicrobial resistance genes.
Induced and pre-existing anti-polyethylene glycol antibody in a trial of every 3-week dosing of pegloticase for refractory gout, including in organ transplant recipients
Authors: Hershfield Michael S , Ganson Nancy J , Kelly Susan J , Scarlett Edna L , Jaggers Denise A , Sundy John S 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
Introduction
Pegloticase, a PEGylated recombinant porcine uricase, is approved for treating refractory gout at a dose of 8 mg intravenous (IV) every 2 weeks. However, during phase 1 testing, pharmacokinetics supported less frequent dosing. Also, single doses of pegloticase unexpectedly induced antibodies (Ab) that bound to polyethylene glycol (PEG). We have conducted a phase 2 trial to evaluate every 3-week dosing, and to further define the Ab response to pegloticase. Organ transplant recipients were included, as they are prone to severe gout that is difficult to manage, and because treatment to prevent graft rejection might influence the immune response to pegloticase.

Methods
Plasma uricase activity (pUox), urate concentration (pUA), and clinical response were monitored during up to 5 infusions in 30 patients, including 7 organ transplant recipients. Depending on whether pUA <6 mg/dL was achieved and maintained, patients were classified as non (NR), persistent (PR), or transient (TR) responders. Ab to pegloticase and 10 kDa mPEG were monitored by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay and specificity was further defined.

Results
We observed 17 PR, 12 TR, and 1 NR; 21 patients (16 PR, 5 TR) received all 5 infusions. Over the 15-week trial, pUA in PR averaged 1.0 ± 0.4 mg/dL; T
½
for pUox was approximately 13 days, and area under the curve after dose 5 was approximately 30% higher than after dose 1. PR showed clinical benefit and in some, tophi resolved. In 11 of 12 TR, pUox fell rapidly and hyperuricemia recurred before dose 2. In all TR and NR, loss of response to pegloticase was accompanied by Ab to PEG, which was pre-existing in half of those who had no prior exposure to pegloticase. No PR, and 1 one out of 7 organ transplant recipients, had a sustained Ab response to pegloticase.

Conclusions
Every 3-week dosing is effective and may enhance the utility of pegloticase for treating refractory gout. Ab to PEG, which were pre-existing or induced by treatment, caused rapid loss of efficacy and increased the risk of infusion reactions. Organ transplant recipients can benefit from pegloticase, and may be less prone than non-recipients to developing anti-PEG Ab. Investigation of immunosuppressive strategies to minimize anti-PEG Ab is warranted.

Trial registration
ClincalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00111657
Why FCTC Policies Have Not Been Implemented in China: Domestic Dynamics and Tobacco Governance
Authors: Jin Jiyong 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
The international community, under the auspices of the World Health Organization, developed the landmark Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) to curb the global tobacco epidemic. As an internationally binding convention about global best practices on tobacco control, the FCTC has become an overriding source of policy transfer for developing countries in the fight against smoking. However, since its ratification of the first global norm over tobacco governance and against the grim background of the widespread tobacco-induced public health devastation within its borders, China has failed to genuinely pursue FCTC policies because of domestic political and social factors. The empirical findings of this article point to the dominance of political-social dynamics for China's nontransfer of FCTC policies, arguing that the government's GDPism, its sovereignty-first mentality, and hostility to NGOs as well as widespread social acceptability of tobacco consumption and high smoking prevalence are fundamental causes of China's nontransfer of FCTC policies. The article explicates how these variables correspond to FCTC policies in an analytic framework of policy transfer.
Anforderungen an die Softwareevolution in der Automatisierung des Maschinen- und Anlagenbaus
Authors: Vogel-Heuser Birgit , Folmer Jens , Legat Christoph 
Published: March 2014

Zusammenfassung
Die Evolution von Software in der Automatisierungstechnik im
Bereich des Maschinen- und Anlagenbaus ist stark mit der Evolution
der Mechanik und Elektrotechnik verbunden. Die Herausforderungen
an das Software Engineering zur Unterstützung dieser oft 15 bis 20
Jahre dauernden Entwicklung werden erläutert. Zur Detaillierung
wurden im Rahmen des DFG SPP 1593 ,,Design for Future – Managed
Software Evolution“ Demonstrators Szenarien entwickelt, an denen
neun SPP-Projekte ihre Ansätze erproben und evaluieren werden.
The use of phrasal verbs by French-speaking EFL learners. A constructional and collostructional corpus-based approach
Authors: Gilquin Gaëtanelle 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThis paper investigates the use of phrasal verbs by French-speaking foreign learners of English, using spoken and written learner corpus data and comparing them against similar data representing native English. It adopts a constructional approach, which distinguishes between three levels of analysis: the higher level of the phrasal verb ‘superconstruction’, the intermediate level of the structural patterns [V Prt], [V Prt OBJ] and [V OBJ Prt], and the lower level of lexically specified phrasal verbs. The approach is also collostructional in that it seeks to bring to light lexical associations at the constructional level. The results show that the difficulties that learners are known to have with phrasal verbs are mainly situated at the level of the superconstruction; at the lower levels of analysis (especially the intermediate one), on the other hand, learners seem to have largely internalised the main features of the constructions. More generally, the paper highlights the benefits of combining Construction Grammar and learner corpus research to gain insights into the L2 construction.
Milk-Coagulating Extract Produced from Solanum aethiopicum Shum Fruits: Multivariate Techniques of Preparation, Thermal Stability and Effect on Milk Solids Recovery in Curd
Authors: Guiama Valentin Désiré , Beka Robert Germain , Ngah Esther , Libouga David Gabriel , Vercaigne-Marko Dominique , Mbofung Carl Moses 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
This study investigated a novel procedure of Solanum aethiopicum Shum fruits extract (SASFE) preparation using multivariate experimental designs as factorial and Box–Behnken. The thermal stability of optimized extract as well as its influence on the milk solids in curd was determined. The results showed that extraction time, fruit maturity and pH did not affect significantly SASFE preparation, while the amount of fruits, extraction temperature and NaCl concentration of extractant had a significant effect (p < 0.05). The greatest coagulant index was obtained under the following conditions: 12.5% of fruits, 25°C of extraction temperature and 4% NaCl concentration of extractant. It was thermosensitive and exhibited optimum temperature at 50°C. There was no statistical difference between SASFE and calf rennet in terms of solids yield in curd, estimated yield and actual yield. On the basis of these results, SASFE can be used as a vegetable alternative to calf rennet.
Prediction of preeclampsia by placental protein 13 and background risk factors and its prevention by aspirin
Authors: Meiri Hamutal , Sammar Marei , Herzog Ayelet , Grimpel Yael-Inna , Fihaman Galina , Cohen Aliza , Kivity Vered , Sharabi-Nov Adi , Gonen Ron 
Published: March 2014

Abstract

Aim: Evaluation of placental protein 13 (PP13) and risk factors (RFs) as markers for predicting preeclampsia (PE) and use of aspirin for PE prevention.

Materials and methods: First-trimester pregnancy screening was based on having PP13 level ≤0.4 multiple of the median (MoM) and/or at least one major risk factor (RF) for PE. Management was by routine care or combined with daily treatment with 75 mg aspirin between 14 and 35 weeks of gestation.

Results: Of 820 deliveries, 63 women developed PE (7.7%). Median PP13 levels was 0.2MoM in the PE group compared with 0.83MoM among unaffected and 1.0MoM in unaffected not treated with aspirin (P<0.0001). Low PP13 was a better predictor for PE versus major RFs, particularly for young nuliparous. Combining low PP13 with RFs increased prediction accuracy. Mean arterial pressure (not included in the initial prediction), could add to prediction accuracy when combined with low PP13 and RFs. PE prevention by aspirin was most effective when the risk was determined by low PP13 alone, less effective for combining low PP13 with RFs, and ineffective when determined by RFs alone.

Conclusion: When PE risk is determined by low first trimester PP13 or by combined low PP13 and RFs, prevention with aspirin is warranted.
Surface Characterization of Electron Irradiated Polymer Brushes
Authors: Burkert Sina , Simon Frank , Pleul Dieter , Gohs Uwe , Stamm Manfred , Uhlmann Petra 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
Polymer brushes are representing a versatile tool to adjust and control
surface phenomena like wetting, adsorption and adhesion. Moreover, certain
complementary surface modification methods can support improving their
intended applications. A promising strategy is the combination of the
grafting-to method under initiator and solvent free conditions with an
additional electron-beam irradiation step which can lead to polymer brushes
with high-selective properties.
The experiments were focused on the investigation of the surface reactions
taking place during the dose-dependent irradiation of the thin polymer brush
layers with the aim to modify their properties. A comprehensive and detailed
study of the initiated functionalization reactions associated with their
influence on the alteration of surface properties of different homo and
binary polymer brush layers was performed using sensitive surface
characterization techniques such as XPS, contact angle measurements, and
ellipsometry.
Effects of Radiation on Nuclear Materials: 26th Volume
Authors: Kirk Mark , Lucon Enrico 
Published: March 2014

Description
Featuring 10 symposium papers presented in Indianapolis, IN in June 2013. These papers have a rich history having evolved from five decades of tradition, from a symposium that has provided an international forum for the presentation of current research results, applications studies, and open discussion.
Papers on radiation effects in reactor pressure vessel steels dominated The Effects of Radiation on Nuclear Materials symposium. More than half of the contributions to these papers are from international, expert authors.
While a long-standing topic of research and practical interest to the nuclear engineering community, this topic retains its currency due the irreplaceability of the vessel and the critical role vessel safety calculations play in establishing the licensable life of the plant.
Five-year clinical and radiological results of combined anteroposterior stabilization of thoracolumbar fractures
Authors: Schnake Klaus John , Stavridis Stavros I. , Kandziora Frank 
Published: March 2014

Object
Despite promising early clinical results, the long-term outcome of the use of expandable titanium cages to reconstruct the anterior column after traumatic burst fractures is still unknown. The purpose of this prospective study was to assess the clinical and radiological outcomes of the use of expandable titanium cages 5 years postoperatively.

Methods
Eighty patients with traumatic thoracolumbar burst fractures (T4–L5) underwent posterior stabilization followed by anterior corpectomy and reconstruction using expandable titanium cages with or without additional anterior plating. After 5 years, fusion was evaluated by means of plain radiographs and CT scans, and the patients' scores on the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), their neurological status, and clinical results were assessed.

Results
Forty-five (56%) of the 80 patients could be examined after 5 years. There was a relatively high rate of complications related to thoracotomy (26%), but there were no complications directly related to the cages. Revision surgery was required in 1 case. The average postoperative loss of correction was only 2.4° due to minimal subsidence of the cages. No cage showed a radiolucent line or instability in flexion-extension views. Bony fusion, as assessed by CT scan, was achieved in 41 patients (91%). On clinical examination, 96% of all patients were ambulatory and showed minimal restriction of spinal range of motion; 71% did not need analgesic medication at all; and 67% were able to work. The average ODI score was 12. Thirty-one percent of patients complained of some kind of anterior approach–related complications.

Conclusions
Combined anteroposterior stabilization of thoracolumbar burst fractures with expandable titanium cages is a relative safe procedure with satisfactory radiological and clinical long-term outcome. High fusion rates can be achieved, with only minor loss of correction, typically occurring in the 1st year. However, open thoracotomy carries the risks of additional complications and development of post-thoracotomy syndrome.
Early experience with stent retrievers and comparison with previous-generation mechanical thrombectomy devices for acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Deshaies Eric M. , Singla Amit , Villwock Mark R. , Padalino David J. , Sharma Sameer , Swarnkar Amar 
Published: March 2014

Object
There is limited information regarding patient outcomes following interventions for stroke during the window for endovascular therapy. Studies have suggested that recently approved stent retrievers are safer and more effective than earlier-generation thrombectomy devices. The authors compared cases in which the Solitaire-FR device was used to those in which a MERCI or Penumbra device was used.

Methods
This study is a single-center retrospective review of 102 consecutive cases of acute stroke in which patients were treated with mechanical thrombectomy devices between 2007 and 2013. Multivariate models, adjusted for confounding factors, were used to investigate functional independence (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] score ≤ 2, and successful reperfusion (thrombolysis in cerebral infarction [TICI] score ≥ 2b).

Results
Thrombectomy device had a significant impact on functional independence (mRS score ≤ 2) at discharge from the hospital (p = 0.040). Solitaire-FR treatment resulted in significantly more patients being discharged as functionally independent in comparison with MERCI treatment (p = 0.016). A multivariate model found the use of Solitaire-FR to improve the odds of good clinical outcome in comparison with prior-generation devices (OR 6.283, 95% CI 1.785–22.119, p = 0.004). Additionally, the use of Solitaire-FR significantly increased the odds of successful reperfusion (OR 3.247, 95% CI 1.160–9.090, p = 0.025).

Conclusions
The stent retriever Solitaire-FR significantly improved the odds of functional independence and successful revascularization of the arterial tree. New interventional technology for stroke continues to mature, but randomized trials are needed to establish the actual benefit to specific patient populations.