bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Epitaxial Growth of (Na,K)NbO3 based materials on SrTiO3 by pulsed laser deposition
Authors: Hanawa T. , Kikuchi N. , Nishio K. , Tonooka K. , Wang R. , Mamiya T. 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTLead-free, piezoelectric (Na,K)NbO3-BaZrO3-(Bi,Li)TiO3 films were epitaxially grown onto (100) SrTiO3 substrate via pulsed laser deposition. The effects of post-annealing temperature on the crystal phases, mosaic spread, and chemical composition of the deposited (Na,K)NbO3 and (Na,K)NbO3-BaZrO3-(Bi,Li)TiO3 films were analyzed. Results indicate the epitaxial growth of (Na,K)NbO3-BaZrO3-(Bi,Li)TiO3 films deposited at an oxygen pressure (PO2) of ≥40 Pa and substrate temperature (Ts) of 800°C. The alkaline-deficiency could be suppressed in the (Na,K)NbO3-BaZrO3-(Bi,Li)TiO3 films deposited at PO2 ≥ 70 Pa. AFM profile of the (Na,K)NbO3 post-annealed at 1000°C indicates the epitaxial growth of film with atomically flat step-terrace structure, while that of the (Na,K)NbO3-BaZrO3-(Bi,Li)TiO3 film post-annealed at 1200°C shows relatively smooth surface with step-terrace structure and several cubic crystals. It was also found that the preferential evaporation of alkaline components could be suppressed by annealing under covered substrate condition.
The impact of accent identification errors on speech recognition of South African English
Authors: Niesler Thomas R. , Kamper Herman 
Published: February 2014

For successful deployment, a South African English speech recognition system must be capable of
processing the prevalent accents in this variety of English. Previous work dealing with the different accents
of South African English has considered the case in which the accent of the input speech is known. Here we
focus on the practical scenario in which the accent of the input speech is unknown and accent identification
must occur at recognition time. By means of a set of contrastive experiments, we determine the effect
which errors in the identification of the accent have on speech recognition performance. We focus on the
specific configuration in which a set of accent-specific speech recognisers operate in parallel, thereby
delivering both a recognition hypothesis as well as an identified accent in a single step. We find that, despite
their considerable number, the accent identification errors do not lead to degraded speech recognition
performance. We conclude that, for our South African English data, there is no benefit of including a more
complex explicit accent identification component in the overall speech recognition system.
A late Holocene sea-level curve for the east coast of South Africa
Authors: Strachan Kate L. , Finch Jemma M. , Hill Trevor , Barnett Robert L. 
Published: February 2014

South Africa’s extensive and topographically diverse coastline lends itself to interpreting and understanding
sea-level fluctuations through a range of geomorphological and biological proxies. In this paper, we present
a high-resolution record of sea-level change for the past ~1200 years derived from foraminiferal analysis of
a salt-marsh peat sequence at Kariega Estuary, South Africa. A 0.94-m salt-marsh peat core was extracted
using a gouge auger, and chronologically constrained using five radiocarbon age determinations
by
accelerator mass spectrometry, which places the record within the late Holocene period. Fossil foraminifera
were analysed at a high downcore resolution, and a transfer function was applied to produce a relative sea-
level reconstruction. The reconstructed sea-level curve depicts a transgression prior to 1100 cal years BP
which correlates with existing palaeoenvironmental literature from southern Africa. From ~1100 to ~300
cal years BP, sea levels oscillated (~0.5-m amplitudes) but remained consistently lower than present-day
mean sea level. The lowest recorded sea level of −1±0.2 m was reached between 800 and 600 cal years
BP. After 300 cal years BP, relative sea level has remained relatively stable. Based on the outcomes of this
research, we suggest that intertidal salt-marsh foraminifera demonstrate potential for the high-resolution
reconstruction of relative sea-level change along the southern African coastline.
Effects of Leptin Replacement Therapy on Pancreatic β-Cell Function in Patients With Lipodystrophy
Authors: Muniyappa Ranganath , Brown Rebecca J. , Mari Andrea , Joseph Jalaja , Warren Mary A. , Cochran Elaine K. , Skarulis Monica C. , Gorden Phillip 
Published: February 2014

OBJECTIVE
Leptin administration is known to directly modulate pancreatic β-cell function in leptin-deficient rodent models. However, human studies examining the effects of leptin administration on β-cell function are lacking. In this study, we examined the effects (16–20 weeks) of leptin replacement on β-cell function in patients with lipodystrophy.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
In a prospective, open-label, currently ongoing study, we studied the effects of leptin replacement on β-cell function in 13 patients with congenital or acquired lipodystrophy. Insulin secretory rate (ISR) was calculated by C-peptide deconvolution from plasma glucose and C-peptide levels measured during oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs) performed at baseline and after 16–20 weeks of leptin replacement. β-Cell glucose sensitivity and rate sensitivity were assessed by mathematical modeling of OGTT.

RESULTS
There was a significant decrease in triglycerides, free fatty acids, and glycosylated hemoglobin levels (A1C) after leptin therapy. Patients with lipodystrophy have high fasting and glucose-stimulated ISR. However, leptin therapy had no significant effect on fasting ISR, total insulin secretion during OGTT, β-cell glucose sensitivity, rate sensitivity, or insulin clearance.

CONCLUSIONS
In contrast to the suppressive effects of leptin on β-cell function in rodents, 16–20-week treatment with leptin in lipodystrophy patients did not significantly affect insulin secretion or β-cell function in leptin-deficient individuals with lipodystrophy.
Results of the Northern Manhattan Diabetes Community Outreach Project: A Randomized Trial Studying a Community Health Worker Intervention to Improve Diabetes Care in Hispanic Adults
Authors: Palmas Walter , Findley Sally E. , Mejia Miriam , Batista Milagros , Teresi Jeanne , Kong Jian , Silver Stephanie , Fleck Elaine M. , Luchsinger Jose A. , Carrasquillo Olveen 
Published: February 2014

OBJECTIVE
The Northern Manhattan Diabetes Community Outreach Project evaluated whether a community health worker (CHW) intervention improved clinically relevant markers of diabetes care in adult Hispanics.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Participants were adult Hispanics, ages 35–70 years, with recent hemoglobin A1c (A1C) ≥8% (≥64 mmol/mol), from a university-affiliated network of primary care practices in northern Manhattan (New York City, NY). They were randomized to a 12-month CHW intervention (n = 181), or enhanced usual care (educational materials mailed at 4-month intervals, preceded by phone calls, n = 179). The primary outcome was A1C at 12 months; the secondary outcomes were systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure, and LDL-cholesterol levels.

RESULTS
There was a nonsignificant trend toward improvement in A1C levels in the intervention group (from unadjusted mean A1C of 8.77 to 8.40%), as compared with usual care (from 8.58 to 8.53%) (P = 0.131). There was also a nonsignificant trend toward an increase in SBP and LDL cholesterol in the intervention arm. Intervention fidelity, measured as the number of contacts in the intervention arm (visits, phone contacts, group support, and nutritional education), showed a borderline association with greater A1C reduction (P = 0.054). When assessed separately, phone contacts were associated with greater A1C reduction (P = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS
The trend toward A1C reduction with the CHW intervention failed to achieve statistical significance. Greater intervention fidelity may achieve better glycemic control, and more accessible treatment models, such as phone-based interventions, may be more efficacious in socioeconomically disadvantaged populations.
Dependence of Stock Returns in Bull and Bear
Markets
Authors: Dobric Jadran , Frahm Gabriel , Schmid Friedrich 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Despite of its many shortcomings, Pearson’s rho is often used
as an association measure for stock returns. A conditional
version of Spearman’s rho is suggested as an alternative
measure of association. This approach is purely nonparametric
and avoids any kind of model misspecification. We derive
hypothesis tests for the conditional rank-correlation coefficients
particularly arising in bull and bear markets and study
their finite-sample performance by Monte Carlo simulation.
Further, the daily returns on stocks contained in the German
stock index DAX 30 are analyzed. The empirical study reveals
significant differences in the dependence of stock returns in
bull and bear markets.
Outcomes of a Peritoneal Dialysis Program in Remote Communities within Colombia
Authors: Sanabria Mauricio , Devia Martha , Hernández Gilma , Astudillo Kindar , Trillos Carlos , Uribe Mauricio , Latorre Catalina , Bernal Astrid , Rivera Angela 
Published: February 2014

Background and Objective Colombia is a country of diverse geographic regions, some with mountainous terrain that can make access to urban areas difficult for individuals who live in remote areas. In 2005, a program was initiated to establish remote peritoneal dialysis (PD) centers in Colombia to improve access to PD for patients with end-stage renal disease who face geographic or financial access barriers. Patients and Methods The present study was a multi-center cohort observational study of prevalent home PD patients who were at least 18 years of age and were being managed by one of nine established remote PD centers in Colombia over a 2-year period. Data were collected from clinical records, databases, and patient interviews. Patient survival, incidence of peritonitis, and rate of withdrawal from PD therapy were assessed. Results A total of 345 patients were eligible for the study. The majority (87.8%) of patients lived on one to two times a minimum monthly salary (equivalent to US$243 – US$486). On average, patients traveled 1.2 hours and 4.3 hours from their home to their remote PD center or an urban reference renal clinic, respectively. The incidence rate of peritonitis was 2.54 episodes per 100 patient-months of therapy. A bivariate analysis showed a significantly higher risk of peritonitis in patients who were living on less than one times a monthly minimum salary ( p < 0.05) or who had a dirt, cement, or unfinished wood floor ( p < 0.05). The 1-year and 2-year patient survival rates were 92.44% and 81.55%, respectively. The 1-year and 2-year technique survival rates were 97.27% and 89.78%, respectively. Conclusions With the support of remote PD centers that mitigate geographic and financial barriers to healthcare, home PD therapy is a safe and appropriate treatment option for patients who live in remote areas in Colombia.
Predictors and Outcomes of Transfers from Peritoneal Dialysis to Hemodialysis
Authors: Lan Patrick G. , Clayton Philip A. , Saunders John , Polkinghorne Kevan R. , Snelling Paul L. 
Published: February 2014

Introduction Peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients are commonly required to transfer to hemodialysis (HD), however the literature describing the outcomes of such transfers is limited. The aim of our study was to describe the predictors of these transfers and their outcomes according to vascular access at the time of transfer. Methods A retrospective cohort study using registry data of all adult patients commencing PD as their initial renal replacement therapy in Australia or New Zealand between 2004 – 2010 was performed. Follow-up was until 31 December 2010. Logistic regression models were constructed to determine possible predictors of transfer within both 6 and 12 months of PD commencement. Cox analysis and competing risks regression were used to determine the predictors of survival and transplantation post-transfer. Results The analysis included 4,781 incident PD patients, of whom 1,699 transferred to HD during the study period. Logistic models did not identify any clinically useful predictors of transfer within 6 or 12 months (c-statistics 0.54 and 0.55 respectively). 67% of patients commenced HD with a central venous catheter (CVC). CVC use at transfer was associated with increased mortality (hazard ratio 1.37, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.11 – 1.68, p = 0.003) and a borderline significant reduction in the incidence of transplantation (subhazard ratio 0.76, 95% CI 0.58 – 1.00, p = 0.05). Conclusions It is difficult to predict the transfer to HD for incident PD patients. PD patients who commence HD with a CVC have a higher risk of mortality and a lower likelihood of undergoing renal transplantation.
Calcium Balance and Negative Impact of Calcium Load in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients
Authors: Wang Angela Yee-Moon 
Published: February 2014

Like hemodialysis patients, peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients are facing an excessively increased burden of vascular and valvular calcification. According to some surveys, more than 80% of prevalent PD patients are complicated with vascular calcification, and more than one third have heart valve calcification. Dysregulated phosphate metabolism is well recognized to play an important role in inducing vascular calcification, but increasing evidence is suggesting that dysregulated calcium metabolism also promotes vascular calcification and might in fact be more potent than phosphate in inducing that calcification. Growing evidence from randomized controlled trials shows more progression of vascular calcification and higher mortality among chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients receiving calcium-based phosphate binders than among those receiving non-calcium-containing phosphate binders. Those results raise important safety concern about the use of high-dose calcium-based phosphate binders in the CKD population, including both non-dialysis and dialysis patients (especially anuric dialysis patients), who have markedly reduced urinary calcium excretion. To prevent calcium overload, this review recommends restricting the dose of calcium-based phosphate binders in CKD patients, especially those who are elderly, who have increased cardiovascular risk, who already have baseline vascular or valvular calcification, or who have low intact parathyroid hormone and adynamic bone disease.
On Cobb-Douglas Preferences in Bilateral Oligopoly
Authors: Dickson Alex 
Published: February 2014

Les préférences de type Cobb-Douglas en oligopole bilatéral L’oligopole bilatéral est une structure de marché dans laquelle un nombre fini de vendeurs cherchent à échanger les biens qu’ils possèdent contre de la monnaie détenue par un nombre fini d’acheteurs. Lorsque les échanges sont organisés dans le contexte d’un jeu stratégique de marché, l’oligopole bilatéral peut être analysé comme un jeu de marché divisé en deux sous-jeux liés. Fixons d’abord la quantité des stratégies agrégées des acheteurs à B ; dans le premier jeu partiel la quantité offerte agrégée à l’équilibre est alors donnée par . Fixons ensuite la quantité offerte agrégée à X ; dans le deuxième jeu partiel, la stratégie d’achat agrégée est donc donnée par . Ces deux jeux partiels prennent en considération, dans chaque cas, les interactions au sein d’un même côté du marché. Or, le marché d’oligopole bilatéral met aussi en évidence des interactions entre les deux côtés de ce marché, et l’équilibre requiert notamment . Lorsque tous les agents ont des préférences représentées par des fonctions d’utilité de type Cobb-Douglas, ne dépend pas de B et ne dépend pas de X ; il n’y a donc pas d’interdépendance stratégique entre les agents appartenant aux deux côtés du marché. Le cas d’une économie Cobb-Douglas fournit un cadre d’analyse utile pour étudier l’échange stratégique mais ne peut rendre compte de toutes les propriétés de l’échange en oligopole bilatéral. Certaines de ces propriétés sont étudiées dans l’article. Classification JEL : C72; D43; D50.1.
Comparison of Rectal and Aural Core Body Temperature Thermometry in Hyperthermic, Exercising Individuals: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Huggins Robert , Glaviano Neal , Negishi Naoki , Casa Douglas J. , Hertel Jay 
Published: February 2014

Objective:
To compare mean differences in core body temperature (Tcore) as assessed via rectal thermometry (Tre) and aural thermometry (Tau) in hyperthermic exercising individuals.

Data Sources:
PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, SPORTDiscus, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library in English from the earliest entry points to August 2009 using the search terms aural, core body temperature, core temperature, exercise, rectal, temperature, thermistor, thermometer, thermometry, and tympanic.

Study Selection:
Original research articles that met these criteria were included: (1) concurrent measurement of Tre and Tau in participants during exercise, (2) minimum mean temperature that reached 38°C by at least 1 technique during or after exercise, and (3) report of means, standard deviations, and sample sizes.

Data Extraction:
Nine articles were included, and 3 independent reviewers scored these articles using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale (mean  =  5.1 ± 0.4). Data were divided into time periods pre-exercise, during exercise (30 to 180 minutes), and postexercise, as well as Tre ranges &lt;37.99°C, 38.00°C to 38.99°C, and &gt;39.00°C. Means and standard deviations for both measurement techniques were provided at all time intervals reported. Meta-analysis was performed to determine pooled and weighted mean differences between Tre and Tau.

Data Synthesis:
The Tre was conclusively higher than the Tau pre-exercise (mean difference [MD]  =  0.27°C, 95% confidence interval [CI]  =  0.15°C, 0.39°C), during exercise (MD  =  0.96°C, 95% CI  =  0.84°C, 1.08°C), and postexercise (MD  =  0.71°C, 95% CI  =  0.65°C, 0.78°C). As Tre measures increased, the magnitude of difference between the techniques also increased with an MD of 0.59°C (95% CI  =  0.53°C, 0.65°C) when Tre was &lt;38°C; 0.79°C (95% CI  =  0.72°C, 0.86°C) when Tre was between 38.0°C and 38.99°C; and 1.72°C (95% CI  =  1.54°, 1.91°C) when Tre was &gt;39.0°C.

Conclusions:
The Tre was consistently greater than Tau when Tcore was measured in hyperthermic individuals before, during, and postexercise. As Tcore increased, Tau appeared to underestimate Tcore as determined by Tre. Clinicians should be aware of this critical difference in temperature magnitude between these measurement techniques when assessing Tcore in hyperthermic individuals during or postexercise.
Ipsilateral lung dose volume parameters predict radiation pneumonitis in addition to classical dose volume parameters in locally advanced NSCLC treated with combined modality therapy
Authors: Agrawal Sushma , Kumar Sunil , Lawrence Able , Das Maria K.J. , Kumar Shaleen 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Purpose: The purpose was to determine the correlation of clinical factors and lung dose volume parameters with significant radiation pneumonitis (RP) in non-small cell lung cancer patients treated with combined modality therapy. Materials and Methods: Between January 2008 and December 2010, 52 patients of non-small cell lung cancer were treated with combined modality therapy with radical intent. Radiation pneumonitis was correlated with ipsilateral (V 20 ipsi, V 5 ipsi and MLD ipsi) and whole lung (V 20 , V 5 , and MLD) dose volume parameters. Clinical factors like pulmonary function tests (PFT), site of tumor, planning target volume, and type of treatment were also correlated with incidence of significant pneumonitis. Results: Out of 52 patients, 35.3% developed grade 2 or more pneumonitis. On univariate analysis, factors significantly correlating with radiation pneumonitis were V 5 (P = 0.002), V 5 ipsi (P = 0.000), V 20 (P = 0.019), V 20 ipsi (P = 0.004), MLD (P = 0.008) and MLD ipsi (P = 0.008). On multivariate analysis, V 5 ipsi was retained as the most significant factor. Concurrent chemoradiation caused significantly more RP than neoadjuvant chemoradiation (P = 0.004). A cutoff of 65% for V 5 ipsi had a sensitivity of 65% and a specificity of 91%. Conclusion: The correlation between pneumonitis and dosimetric constraints has been validated. Adding ipsilateral V 20 , V 5 , and MLD to the classical total lung constraints identifies patients likely to develop pulmonary toxicity in patients undergoing chemoradiation.
Gestational trophoblastic neoplasia: A 6 year retrospective study
Authors: Shrivastava Sushruta , Kataki Amal Chandra , Barmon Debabrata , Deka Pankaj , Bhuyan Chidananda , Bhargav Saikia J. 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Aims and Objectives: To study the clinical presentations of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia and its response to chemotherapy. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective study of 28 women of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia evaluated over a period of 6 years from January 2004 to December 2009. Patients were evaluated on the basis of their age, number of deliveries, history of abortion or molar pregnancy, and the treatment received. All patients were scored on the basis of WHO scoring system. Patients with low risk (score </=6) received single agent chemotherapy with methotrexate or actinomycin D. Patients with high risk (score >/=7) received multiple agent chemotherapy with EMACO regimen. After completion of chemotherapy patients were followed for a minimum of 2 years. The response to treatment was evaluated during follow-up by clinical examination, beta hCG levels and imaging as and when required. Results: Out of 28 women only 27 could be evaluated, because 1 patient was lost to follow-up. Out of 27 patients, 18 patients (66.67%) achieved complete remission with the first-line chemotherapy and additional 25.92% (7/27) achieved complete remission with second line chemotherapy resulting in complete remission of 92.5% (25/27). Conclusion: Gestational trophoblastic neoplasia is curable if patient is properly evaluated and scored. It shows good response to chemotherapy.
Late effects of treatment in survivors of childhood cancer from a tertiary cancer center in South India
Authors: Rajendranath Rejiv , Veeraiah Surendran , Ramesh Anita , Sagar Tenali Gnana 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Background: Improved survival after childhood cancer is attributed to intensive, aggressive therapy, adverse sequelae of which can manifest months to years after completion of treatment. There is little information about the late adverse effects of both childhood cancer and its therapy in survivors in India. Aim: To determine the long-term sequelae associated with therapy in childhood cancer survivors attending a tertiary cancer center in India. Materials and Methods: We studied 155 consecutive survivors of childhood cancer who were ≤14 years at the time of diagnosis and had completed 3 years of follow-up. The study included a complete history and clinical examination, with specific investigations to detect organ toxicity. Quality of life (QOL) was assessed from responses to a standardized questionnaire. Neurocognitive assessment was carried out in 20 survivors with an adaptation of the revised Wechsler adult intelligence scale for adults and the Malins intelligence scale for children. Results: The late effects included impaired fertility in 38 patients (24.5%), impaired growth pattern in 7 (4.5%), endocrine dysfunction in 7 (4.5%) and second malignancy in 2 (1.2%). Three of the 20 patients assessed had severe neurocognitive impairment. A high QOL was reported by 60% of survivors and an "average" QOL by 38%. Conclusion: Our study showed that most survivors had a good QOL and our results will help clinicians to better monitor childhood cancer survivors in countries with limited resources.