bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prenatal whole‐exome sequencing: parental attitudes
Authors: Kalynchuk Eve J. , Althouse Andrew , Parker Lisa S. , Saller Devereux N. , Rajkovic Aleksandar 
Published: June 2015

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this study was to survey the opinions of expectant parents regarding prenatal whole‐exome sequencing.MethodsThe study used a questionnaire that focused on acceptability of prenatal whole‐exome sequencing to individuals who pursued first‐trimester prenatal screening in a tertiary academic medical center. A total of 186 expectant individuals completed the questionnaire. The results of the questionnaire were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression models.ResultsEighty‐three percent of the participants answered that prenatal whole‐exome sequencing should be offered, 14.8% were neutral, and only 2.2% disagreed. Fifty‐four percent of the participants were interested in having prenatal whole‐exome sequencing for their fetus, 40.1% were neutral, and 6.6% disagreed. The majority of participants expressed a desire to know about treatable (96.2%) and non‐treatable (86.3%) childhood conditions, and most said the same for treatable (76.0%) and non‐treatable (74.3%) adult‐onset conditions. Over half of the participants (59.7%) indicated a maximum acceptable turnaround time of 3 weeks or less for prenatal whole‐exome sequencing.ConclusionsThe majority of respondents felt prenatal whole‐exome sequencing should be offered. Moreover, the majority wanted to know prenatally about treatable and non‐treatable childhood and adult conditions. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evidence‐based psychosocial treatment in the community: considerations for dissemination and implementation
Authors: Andersen Barbara L. , Dorfman Caroline S. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractBackgroundIn psycho‐oncology care, steps toward dissemination and implementation of evidence‐based treatments (EBTs) have not been made. For this to change, factors associated with real‐world dissemination and implementation must be identified. In the community, providers, their organizations, and patients are key stakeholders.MethodA focused review of literatures in continuing education, dissemination, and implementation of mental health services is provided.ResultsEarly‐career providers are most ready to implement as they have greater openness and more positive attitudes toward EBTs. Current continuing education practices to teach EBTs have limited effectiveness. Instruction using interactive strategies tailored to therapists' clinical needs and the provision of post‐education consultation is needed. There is tension between EBT delivery with fidelity and the necessity for adaptation. EBT service provision is the key outcome of implementation, and documenting such is important to patients, providers, and organizations.ConclusionA multilevel conceptual framework, Setting, Therapist, Education, imPlementation, and Sustainability, is offered and provides directions for dissemination and sustainable implementation. Guidelines from the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons and the American Society of Clinical Oncology underscore the timeliness of the proposed framework to move EBTs from the research settings where they were developed to the practice settings where they are needed. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Physical and psychological health among breast cancer survivors: interactions with sedentary behavior and physical activity
Authors: Trinh Linda , Amireault Steve , Lacombe Jason , Sabiston Catherine M. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractBackgroundReducing sedentary behavior (SED) may be one promising strategy to reduce treatment‐related side effects in breast cancer given the unique health benefits distinct from the beneficial effects of moderate‐to‐vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA).ObjectivesTo examine the associations between SED and the late‐effects symptoms of pain, fatigue, and depression among breast cancer survivors (BCS), and the interactive associations between SED, light PA, and MVPA on these symptoms.MethodsOne hundred and ninety‐five BCS provided baseline data 3 to 4 months post‐systemic treatment, as part of the Life After Breast Cancer: Moving On longitudinal study. Pain, fatigue, and depression symptoms were assessed using validated self‐report questionnaires. Objective measures of MVPA, light PA, and SED (i.e. sitting time) were assessed by accelerometers over the same period. Self‐reported demographic and medical variables were collected.ResultsIn hierarchical multiple regression analyses, the interaction effect of MVPA by SED was significantly associated with pain (p = .02), fatigue (p = .01), and depression (p = .006). Follow‐up simple slope analyses demonstrated that among BCS with lower levels of MVPA, higher levels of SED significantly predicted higher levels of fatigue (p < .001), higher levels of pain (p = .06), and higher levels of depression (p = .08).ConclusionsSED was associated with higher levels of fatigue, pain, and depression in BCS, and was more pronounced among those with lower levels of MVPA. However, SED was not associated with these symptoms among BCS with higher levels of MVPA. Pairing health promotion messages to reduce SED and increase MVPA are likely to result in better symptom management. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of the slope of isentropic surfaces and its tendencies over the North Atlantic
Authors: Papritz Lukas , Spengler Thomas 
Published: June 2015

The maintenance of baroclinicity along mid‐ and high‐latitude storm tracks is a matter of ongoing debate. Using an isentropic framework, a novel diagnostic based on the tendency equation for the slope of isentropic surfaces – a measure of the potential for baroclinic development – is presented. The tendency comprises contributions from dynamic processes, latent heat release, radiation and subgrid‐scale turbulence, which incorporates the effect of sensible heat fluxes. A climatology of these tendencies over the North Atlantic is compiled for the winters of 2009 and 2010.It is found that adiabatic tilting flattens the isentropic surfaces, reflecting the action of growing baroclinic cyclones. This tendency is balanced climatologically by the generation of slope by diabatic processes. In the lower troposphere, the most intense diabatic increase of slope is found along the oceanic frontal zone associated with the Gulf Stream and at higher latitudes in the Labrador Sea, the Nordic Seas and the Barents Sea. Latent heat release and sensible heat fluxes both contribute substantially in these regions. A quantitative analysis of cold‐air outbreaks emphasizes their important role in restoring the slope in the lower troposphere over the Gulf Stream region and off the sea‐ice edge at high latitudes. In the upper troposphere, latent heat release due to cloud microphysical processes is the dominant mechanism maintaining the slope.
Towards the Terabit/s satellite – interference issues in the user link
Authors: Lutz Erich 
Published: June 2015

SummaryPresent high‐capacity geostationary satellites provide throughput in the range of 70 Gb/s (Ka‐Sat) up to 140 Gb/s (ViaSat‐1, EchoStar 17). In order to keep up with the quickly increasing bit rate requirements of new services and applications, future communication satellites must increase their capacity by an order of magnitude, thus reaching the terabit/s throughput range. The challenge of achieving a terabit/s satellite system requires investigation of a multitude of issues, limitations and problems.This paper discusses the main interference effects occurring in the user uplinks and downlinks of a multi‐beam satellite: co‐channel interference, adjacent‐channel interference and cross‐polarisation interference. Different cluster sizes for the beam pattern and use of dual polarisations are considered, and an optimum cluster scheme with regard to throughput is discussed in more detail. Moreover, the influence of beam spacing, interference cancellation for the user uplink as well as rain fading for the uplink and downlink are discussed. For the satellite spot beam antenna, a typical tapered antenna characteristic with side lobes is considered. The investigation is based on Monte Carlo simulation of user positions within the beam pattern, resulting in CDFs of signal‐to‐noise‐plus‐interference power ratio and capacity. Besides Shannon capacity, the achievable throughput of Digital Video Broadcasting ‐ Return Channel over Satellite, 2nd Generation (DVB‐RCS2), Digital Video Broadcasting over Satellite, 2nd Generation (DVB‐S2) and Digital Video Broadcasting over Satellite, 2nd Generation, Extension (DVB‐S2X) is evaluated. Considering 200 beams and 1 GHz of bandwidth, it is shown that with efficient uplink and downlink schemes, a total throughput of 1 Tb/s can be approached. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Habitat displacement effect between two competing owl species in fragmented forests
Authors: Kajtoch Łukasz , Żmihorski Michał , Wieczorek Paweł 
Published: June 2015

AbstractMany owl species use the same nesting and food resources, which causes strong interspecific competition and spatio‐temporal niche separation. We made use of a recent colonisation of Ural Owls (Strix uralensis) in southern Poland to compare habitat preferences of Tawny Owls (Strix aluco) allopatry and sympatry with Ural Owls. We investigated spatial niche segregation of Ural Owl and the Tawny Owl in sympatry and compared habitat preferences of Tawny Owls breeding in allopatry and sympatry. Tawny Owls breeding in sympatry with Ural Owls occupied forests with higher canopy compactness, sites located closer to forest border and to built‐up areas, as well as stands with a higher share of fir and spruce and a lower share of beech as compared to sites occupied by Ural Owls. Allopatric Tawny Owls occupied sites with lower canopy compactness and bred at sites located further from forest borders and in stands with lower share of fir and spruce and a higher share of deciduous as compared to sympatric Tawny Owls. As Ural owls are dominant in relation to Tawny Owls, this indicates that the presence of Ural Owls prevents Tawny Owls from occupying deciduous‐dominated and old stands located in forest interior areas, far from buildings and forest edges. The results support habitat displacement between the two species when breeding in sympatry. We also show that protection of large forest patches is crucial for the Ural Owl, a species still rare in central Europe, while small patches are occupied by the abundant Tawny Owl.
The effect of canopy structure on soil respiration in an old‐growth beech‐oak forest in central Japan
Authors: Suchewaboripont Vilanee , Ando Masaki , Iimura Yasuo , Yoshitake Shinpei , Ohtsuka Toshiyuki 
Published: June 2015

AbstractSoil respiration (Rs) is a key component in the estimation of the net ecosystem production (NEP) of old‐growth forests, which are generally thought to have ceased carbon accumulation. The objectives of the present study were to characterize the spatial and temporal patterns of Rs, and to identify the determinants of the spatial and temporal variability of Rs, using general linear mixed models (GLMM), in an old‐growth beech‐oak forest. GLMM analyses identified monthly effect as a significant explanatory variable for temporal variation, as well as gap/canopy and soil water content (SWC) as explanatory variables for spatial variation, in Rs. The complexity of vertical structure in the forest was reflected in the spatial pattern of Rs, which was higher in canopy areas than in gap areas during the growing season, except in November. This spatial pattern was not affected by soil temperature. Moreover, SWC did not differ between gap and canopy areas, although SWC partially explained the spatial heterogeneity in Rs. The carbon:nitrogen ratios of soil organic matter in canopy areas were significantly higher than those in gap areas. Fine root biomass was 1.7‐fold greater in canopy areas than in gap areas, likely because of the higher Rs in canopy areas, and root respiration made a much large contribution to Rs than heterotrophic respiration. The different patterns of fine root biomass between gap and canopy areas mainly control the spatial heterogeneity in Rs; thus, it is worth considering the gap/canopy variability in Rs when evaluating annual efflux in old‐growth forests.
Recovery Migration After Hurricanes Katrina and Rita: Spatial Concentration and Intensification in the Migration System
Authors: Curtis Katherine J. , Fussell Elizabeth , DeWaard Jack 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
Changes in the human migration systems of the Gulf of Mexico coastline counties affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita provide an example of how climate change may affect coastal populations. Crude climate change models predict a mass migration of “climate refugees,” but an emerging literature on environmental migration suggests that most migration will be short-distance and short-duration within existing migration systems, with implications for the population recovery of disaster-stricken places. In this research, we derive a series of hypotheses on recovery migration predicting how the migration system of hurricane-affected coastline counties in the Gulf of Mexico was likely to have changed between the pre-disaster and the recovery periods. We test these hypotheses using data from the Internal Revenue Service on annual county-level migration flows, comparing the recovery period migration system (2007–2009) with the pre-disaster period (1999–2004). By observing county-to-county ties and flows, we find that recovery migration was strong: the migration system of the disaster-affected coastline counties became more spatially concentrated, while flows within it intensified and became more urbanized. Our analysis demonstrates how migration systems are likely to be affected by the more intense and frequent storms anticipated by climate change scenarios, with implications for the population recovery of disaster-affected places.
Treatment of Contained Herniated Lumbar Discs with Ozone and Corticosteroid: A Pilot Clinical Study
Authors: Murphy Kieran , Muto Mario , Steppan Jim , Meaders Thomas , Boxley Chett 
Published: June 2015

Purpose The primary objective of this pilot study was to compare pain and function scores from patients before and after an ozone injection in combination with steroids and bupivacaine to treat herniated discs. A secondary objective was to correct some of the methodological weaknesses of some previously published ozone studies. Methods Fifty patients were enrolled; 1-3 mL of 2 wt% ozone in 98 wt% oxygen was delivered into the nucleus pulposus, and 7-9 mL into the adjacent paravertebral tissues. The oxygen/ozone treatment was followed by a periganglionic injection of corticosteroid and bupivacaine. All patients were evaluated 1 month after the treatment to quantify improvement in pain and function, and to monitor for potential adverse events. Results Forty-four patients had intradiscal injections and were included in the analysis. After 1 treatment, 75.0% showed significant improvement in pain based on the visual analog scale (improvement >1.8), 72.7% showed significant improvement in function based on the Oswestry disability index (improvement >15%), and 79.5% showed improvement based on the modified MacNab criteria. There were no adverse events associated with the treatment. Conclusions Patients showed significant improvement in pain and function after receiving ozone injections in combination with steroids and bupivacaine for the treatment of herniated discs. Because of the lack of a control group and short follow-up times, conclusions about the safety and efficacy of ozone injections for the treatment of herniated discs are not warranted. However, the results provide sufficient evidence that the risk and expense of an additional randomized controlled study is merited.
Healthcare Laundry and Textiles in the United States: Review and Commentary on Contemporary Infection Prevention Issues
Authors: Sehulster Lynne M. 
Published: June 2015

Healthcare professionals have questions about the infection prevention effectiveness of contemporary laundry processes for healthcare textiles (HCTs). Current industrial laundry processes achieve microbial reductions via physical, chemical, and thermal actions, all of which result in producing hygienically clean HCTs. European researchers have demonstrated that oxidative laundry additives have sufficient potency to meet US Environmental Protection Agency benchmarks for sanitizers and disinfectants. Outbreaks of infectious diseases associated with laundered HCTs are extremely rare; only 12 such outbreaks have been reported worldwide in the past 43 years. Root cause analyses have identified inadvertent exposure of clean HCTs to environmental contamination (including but not limited to exposure to dust in storage areas) or a process failure during laundering. To date, patient-to-patient transmission of infection has not been associated with hygienically clean HCTs laundered in accordance with industry process standards. Occupationally acquired infection involved mishandling of soiled HCTs and failure to use personal protective equipment properly. Laboratory studies of antimicrobial treatments for HCTs demonstrate a wide range of activity from 1 to 7 log10reduction of pathogens under various experimental conditions. Clinical studies are needed to evaluate potential use of these treatments for infection prevention. Microbiological testing of clean HCTs for certification purposes is now available in the United States. Key features (eg, microbial sampling strategy, numbers of textiles sampled) and justification of the testing are discussed.Infect. Control Hosp. Epidemiol.2015;36(9):1073–1088
Immune defence mechanisms of triatomines against bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites
Authors: Flores-Villegas A.L. , Salazar-Schettino P.M. , Córdoba-Aguilar A. , Gutiérrez-Cabrera A.E. , Rojas-Wastavino G.E. , Bucio-Torres M.I. , Cabrera-Bravo M. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractTriatomines are vectors that transmit the protozoan haemoflagellate Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease. The aim of the current review is to provide a synthesis of the immune mechanisms of triatomines against bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites to provide clues for areas of further research including biological control. Regarding bacteria, the triatomine immune response includes antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) such as defensins, lysozymes, attacins and cecropins, whose sites of synthesis are principally the fat body and haemocytes. These peptides are used against pathogenic bacteria (especially during ecdysis and feeding), and also attack symbiotic bacteria. In relation to viruses, Triatoma virus is the only one known to attack and kill triatomines. Although the immune response to this virus is unknown, we hypothesize that haemocytes, phenoloxidase (PO) and nitric oxide (NO) could be activated. Different fungal species have been described in a few triatomines and some immune components against these pathogens are PO and proPO. In relation to parasites, triatomines respond with AMPs, including PO, NO and lectin. In the case of T. cruzi this may be effective, but Trypanosoma rangeli seems to evade and suppress PO response. Although it is clear that three parasite-killing processes are used by triatomines – phagocytosis, nodule formation and encapsulation – the precise immune mechanisms of triatomines against invading agents, including trypanosomes, are as yet unknown. The signalling processes used in triatomine immune response are IMD, Toll and Jak-STAT. Based on the information compiled, we propose some lines of research that include strategic approaches of biological control.
Managing dysphonia in paediatric patients with complex airway conditions
Authors: Ojha S , Setlur J , Bunting G , Hartnick C J 
Published: June 2015

AbstractObjective:To suggest a phonosurgical management strategy that can be used for children who have previously undergone laryngotracheal reconstruction.Methods:This cases series describes three children who presented with complex, multi-level airway stenosis and marked dysphonia. Phonosurgical intervention involved endoscopic and open approaches, and was combined with voice therapy. A phonosurgical reconstruction management algorithm is suggested for evaluating and treating these complex conditions.Results:Pre-operative assessment is critical, and should involve voice analysis and glottal anatomy assessment using office laryngoscopy and stroboscopy. The risks must be weighed up against the benefit of vocal improvement. Surgical intervention should involve combined endoscopic and open approaches.Conclusion:Voice restoration after paediatric airway reconstruction is a complex challenge. Surgical intervention should be conducted in a step-by-step manner to reduce the risk of worsening dysphonia and airway compromise. The risks and benefits must be carefully explored and discussed.
Effects of Toxocara larvae on brain cell survival by in vitro model assessment
Authors: HEUER LEA , HAENDEL SABINE , BEINEKE ANDREAS , STRUBE CHRISTINA 
Published: June 2015

SUMMARYNeuroinvasive larvae of the common dog and cat roundworms, Toxocara canis and Toxocara cati, may cause severe neurological and neuropsychological disturbances in humans. Despite their pathogenic potential and high prevalence worldwide, little is known about their cell-specific influences and cerebral host–pathogen interactions in neurotoxocarosis. To address this discrepancy, a co-culture system of viable larvae with murine neuronal (CAD), oligodendrocytal (BO-1) and microglial (BV-2) cell lines has been established. Additionally, murine adult brain slices have been co-cultured with Toxocara larvae to consider complex organotypic cell–cell interplay. Cytotoxicity of larval presence was measured enzymatically and microscopically. Microscopic evaluation using trypan blue exclusion assay revealed to be less reliable and sensitive than the lactate dehydrogenase activity assay. Ultimately, even low numbers of both T. canis and T. cati larvae have impaired survival of differentiated CAD cells, which morphologically resemble primary neurons. In contrast, viability of oligodendrocytal and microglial cells as well as brain slices was not impaired by larval presence. Therefore, immune-mediated mechanisms or trauma by migrating larvae presumably induce the in vivo pathology rather than acute cytotoxic effects. Conclusively, the helminthic larvae co-culture system presented here is a valuable in vitro tool to study cell-specific effects of parasitic larvae and their products.
Spherical trigonometry constrained kinematics for a dexterous robotic hand with an articulated palm
Authors: Emmanouil Evangelos , Wei Guowu , Dai Jian S. 
Published: June 2015

SUMMARYThis work presents a method based on spherical trigonometry for computing all joint angles of the spherical metamorphic palm. The spherical palm is segmented into spherical triangles which are then solved and combined to fully solve the palm configuration. Further, singularity analysis is investigated with the analysis of each spherical triangle the palm is decomposed. Singularity-avoidance-based design criteria are then presented. Finally, point clouds are generated that represent the joint space of the palm as well as the workspace of the hand with the advantage of an articulated palm is shown.