bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Verbalized desire for death or euthanasia in advanced cancer patients receiving palliative care
Authors: Güell Ernest , Ramos Adelaida , Zertuche Tania , Pascual Antonio 
Published: April 2014

AbstractObjective:We aimed to address the prevalence of desire-to-die statements (DDSs) among terminally ill cancer patients in an acute palliative care unit. We also intended to compare the underlying differences between those patients who make desire-to-die comments (DDCs) and those who make desire-for-euthanasia comments (EUCs).Method:We conducted a one-year cross-sectional prospective study in all patients receiving palliative care who had made a DDC or EUC. At inclusion, we evaluated symptom intensity, anxiety and depression, and conducted a semistructured interview regarding the reasons for these comments.Results:Of the 701 patients attended to during the study period, 69 (9.8%; IC95% 7.7–12.3) made a DDS: 51 (7.3%) a DDC, and 18 (2.5%) an EUC. Using Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS) DDC group showed higher percentage of moderate-severe symptoms (ESAS > 4) for well-being (91 vs. 25%; p = 0.001), depression (67 vs. 25%; p = 0.055), and anxiety (52 vs. 13%; p = 0.060) than EUC group. EUC patients also considered themselves less spiritual (44 vs. 84%; p = 0.034). The single most common reason for a DDS was pain or physical suffering, though most of the reasons given were nonphysical.Significance of results:Almost 10% of the population receiving specific oncological palliative care made a DDC (7.3%) or EUC (2.5%). The worst well-being score was lower in the EUC group. The reasons for both a DDC and EUC were mainly nonphysical. We find that emotional and spiritual issues should be identified and effectively addressed when responding to a DDS in terminally ill cancer patients.
Volunteers trained in palliative care at the hospital: An original and dynamic resource
Authors: Delaloye Sylvette , Escher Monica , Luthy Christophe , Piguet Valérie , Dayer Pierre , Cedraschi Christine 
Published: April 2014

AbstractObjective:Volunteers trained in palliative care are increasingly present in acute care units in general hospitals. Nevertheless, there still are few available data on this topic, especially concerning the integration of volunteers outside the palliative structures. Our present study aimed to describe the experience of volunteers trained in palliative care in the context of a primary care hospital. In particular, the difficulties and the benefits of this specific position were evaluated according to volunteers' own perceptions and words.Method:We employed a qualitative method. Various aspects of the volunteer's role were explored by means of semistructured questions, addressing their activity, their motivations, and their feelings. Participants were volunteers (n = 19) trained in palliative care and working at a university hospital. After giving written consent, they completed the semistructured questionnaire at home. Content analysis was used to identify the main categories of answers and the principal themes reported by the volunteers.Results:The main difficulties were related to uncertainty of the context. As every situation is different, volunteers could not define their role once and for all. However, they derived great satisfaction from their activity. A supporting frame and a good balance between constraints and autonomy were facilitating factors. Besides, the complexity related to the context contributed to make the position valuable and challenging.Significance of results:Integrating a voluntary service in a primary care hospital is partly based on active participation of the volunteers in developing their position in a more adequate way. In return, this relative autonomy implies a rigorous and supportive attitude from the institution.
Pediatric delirium: Evaluating the gold standard
Authors: Silver Gabrielle , Kearney Julia , Traube Chani , Atkinson Thomas M. , Wyka Katarzyna E. , Walkup John 
Published: April 2014

AbstractObjective:Our aim was to evaluate interrater reliability for the diagnosis of pediatric delirium by child psychiatrists.Method:Critically ill patients (N = 17), 0–21 years old, including 7 infants, 5 children with developmental delay, and 7 intubated children, were assessed for delirium using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual–IV (DSM–IV) (comparable to DSM–V) criteria. Delirium assessments were completed by two psychiatrists, each blinded to the other's diagnosis, and interrater reliability was measured using Cohen's κ coefficient along with its 95% confidence interval.Results:Interrater reliability for the psychiatric assessment was high (Cohen's κ = 0.94, CI [0.83, 1.00]). Delirium diagnosis showed excellent interrater reliability regardless of age, developmental delay, or intubation status (Cohen's κ range 0.81–1.00).Significance of results:In our study cohort, the psychiatric interview and exam, long considered the “gold standard” in the diagnosis of delirium, was highly reliable, even in extremely young, critically ill, and developmentally delayed children. A developmental approach to diagnosing delirium in this challenging population is recommended.
Size-reduction and suppression of cavity-resonances in hybrid mm-wave antennas for polarimetric measurements
Authors: Methfessel Sebastian , Schmidt Lorenz-Peter 
Published: April 2014

Size and feed structure are some of the important constraints for using antenna-elements in multi-element two-dimensional arrays, where easy planar integration and appropriate matching with transceiver chips are essential. This applies especially when differential signaling and adaptable polarization are required. Based on a balanced-fed patch-excited cavity-backed horn antenna (hybrid antenna), feeding concepts, and approaches to reduce size are discussed and evaluated in this paper. The influence of the substrate-integrated cavity is analyzed and methods to overcome the restrictions are presented, together with simulated and measured results. The antenna elements are evaluated with regard to their use in multistatic and polarimetric sparse arrays, which will be briefly introduced. The optimized antennas achieve 10 dB return loss, a gain of more than 5 dBi as well as symmetric and homogeneous radiation patterns in amplitude and phase with low cross-polarization in the desired frequency-band of operation between 70 and 80 GHz.
Lens-based 77 GHZ MIMO radar for angular estimation in multitarget environments
Authors: Lutz Steffen , Walter Thomas , Weigel Robert 
Published: April 2014

The demanding tasks for automotive radar systems in multitarget scenarios require an increased target separation performance and new sensor concepts. In this contribution, a highly integrated 77 GHz time domain multiplex (TDM) MIMO radar is presented. The sensor is feasible for advanced direction of arrival (DOA) estimation in azimuth and elevation. For efficient and high-quality measurements a fractional-n phased locked loop (PLL) with integrated waveform generator, enabling chirp and frequency modulated continous waveform (FMCW) modulations, is implemented. Spatial beamforming is done with series feed array patch antennas in combination with a dielectric cylindrical lens. For the improvement of the direction of arrival (DOA) estimation performance a new lens-based MIMO radar approach is introduced. Therefore the classical MIMO approach is combined with the advantages of an optical beamforming concept. Due to the usage of these techniques the sensor performance in accuracy, ambiguity suppression, and angular resolution can be significantly increased.
Anaerobic oxidation of long-chain n-alkanes by the hyperthermophilic sulfate-reducing archaeon, Archaeoglobus fulgidus
Authors: Khelifi Nadia , Amin Ali Oulfat , Roche Philippe , Grossi Vincent , Brochier-Armanet Céline , Valette Odile , Ollivier Bernard , Dolla Alain , Hirschler-Réa Agnès 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
The thermophilic sulfate-reducing archaeon Archaeoglobus fulgidus strain VC-16 (DSM 4304), which is known to oxidize fatty acids and n-alkenes, was shown to oxidize saturated hydrocarbons (n-alkanes in the range C10–C21) with thiosulfate or sulfate as a terminal electron acceptor. The amount of n-hexadecane degradation observed was in stoichiometric agreement with the theoretically expected amount of thiosulfate reduction. One of the pathways used by anaerobic microorganisms to activate alkanes is addition to fumarate that involves alkylsuccinate synthase as a key enzyme. A search for genes encoding homologous enzymes in A. fulgidus identified the pflD gene (locus-tag AF1449) that was previously annotated as a pyruvate formate lyase. A phylogenetic analysis revealed that this gene is of bacterial origin and was likely acquired by A. fulgidus from a bacterial donor through a horizontal gene transfer. Based on three-dimensional modeling of the corresponding protein and molecular dynamic simulations, we hypothesize an alkylsuccinate synthase activity for this gene product. The pflD gene expression was upregulated during the growth of A. fulgidus on an n-alkane (C16) compared with growth on a fatty acid. Our results suggest that anaerobic alkane degradation in A. fulgidus may involve the gene pflD in alkane activation through addition to fumarate. These findings highlight the possible importance of hydrocarbon oxidation at high temperatures by A. fulgidus in hydrothermal vents and the deep biosphere.
Impact of diet and individual variation on intestinal microbiota composition and fermentation products in obese men
Authors: Salonen Anne , Lahti Leo , Salojärvi Jarkko , Holtrop Grietje , Korpela Katri , Duncan Sylvia H , Date Priya , Farquharson Freda , Johnstone Alexandra M , Lobley Gerald E , Louis Petra , Flint Harry J , de Vos Willem M 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
There is growing interest in understanding how diet affects the intestinal microbiota, including its possible associations with systemic diseases such as metabolic syndrome. Here we report a comprehensive and deep microbiota analysis of 14 obese males consuming fully controlled diets supplemented with resistant starch (RS) or non-starch polysaccharides (NSPs) and a weight-loss (WL) diet. We analyzed the composition, diversity and dynamics of the fecal microbiota on each dietary regime by phylogenetic microarray and quantitative PCR (qPCR) analysis. In addition, we analyzed fecal short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) as a proxy of colonic fermentation, and indices of insulin sensitivity from blood samples. The diet explained around 10% of the total variance in microbiota composition, which was substantially less than the inter-individual variance. Yet, each of the study diets induced clear and distinct changes in the microbiota. Multiple Ruminococcaceae phylotypes increased on the RS diet, whereas mostly Lachnospiraceae phylotypes increased on the NSP diet. Bifidobacteria decreased significantly on the WL diet. The RS diet decreased the diversity of the microbiota significantly. The total 16S ribosomal RNA gene signal estimated by qPCR correlated positively with the three major SCFAs, while the amount of propionate specifically correlated with the Bacteroidetes. The dietary responsiveness of the individual’s microbiota varied substantially and associated inversely with its diversity, suggesting that individuals can be stratified into responders and non-responders based on the features of their intestinal microbiota.
Comparison of fecal pyruvate kinase isoform M2 and calprotectin in acute diarrhea in hospitalized children
Authors: Czub Elzbieta , Nowak Jan K. , Moczko Jerzy , Lisowska Aleksandra , Banaszkiewicz Aleksandra , Banasiewicz Tomasz , Walkowiak Jaroslaw 
Published: April 2014

AbstractFecal concentrations of pyruvate kinase isoform M2 (M2-PK) and calprotectin (FC) serve as biomarkers of inflammation of gastrointestinal mucosa. The value of M2-PK in discriminating between patients with viral and bacterial acute diarrhea (AD) is currently unknown. We analyzed M2-PK and FC concentrations in fifty hospitalized children with AD (29 of which were caused by rotavirus and 21 by Salmonella enteritidis) as well as 32 healthy subjects. There was no difference in the areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves plotted for the two tests in differentiating rotaviral from bacterial AD. The sensitivity and specificity of M2-PK at optimal cut-off (20 U/g) were 75.9% and 71.4%, respectively. M2-PK and FC had similar values in distinguishing between children with AD caused by rotavirus and Salmonella enteritidis. The performance of both tests in hospitalized patients did not meet the needs of everyday clinical practice. Moreover, no advantage of fecal tests over the measurement of CRP was documented.
Universal bursty behaviour in human violent conflicts
Authors: Picoli S. , Castillo-Mussot M. del , Ribeiro H. V. , Lenzi E. K. , Mendes R. S. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractUnderstanding the mechanisms and processes underlying the dynamics of collective violence is of considerable current interest. Recent studies indicated the presence of robust patterns characterizing the size and timing of violent events in human conflicts. Since the size and timing of violent events arises as the result of a dynamical process, we explore the possibility of unifying these observations. By analyzing available catalogs on violent events in Iraq (2003–2005), Afghanistan (2008–2010) and Northern Ireland (1969–2001), we show that the inter-event time distributions (calculated for a range of minimum sizes) obeys approximately a simple scaling law which holds for more than three orders of magnitude. This robust pattern suggests a hierarchical organization in size and time providing a unified picture of the dynamics of violent conflicts.
Conserved residues that modulate proteintrans-splicing ofNpuDnaE split intein
Authors: Wu Qin , Gao Zengqiang , Wei Yong , Ma Guolin , Zheng Yuchuan , Dong Yuhui , Liu Yangzhong 
Published: April 2014

The first crystal trans-structure of a naturally occurring split intein has been determined for the Npu (Nostoc punctiforme PCC73102) DnaE split intein. Guided by this structure, the residues NArg50 and CSer35, well conserved in DnaE split inteins, are identified to be critical in the trans-splicing of Npu DnaE split intein. An in vitro splicing assay demonstrates that NArg50 and CSer35 play synergistic roles in modulating its intein activity. The C-terminal CAsn36 exhibits two orientations of its side chain and interacts with both NArg50 and CSer35 through hydrogen bonding. These interactions likely facilitate the cyclization of asparagine in the course of protein splicing. The mutation of either residue reduces intein activity, and correlates with the low activity of the Ssp (Cyanobacterium synechocystis sp. strain PCC6803) DnaE split intein. On the other hand, NArg50 also forms a hydrogen bond with the highly conserved F-block CAsp17, thus influencing the N–S acyl shift during N-terminal cleavage. Sequence alignments show that residues NArg50 and CSer35 are rather conserved in those split inteins that lack a penultimate histidine residue. The conserved non-catalytic residues of split inteins modulate the efficiency of protein trans-splicing by hydrogen-bond interactions with the catalytic residues at the splice junction.
Constraints on climate forcing by sulphate aerosols from seasonal changes in Earth's spin
Authors: Sottili Gianluca 
Published: April 2014

AbstractAngular momentum exchanges between atmosphere and solid Earth are strongly modulated by variations in global atmospheric circulation. Geodetically determined length-of-day (LOD) fluctuations provide an independent resource to investigate climate changes. Here, I evaluate the effects of volcanic and anthropogenic sulphate aerosols on Earth's rotational energy variations. The period analysed, 1980–2002, shows that the strongest seasonal LOD variations are related to sulphate peak concentrations from the El-Chichón 1982, and Pinatubo and Cerro Hudson 1991 volcanic eruptions. The Earth's rotational energy budget implies that radiative forcing alone cannot produce the observed LOD anomalies. Rather, the required amount of atmospheric kinetic energy can be explained only by a strong influence of sulphate aerosols on energy partitioning into the atmosphere, for example, as sulphate aerosols affect latent heat release and transport during condensation–evaporation–freezing cycles. Overall, the effects of sulphate aerosols on Earth's spin changes are faster than those produced by greenhouse gases.
Magnetic fields in fully convective M-dwarfs: oscillatory dynamos versus bistability
Authors: Kitchatinov L. L. , Moss D. , Sokoloff D. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
M-dwarfs demonstrate two types of activity: (1) strong (kilogauss) almost axisymmetric poloidal magnetic fields; and (2) considerably weaker non-axisymmetric fields, sometimes including a substantial toroidal component. Dynamo bistability has been proposed as an explanation. However, it is not straightforward to obtain such a bistability in dynamo models. On the other hand, the solar magnetic dipole at times of magnetic field inversion becomes transverse to the rotation axis, while the magnetic field becomes weaker at times far from that of inversion. Thus, the Sun resembles a star with the second type of activity. We suggest that M-dwarfs can have magnetic cycles, and that M-dwarfs with the second type of activity can just be stars observed at times of magnetic field inversion. Then the relative number of M-dwarfs with the second type of activity can be used in the framework of this model to determine parameters of stellar convection near the surface.
Effect of Elevated Carbon Dioxide Concentration on Rice Quality: Nutritive Value, Color, Milling, Cooking, and Eating Qualities
Authors: Goufo Piebiep , Falco Virgilio , Brites Carla , Wessel Dulcineia F. , Kratz Sylvia , Rosa Eduardo A. S. , Carranca Corina , Trindade Henrique 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACTIncrease in the atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration ([CO2]) enhanced the concentration of carbohydrates in rice grains, according to results of a previous study. However, its impact on other quality traits is little known. To investigate the effect of CO2 levels (375 and 550 μmol/mol) on rice quality, a field experiment was conducted with open‐top chambers. Elevated [CO2] affected several nutritional parameters of the grain. Whereas the concentration of α‐linolenic acid increased, that of linoleic and γ‐linolenic acids decreased. For example, reductions of 9 and 28% were observed for linoleic acid in the brown rice and for γ‐linolenic acid in the husk, respectively. Phytic acid concentration and zinc bioavailability were unaffected. Whereas iron bioavailability decreased in the brown rice (22%), calcium bioavailability increased in the bran and husk (5–11%). The concentrations of essential amino acids were also reduced; for example, the amount of isoleucine in the white rice, tyrosine in the brown rice, and phenylalanine in the bran decreased by 40, 57, and 23%, respectively. In contrast, elevated [CO2] resulted in improved grain whiteness (3%) and starch viscosity (11%), with no effect on the milling quality. These data indicate that increased [CO2] has both positive and negative effects on quality, depending on the specific end use of the rice grain.
Provider Awareness Alone Does Not Improve Transition Readiness Skills in Adolescent Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Fishman Laurie N. , Ziniel Sonja I. , Adrichem Max E. , Fernandes Susan M. , Arnold Janis 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACTObjective:Adolescent patients with chronic health conditions must gradually assume responsibility for their health. Self‐management skills are needed for a successful transfer from adolescent to adult health care, but the development of these skills could be resource intensive. Pediatric providers are already instrumental in teaching patients about their health and may improve these skills. The aim of the study was to evaluate whether informal education of pediatric providers regarding transition improves inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patient self‐management skills.Methods:Consecutive patients with IBD older than 10 years who presented to the outpatient setting were administered a survey regarding self‐management behaviors in 2008 and 2011. During this time, several conferences on transition were presented to the providers.Results:In 2008, 294 patients completed the survey (82%) compared with 121 patients (89%) in 2011. The patient groups were comparable with respect to sex (boys 50% vs 42%), mean age (16.7 vs 16.2 years), and type of IBD (Crohn 68% vs 66%). The 13‐ to 15‐year‐olds reported calling in refills (11%, 8%, respectively), scheduling clinic appointment (0, 1%), preparing questions (13%, 5%), and taking the main role in talking during clinic visits (15%, 24%). The 16‐ to 18‐year‐olds reported calling in refills (13%, 27%), scheduling clinic appointments (9%, 6%), preparing questions (9%, 16%), and taking the main role in talking in clinic visits (36%, 45%). Responsibility for behaviors gradually increases with age, but did not differ significantly between 2008 and 2011.Conclusions:Increasing awareness around transition readiness for pediatric providers had an insignificant effect on the self‐management skills of patients with IBD. A more formal or structured approach is likely required to improve transition skills in adolescent patients.
Cytochrome P450 CYP81A12 and CYP81A21 Are Associated with Resistance to Two Acetolactate Synthase Inhibitors in Echinochloa phyllopogon
Authors: Iwakami Satoshi , Endo Masaki , Saika Hiroaki , Okuno Junichi , Nakamura Naoki , Yokoyama Masao , Watanabe Hiroaki , Toki Seiichi , Uchino Akira , Inamura Tatsuya 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Previous studies have demonstrated multiple herbicide resistance in California populations of Echinochloa phyllopogon, a noxious weed in rice (Oryza sativa) fields. It was suggested that the resistance to two classes of acetolactate synthase-inhibiting herbicides, bensulfuron-methyl (BSM) and penoxsulam (PX), may be caused by enhanced activities of herbicide-metabolizing cytochrome P450. We investigated BSM metabolism in the resistant (R) and susceptible (S) lines of E. phyllopogon, which were originally collected from different areas in California. R plants metabolized BSM through O-demethylation more rapidly than S plants. Based on available information about BSM tolerance in rice, we isolated and analyzed P450 genes of the CYP81A subfamily in E. phyllopogon. Two genes, CYP81A12 and CYP81A21, were more actively transcribed in R plants compared with S plants. Transgenic Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) expressing either of the two genes survived in media containing BSM or PX at levels at which the wild type stopped growing. Segregation of resistances in the F2 generation from crosses of R and S plants suggested that the resistance to BSM and PX were each under the control of a single regulatory element. In F6 recombinant inbred lines, BSM and PX resistances cosegregated with increased transcript levels of CYP81A12 and CYP81A21. Heterologously produced CYP81A12 and CYP81A21 proteins in yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) metabolized BSM through O-demethylation. Our results suggest that overexpression of the two P450 genes confers resistance to two classes of acetolactate synthase inhibitors to E. phyllopogon. The overexpression of the two genes could be regulated simultaneously by a single trans-acting element in the R line of E. phyllopogon.