bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An analysis of potential barriers and enablers to regulating the television marketing of unhealthy foods to children at the state government level in Australia
Authors: Chung Alexandra , Shill Jane , Swinburn Boyd , Mavoa Helen , Lawrence Mark , Loff Bebe , Crammond Bradley , Sacks Gary , Allender Steven , Peeters Anna 
Published: December 2012

Abstract

Background
In Australia there have been many calls for government action to halt the effects of unhealthy food marketing on children's health, yet implementation has not occurred. The attitudes of those involved in the policy-making process towards regulatory intervention governing unhealthy food marketing are not well understood. The objective of this research was to understand the perceptions of senior representatives from Australian state and territory governments, statutory authorities and non-government organisations regarding the feasibility of state-level government regulation of television marketing of unhealthy food to children in Australia.

Method
Data from in-depth semi-structured interviews with senior representatives from state and territory government departments, statutory authorities and non-government organisations (n=22) were analysed to determine participants' views about regulation of television marketing of unhealthy food to children at the state government level. Data were analysed using content and thematic analyses.

Results
Regulation of television marketing of unhealthy food to children was supported as a strategy for obesity prevention. Barriers to implementing regulation at the state level were: the perception that regulation of television advertising is a Commonwealth, not state/territory, responsibility; the power of the food industry and; the need for clear evidence that demonstrates the effectiveness of regulation. Evidence of community support for regulation was also cited as an important factor in determining feasibility.

Conclusions
The regulation of unhealthy food marketing to children is perceived to be a feasible strategy for obesity prevention however barriers to implementation at the state level exist. Those involved in state-level policy making generally indicated a preference for Commonwealth-led regulation. This research suggests that implementation of regulation of the television marketing of unhealthy food to children should ideally occur under the direction of the Commonwealth government. However, given that regulation is technically feasible at the state level, in the absence of Commonwealth action, states/territories could act independently. The relevance of our findings is likely to extend beyond Australia as unhealthy food marketing to children is a global issue.
In the face of war: examining sexual vulnerabilities of Acholi adolescent girls living in displacement camps in conflict-affected Northern Uganda
Authors: Patel Sheetal H , Muyinda Herbert , Sewankambo Nelson K , Oyat Geoffrey , Atim Stella , Spittal Patricia M 
Published: December 2012

Abstract

Background
Adolescent girls are an overlooked group within conflict-affected populations and their sexual health needs are often neglected. Girls are disproportionately at risk of HIV and other STIs in times of conflict, however the lack of recognition of their unique sexual health needs has resulted in a dearth of distinctive HIV protection and prevention responses. Departing from the recognition of a paucity of literature on the distinct vulnerabilities of girls in time of conflict, this study sought to deepen the knowledge base on this issue by qualitatively exploring the sexual vulnerabilities of adolescent girls surviving abduction and displacement in Northern Uganda.

Methods
Over a ten-month period between 2004–2005, at the height of the Lord’s Resistance Army insurgency in Northern Uganda, 116 in-depth interviews and 16 focus group discussions were held with adolescent girls and adult women living in three displacement camps in Gulu district, Northern Uganda. The data was transcribed and key themes and common issues were identified. Once all data was coded the ethnographic software programme ATLAS was used to compare and contrast themes and categories generated in the in-depth interviews and focus group discussions.

Results
Our results demonstrated the erosion of traditional Acholi mentoring and belief systems that had previously served to protect adolescent girls’ sexuality. This disintegration combined with: the collapse of livelihoods; being left in camps unsupervised and idle during the day; commuting within camp perimeters at night away from the family hut to sleep in more central locations due to privacy and insecurity issues, and; inadequate access to appropriate sexual health information and services, all contribute to adolescent girls’ heightened sexual vulnerability and subsequent enhanced risk for HIV/AIDS in times of conflict.

Conclusions
Conflict prevention planners, resettlement programme developers, and policy-makers need to recognize adolescent girls affected by armed conflict as having distinctive needs, which require distinctive responses. More adaptive and sustainable gender-sensitive reproductive health strategies and HIV prevention initiatives for displaced adolescent girls in conflict settings must be developed.
Optimization of dye adsorption time and film thickness for efficient ZnO dye-sensitized solar cells with high at-rest stability
Authors: Chang Wei-Chen , Lee Chia-Hua , Yu Wan-Chin , Lin Chun-Min 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
Photoelectrodes for dye-sensitized solar cells were fabricated using commercially available zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles and sensitized with the dye N719. This study systematically investigates the effects of two fabrication factors: the ZnO film thickness and the dye adsorption time. Results show that these two fabrication factors must be optimized simultaneously to obtain efficient ZnO/N719-based cells. Different film thicknesses require different dye adsorption times for optimal cell performance. This is because a prolonged dye adsorption time leads to a significant deterioration in cell performance. This is contrary to what is normally observed for titanium dioxide-based cells. The highest overall power conversion efficiency obtained in this study was 5.61%, which was achieved by 26-μm-thick photoelectrodes sensitized in a dye solution for 2 h. In addition, the best-performing cell demonstrated remarkable at-rest stability despite the use of a liquid electrolyte. Approximately 70% of the initial efficiency remained after more than 1 year of room-temperature storage in the dark. To better understand how dye adsorption time affects electron transport properties, this study also investigated cells based on 26-μm-thick films using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The EIS results show good agreement with the measured device performance parameters.
Best proximity point results in geodesic metric spaces
Authors: Alghamdi Maryam A , Alghamdi Mohammed A , Shahzad Naseer 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
In this paper, the existence of a best proximity point for relatively u-continuous mappings is proved in geodesic metric spaces. As an application, we discuss the existence of common best proximity points for a family of not necessarily commuting relatively u-continuous mappings.
Classifications of solutions of second-order nonlinear neutral differential equations of mixed type
Authors: Thandapani E , Padmavathi S , Pinelas S 
Published: December 2012

AbstractIn this paper the authors classified all solutions of the second-order nonlinear neutral differential equations of mixed type,(a(t)(x(t)+bx(t−τ1)+cx(t+τ2))′)′+p(t)xα(t−σ1)+q(t)xβ(t+σ2)=0,into four classes and obtained conditions for the existence/non-existence of solutions in these classes. Examples are provided to illustrate the main results.MSC:34C15.
Stabilization of Lur’e-type nonlinear control systems by Lyapunov-Krasovskii functionals
Authors: Shatyrko Andrei , Diblík Josef , Khusainov Denys , Růžičková Miroslava 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
The paper deals with the stabilization problem of Lur’e-type nonlinear indirect control systems with time-delay argument. The sufficient conditions for absolute stability of the control system are established in the form of matrix algebraic inequalities and are obtained by the direct Lyapunov method.

MSC:34H15, 34K20, 93C10, 93D05.
Computing center conditions for non-analytic ninth degree vector fields with constant angular speed
Authors: Ren Qingjun , Huang Yikun , Li Feng 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
We investigate the planar ninth degree non-analytic Poincare systems which have center-focus equilibriums at the origins. Those systems could be changed into analytic systems by two transformations with the help of computer algebra system MATHEMATICA. The conditions of uniform isochronous center are obtained. Furthermore, we prove that five limit cycles could be bifurcated from the origin.

MSC:34C05, 34C07.
The InterHerz project - a web-based psychological treatment for cardiac patients with depression: study protocol of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Messerli-Bürgy Nadine , Barth Jürgen , Berger Thomas 
Published: December 2012

Abstract

Background
Patients with heart disease often suffer from difficulties in psychological adaptation during cardiac rehabilitation. Mood disorders such as depression are known to be highly prevalent in cardiac patients and to have a negative impact on the progression of coronary heart disease. However, cardiac patients have difficulties to get psychological treatments due to low availability and motivational difficulties. Web-based interventions have been proven to be effective in treating depressive symptoms. Deprexis is a promising web-based psychological treatment which was devised for depressed patients. The aim of the study InterHerz is to examine if Deprexis is an effective psychological treatment to reduce stress and depression in cardiac patients.

Methods/Design
The sample will consist of 80 depressed patients randomized to an intervention group or a waitlist (10 weeks). Patients are recruited via cardiologists, cardiac rehabilitation units and the website of the Swiss Heart Foundation. Patients have access to a guided self-help program in which they work themselves through several modules and receive feedback from a clinical psychologist. Pre- and post-assessments, and a six-month follow-up, are conducted using online questionnaires and diagnostic interviews.

Discussion
Deprexis is a new web-based treatment which has the potential to help depressed cardiac patients with limited access to psychological treatment to increase their mental health.

Trial registration
Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN45945396
Intravesical colistin irrigation to treat multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii urinary tract infection: a case report
Authors: Volkow-Fernández Patricia , Rodríguez Cecilia Franco , Cornejo-Juárez Patricia 
Published: December 2012

Abstract

Introduction

Acinetobacter baumannii is a Gram-negative bacteria and a significant nosocomial pathogen in hospitals. Multidrug-resistant A. baumannii have emerged as a cause of nosocomial infections in critically ill patients. This microorganism has the ability to produce biofilms on different surfaces, which could explain their ability to persist in clinical environments and their role in device-related infections.

Case presentation
We present the case of a 33-year-old Hispanic man with local invasive retroperitoneal leiomyosarcoma and right kidney exclusion along with femoral venous thrombosis, who was admitted for tumor resection. He had been receiving multiple nephrotoxic antibiotics for a long time (including tigecycline and colistimethate sodium) and had a persistent urinary infection related to multidrug-resistant A. baumannii (with susceptibility to colistimethate). Colistimethate was administered through a three-lumen urinary device for continuous urinary irrigation over seven days. Our patient did not refer to any adverse effects. A urine culture control taken at the end of the irrigation and another taken 10 days later were negative.

Conclusion
Colistimethate sodium and other antimicrobials infused by urinary irrigation can be a good option in patients in whom parenteral administration could be toxic.
Spontaneous coronary artery dissection causing acute myocardial infarction in a 62-year-old postmenopausal woman without co-morbidities: a case report
Authors: Mujtaba Sobia , Srinivas Vankeepuram S , Taub Cynthia C 
Published: December 2012

Abstract

Introduction
Spontaneous coronary artery dissection is an important yet rare cause of acute coronary syndrome. The available literature shows a higher risk factor for women, notably during pregnancy and puerperium. The incidence in postmenopausal women is exceedingly rare, and is more commonly seen in association with concurrent predisposing factors.
We illustrate an extremely rare case of a 62-year-old post-menopausal woman presenting with an acute myocardial infarction secondary to spontaneous dissection of the left anterior descending artery. Subsequent investigations did not reveal the presence of any co-morbidities.
To the best of our knowledge, our patient is one of the oldest documented cases of spontaneous coronary artery dissection on record, and is notable for having no known underlying risk factors for development of spontaneous coronary artery dissection.
Given the paucity of literature on spontaneous coronary artery dissection, particularly in postmenopausal women, we believe this case will provide further insight into the clinical presentation and management of this rare entity.

Case presentation
A 62-year-old previously healthy postmenopausal Hispanic woman presented with chest pain and was found to have an ST elevation myocardial infarction. Cardiac catheterization revealed a dissection in her left anterior descending artery. Revascularization was deferred; our patient received appropriate medical management and remained asymptomatic. A full panel of tests was done to exclude underlying connective tissue disorders and vasculitis. On subsequent follow-up, our patient continued to do well and all work-up was reported as negative.

Conclusion
We describe the varied presentation and subsequent management of a case of spontaneous coronary artery dissection and highlight the importance of considering spontaneous coronary artery dissection as a differential diagnosis even in older, postmenopausal women.
The consequences of a delay in diagnosis and appropriate management are associated with a high mortality and morbidity; hence we believe that reporting all cases of spontaneous coronary artery dissection, particularly in postmenopausal women, will add invaluable information to the limited literature on this rare condition.
Intracranial cystic chondroma: a case report
Authors: Uddin Muhammad Muzaffer , Ashraf Junaid , Memon Akhtar Amin , Ali Jamshed 
Published: December 2012

Abstract

Introduction
Intracranial chondromas are rare benign tumors with an incidence of 0.2% to 0.3% of all intracranial tumors. This is the first case of an intracranial chondroma reported from Pakistan.

Case presentation
We report a case of a 23-year-old Asian man presenting with intracerebral chondroma of the left frontal lobe, which was eroding the dura matter. The intracranial chondroma was completely removed by surgery.

Conclusion
Intracranial chondromas are rare benign cartilaginous tumors. Through this case presentation we have discussed the diagnostic procedures, radiological and pathological findings. The purpose of presenting such a rare case is to develop awareness among clinicians and medical students and to highlight the requirement of immediate actions to ensure proper management of such cases.
Orofacial neuropathic pain mouse model induced by Trigeminal Inflammatory Compression (TIC) of the infraorbital nerve
Authors: Ma Fei , Zhang Liping , Lyons Danielle , Westlund Karin N 
Published: December 2012

AbstractBackgroundTrigeminal neuropathic pain attacks can be excruciating for patients, even after being lightly touched. Although there are rodent trigeminal nerve research models to study orofacial pain, few models have been applied to studies in mice. A mouse trigeminal inflammatory compression (TIC) model is introduced here which successfully and reliably promotes vibrissal whisker pad hypersensitivity.ResultsThe chronic orofacial neuropathic pain model is induced after surgical placement of chromic gut suture in the infraorbital nerve fissure in the maxillary bone. Slight compression and chemical effects of the chromic gut suture on the portion of the infraorbital nerve contacted cause mild nerve trauma. Nerve edema is observed in the contacting infraorbital nerve bundle as well as macrophage infiltration in the trigeminal ganglia. Centrally in the spinal trigeminal nucleus, increased immunoreactivity for an activated microglial marker is evident (OX42, postoperative day 70). Mechanical thresholds of the affected whisker pad are significantly decreased on day 3 after chromic gut suture placement, persisting at least 10 weeks. The mechanical allodynia is reversed by suppression of microglial activation. Cold allodynia was detected at 4 weeks.ConclusionsA simple, effective, and reproducible chronic mouse model mimicking clinical orofacial neuropathic pain (Type 2) is induced by placing chromic gut suture between the infraorbital nerve and the maxillary bone. The method produces mild inflammatory compression with significant continuous mechanical allodynia persisting at least 10 weeks and cold allodynia measureable at 4 weeks.
Strand-specific libraries for high throughput RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) prepared without poly(A) selection
Authors: Zhang Zhao , Theurkauf William E , Weng Zhiping , Zamore Phillip D 
Published: December 2012

Abstract

Background
High throughput DNA sequencing technology has enabled quantification of all the RNAs in a cell or tissue, a method widely known as RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq). However, non-coding RNAs such as rRNA are highly abundant and can consume >70% of sequencing reads. A common approach is to extract only polyadenylated mRNA; however, such approaches are blind to RNAs with short or no poly(A) tails, leading to an incomplete view of the transcriptome. Another challenge of preparing RNA-Seq libraries is to preserve the strand information of the RNAs.

Design
Here, we describe a procedure for preparing RNA-Seq libraries from 1 to 4 μg total RNA without poly(A) selection. Our method combines the deoxyuridine triphosphate (dUTP)/uracil-DNA glycosylase (UDG) strategy to achieve strand specificity with AMPure XP magnetic beads to perform size selection. Together, these steps eliminate gel purification, allowing a library to be made in less than two days. We barcode each library during the final PCR amplification step, allowing several samples to be sequenced in a single lane without sacrificing read length. Libraries prepared using this protocol are compatible with Illumina GAII, GAIIx and HiSeq 2000 platforms.

Discussion
The RNA-Seq protocol described here yields strand-specific transcriptome libraries without poly(A) selection, which provide approximately 90% mappable sequences. Typically, more than 85% of mapped reads correspond to protein-coding genes and only 6% derive from non-coding RNAs. The protocol has been used to measure RNA transcript identity and abundance in tissues from flies, mice, rats, chickens, and frogs, demonstrating its general applicability.
Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characterization of a new formulation containing synergistic proportions of interferons alpha-2b and gamma (HeberPAG®) in patients with mycosis fungoides: an open-label trial
Authors: García-Vega Yanelda , García-García Idrian , Collazo-Caballero Sonia E , Santely-Pravia Egla E , Cruz-Ramírez Alieski , Tuero-Iglesias Ángela D , Alfonso-Alvarado Cristian , Cabrera-Placeres Mileidys , Castro-Basart Nailet , Duncan-Roberts Yaquelín , Carballo-Treto Tania I , Soto-Matos Josanne , Izquierdo-Toledo Yoandy , Vázquez-Blomquist Dania , García-Iglesias Elizeth , Bello-Rivero Iraldo 
Published: December 2012

AbstractBackgroundThe synergistic combination of interferon (IFN) alpha-2b and IFN gamma results in more potentin vitrobiological effects mediated by both IFNs. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate by first time the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of this combination in patients with mycosis fungoides.MethodsAn exploratory, prospective, open-label clinical trial was conducted. Twelve patients, both genders, 18 to 75 years-old, with mycosis fungoides at stages IB to III, were eligible for the study. All of them received intramuscularly a single high dose (23 × 106 IU) of a novel synergistic IFN mixture (HeberPAG®) for pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies. Serum IFN alpha-2b and IFN gamma concentrations were measured during 96 hours by commercial enzyme immunoassays (EIA) specific for each IFN. Other blood IFN-inducible markers and laboratory variables were used as pharmacodynamics and safety criteria.ResultsThe pharmacokinetic evaluation by EIA yielded a similar pattern for both IFNs that are also in agreement with the well-known described profiles for these molecules when these are administered separately. The average values for main parameters were: Cmax: 263 and 9.3 pg/mL; Tmax: 9.5 and 6.9 h; AUC: 4483 and 87.5 pg.h/mL, half-life (t1/2): 4.9 and 13.4 h; mean residence time (MRT): 13.9 and 13.5 h, for serum IFN alpha-2b and IFN gamma, respectively. The pharmacodynamic variables were strongly stimulated by simultaneous administration of both IFNs: serum neopterin and beta-2 microglobulin levels (β2M), and stimulation of 2’-5’ oligoadenylate synthetase (OAS1) mRNA expression. The most encouraging data was the high increment of serum neopterin, 8.0 ng/mL at 48 h, not been described before for any unmodified or pegylated IFN. Additionally, β2M concentration doubled the pre-dose value at 24–48 hours. For both variables the values remained clearly upper baseline levels at 96 hours.ConclusionsHeberPAG®possesses improved pharmacodynamic properties that may be very useful in the oncologic setting. Efficacy trials can be carried out to confirm these findings.Trial registrationRegistro Público Cubano de Ensayos ClínicosRPCEC00000130
Differences in employment outcomes for college town stayers and leavers
Authors: Winters John V 
Published: December 2012

AbstractNew college graduates must choose whether to stay in the geographic area where they completed their degree or move to a new location to begin their careers. This paper classifies 41 U.S. metropolitan areas as “college towns” and investigates differences in employment outcomes between college graduates who stay in the college town where they obtained their degree and college graduates who leave after completing their degree. We find that college town stayers experience less favorable employment outcomes along multiple dimensions. On average, stayers earn lower annual and hourly wages and work in less educated occupations.JEL codesJ61, R23