bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fruits and vegetables intake and characteristics associated among adolescents from Southern Brazil
Authors: Rieth Marta A , Moreira Marina B , Fuchs Flávio D , Moreira Leila B , Fuchs Sandra C 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Background
Increased body weight has been associated with an unhealthy diet, low consumption of fruits and vegetables. Our objective was to investigate whether adolescents had low intake of fruits and vegetables, and whether gender, age and education could affect the feeding patterns.

Methods
A population-based sample of adolescents, aged 12–19 years, were randomly selected in southern Brazil and included in this cross-sectional study. The total daily consumption of fruits, vegetables, rice and beans were investigated in standardized household interviews, using a food frequency questionnaire and questions, being categorized as five or more servings per day as the five-a-day diet. ANOVA, ANCOVA, and modified Poisson regression were used in the analysis.

Results
Adolescents (n = 568) were included, 49.5% boys, 14.3% had overweight and 8.8% obesity. Approximately 23% of participants consumed five daily servings of fruits and vegetables. It was observed that 36.7% of boys and 31.0% of girls consumed less than one serving of fruit per day, and 58.4% and 44.6%, respectively, consumed less than one serving of vegetables. The consumption of vegetables, fruits, and rice and beans were not independently associated with gender. Overweight was associated with higher intake of five-a-day, independently of confounding factors.

Conclusions
Adolescents from southern Brazil have lower frequency of consumption of five servings a day of fruits and vegetables combined.
Growth of low temperature silicon nano-structures for electronic and electrical energy generation applications
Authors: Gabrielyan Nare , Saranti Konstantina , Manjunatha Krishna Nama , Paul Shashi 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
This paper represents the lowest growth temperature for silicon nano-wires (SiNWs) via a vapour-liquid–solid method, which has ever been reported in the literature. The nano-wires were grown using plasma-enhanced chemical vapour deposition technique at temperatures as low as 150°C using gallium as the catalyst. This study investigates the structure and the size of the grown silicon nano-structure as functions of growth temperature and catalyst layer thickness. Moreover, the choice of the growth temperature determines the thickness of the catalyst layer to be used.
The electrical and optical characteristics of the nano-wires were tested by incorporating them in photovoltaic solar cells, two terminal bistable memory devices and Schottky diode. With further optimisation of the growth parameters, SiNWs, grown by our method, have promising future for incorporation into high performance electronic and optical devices.
Non-Pain-Related CRF1 Activation in the Amygdala Facilitates Synaptic Transmission and Pain Responses
Authors: Ji Guangchen , Fu Yu , Adwanikar Hita , Neugebauer Volker 
Published: February 2013

Background Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) plays an important role in affective states and disorders. CRF is not only a “stress hormone” but also a neuromodulator outside the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis. The amygdala, a brain center for emotions, is a major site of extrahypothalamic expression of CRF and its G-protein-coupled receptors. Our previous studies showed that endogenous activation of CRF1 receptors in an arthritis pain model contributes to amygdala hyperactivity and pain-related behaviors. Here we examined the synaptic and behavioral effects of CRF in the amygdala of normal animals in the absence of tissue injury or disease. Results Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings of neurons in the latero-capsular division of the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeLC) in brain slices from normal rats showed that CRF (0.1–10 nM) increased excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) at the “nociceptive” parabrachio-amygdaloid (PB-CeLC) synapse and also increased neuronal output. Synaptic facilitation involved a postsynaptic action and was blocked by an antagonist for CRF1 (NBI27914, 1 μM) but not CRF2 (astressin-2B, 1 μM) and by an inhibitor of PKA (KT5720, 1 μM) but not PKC (GF109203X, 1 μM). CRF increased a latent NMDA receptor-mediated EPSC, and this effect also required CRF1 and PKA but not CRF2 and PKC. Stereotaxic administration of CRF (10 μM, concentration in microdialysis probe) into the CeLC by microdialysis in awake rats increased audible and ultrasonic vocalizations and decreased hindlimb withdrawal thresholds. Behavioral effects of CRF were blocked by a NBI27914 (100 μM) and KT5720 (100 μM) but not GF109203x (100 μM). CRF effects persisted when HPA axis function was suppressed by pretreatment with dexamethasone (50 μg/kg, subcutaneously). Conclusions Non-pain-related activation of CRF1 receptors in the amygdala can trigger pain-responses in normal animals through a mechanism that involves PKA-dependent synaptic facilitation in CeLC neurons independent of HPA axis function. The results suggest that conditions of increased amygdala CRF levels can contribute to pain in the absence of tissue pathology or disease state.
Assessing the effectiveness and safety of liposomal paclitaxel in combination with cisplatin as first-line chemotherapy for patients with advanced NSCLC with regional lymph-node metastasis: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial (PLC-GC trial)
Authors: Hu Luo , Liang Gong , Yuliang Wang , Bingjing Zhu , Xiangdong Zhou , Rufu Xu 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Background
Lung cancer is still the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Around 80 to 85% of lung cancers are non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Regional lymphatic metastasis is a frequent occurrence in NSCLC, and the extent of lymphatic dissemination significantly determines the prognosis of patients with NSCLC. Hence, identification of alternative treatments for these patients should be considered a priority. Liposomal paclitaxel is a new formulation composed of paclitaxel and liposomes, with favorable pharmacokinetic properties. In particular, it produces dramatically higher drug concentrations in the lymph nodes than occurs with the current formulations of paclitaxel, thus we believe that patients with NSCLC with regional lymphatic metastasis may benefit from this new drug. Cisplatin-based doublet chemotherapy is recommended as the first-line treatment for patients with advanced NSCLC. We have designed a trial to assess whether first-line chemotherapy using liposomal paclitaxel combined with cisplatin (LP regimen) is superior to gemcitabine combined with cisplatin (GP regimen) in efficacy (both short-term and long-term efficacy) and safety (adverse events; AEs).

Method/Design
This is a prospective, open-label, controlled randomized clinical trial (RCT) to assess the therapeutic effects and safety of liposomal paclitaxel. The study aims to enroll 126 patients, who will be randomly allocated to one of the two treatment groups (LP and GP), with 63 patients in each group. Patients will receive four to six cycles of the assigned chemotherapy, and primary outcome will be assessed every two cycles. Patients will be recommended for surgery if the tumor becomes resectable. All participants will be followed up for at least 12 months. The objective response rate (ORR), changes in regional lymphatic metastasis (including number and size) and TNM (tumor, node, metastasis) staging will be the primary outcome measures. Progression-free survival, objective survival, median survival time, 1-year survival rate, toxicity, and time to disease progression will be the secondary outcome measures.

Conclusions
A systematic search has indicated that this proposed study will be the first RCT to evaluate whether liposomal paclitaxel plus cisplatin will have beneficial effects, compared with gemcitabine plus cisplatin, on enhancing ORR, changing TNM staging, improving long-term survival, and reducing the frequency of AEs for patients with NSCLC with regional lymphatic metastasis.

Trial registration

http://www.chictr.org Identifier: ChiCTR-TRC-12602105
Testing experiences of HIV positive refugees in Nakivale Refugee Settlement in Uganda: informing interventions to encourage priority shifting
Authors: O’Laughlin Kelli N , Rouhani Shada A , Faustin Zikama M , Ware Norma C 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Background
Recent initiatives by international health and humanitarian aid organizations have focused increased attention on making HIV testing services more widely available to vulnerable populations. To realize potential health benefits from new services, they must be utilized. This research addresses the question of how utilization of testing services might be encouraged and increased for refugees displaced by conflict, to make better use of existing resources.

Methods
Open-ended interviews were conducted with HIV-infected refugees (N=73) who had tested for HIV and with HIV clinic staff (N=4) in Nakivale Refugee Settlement in southwest Uganda. Interviews focused on accessibility of HIV/AIDS-related testing and care and perspectives on how to improve utilization of testing services. Data collection took place at the Nakivale HIV/AIDS Clinic from March to July of 2011. An inductive approach to data analysis was used to identify factors related to utilization.

Results
In general, interviewees report focusing daily effort on tasks aimed at meeting survival needs. HIV testing is not prioritized over these responsibilities. Under some circumstances, however, HIV testing occurs. This happens when: (a) circumstances realign to trigger a temporary shift in priorities away from daily survival-related tasks; (b) survival needs are temporarily met; and/or (c) conditions shift to alleviate barriers to HIV testing.

Conclusion
HIV testing services provided for refugees must be not just available, but also utilized. Understanding what makes HIV testing possible for refugees who have tested can inform interventions to increase testing in this population. Intervening by encouraging priority shifts toward HIV testing, by helping ensure survival needs are met, and by eliminating barriers to testing, may result in refugees making better use of existing testing services.
Development of a core collection of Triticum and Aegilops species for improvement of wheat for activity against chronic diseases
Authors: Santra Meenakshi , Matthews Shawna B , Thompson Henry J 
Published: February 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe objective of this study was to develop a core collection ofTriticumandAegilopsspecies as a resource for the identification and characterization of wheat lines with preventive activity against chronic diseases. Given that cancer is the leading cause of mortality in the world and shares risk factors with obesity, type-2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, and given that wheat has been reported to protect against these diseases, the core collection was developed based on cancer prevalence.MethodsThe Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN) database was used to identifyTriticumandAegilopsspecies grown in regions of the world that vary in cancer prevalence based on the International Agency for Cancer Research GLOBOCAN world map of cancer statistics (2008). Cancer incidence data drove variety selection with secondary consideration of ploidy, center of origin, and climate.ResultsAnalysis indicated that the geographic regions from which wheat is considered to have originated have a lower incidence of cancer than other geographic regions (P<0.01), so wheat lines from countries that comprise the ‘Fertile Crescent’ were highly represented in the core collection. A total of 188 lines were selected from 62,571 accessions maintained by GRIN. The accessions identified comprised two genera and 14 taxa of 10 species within 19 groups from 82 countries. The core collection is comprised of 153 spring, 25 winter, and five facultative selections of wheat.ConclusionsA diverse core collection of wheat germplasm has been established from a range of regions worldwide. This core collection will be used to identify wheat lines with activity against chronic diseases using anticancer activity as a screening tool.
A necrotic stimulus is required to maximize matrix-mediated myogenesis in mice
Authors: Kuraitis Drew , Berardinelli Maria Grazia , Suuronen Erik J. , Musarò Antonio 
Published: February 2013

Summary
Biomaterials that are similar to skeletal muscle extracellular matrix have been shown to augment regeneration in ischemic muscle. In this study, treatment with a collagen-based matrix stimulated molecular myogenesis in an mdx murine model of necrosis. Matrix-treated animals ran ≥40% further, demonstrating functional regeneration, and expressed increased levels of myogenic transcripts. By contrast, matrix treatment was unable to induce transcriptional or functional changes in an MLC/SOD1G93A atrophic mouse model. In vitro, satellite cells were cultured under standard conditions, on matrix, in the presence of myocyte debris (to simulate a necrotic-like environment) or with both matrix and necrotic stimuli. Exposure to both matrix and necrotic stimuli induced the greatest increases in mef2c, myf5, myoD and myogenin transcripts. Furthermore, conditioned medium collected from satellite cells cultured with both stimuli contained elevated levels of factors that modulate satellite cell activation and proliferation, such as FGF-2, HGF and SDF-1. Application of the conditioned medium to C2C12 myoblasts accelerated maturation, as demonstrated by increased mef2c, myf5 and myogenin transcripts and fusion indexes. In summary, the collagen matrix required a necrotic stimulus to enhance the maturation of satellite cells and their secretion of a myogenic cocktail. Considering that matrix treatment supports myogenesis only in in vivo models that exhibit necrosis, this study demonstrates that a necrotic environment is required to maximize matrix-mediated myogenesis.
A numerical and experimental study regarding the influence of some process parameters on the damage state in wood chips
Authors: Isaksson Per , Gradin Per A. , Hellström Lisbeth M. 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
The specific energy consumption during mechanical refining operation can be reduced by choosing the optimal process parameters in the wood chipping process such that a beneficial pretreatment is obtained. In the case of the utilization of a larger knife-edge angle, which is one such process parameter, the energy reduction is presumably due to the increased compressive loading parallel to the wood fibers. In the present article, a chip damage parameter D of spruce is in focus, which is relevant for cracking parallel to the fibers. D is defined and its dependence on the chip length and edge angle of the chipping knife is analyzed numerically by means of finite element analyses (FEA). The cutting force was measured in a pilot wood chipper for a number of knife-edge angles. There is a good correlation between the experimental results and those of FEA.
Liberalism, Social Justice, and Individual Responsibility
Authors: de Vita Álvaro 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThe study examines the contemporary normative debate on social justice from the perspective of the normative political theory of “egalitarian liberalism”. Contrary to an anti-egalitarian liberal political theory, or “libertarianism”, the argument is that a notion of “effective freedom”, and not negative freedom, is central to egalitarian liberalism. Additionally, in contrast to a theoretical current of egalitarianism known as “luck egalitarianism”, the article further argues that although egalitarian liberalism assigns special importance to individual responsibility, it does so (unlike luck egalitarianism) without implying any concession to the conservative critique of egalitarianism and the state’s redistributive action.
Raman Spectroscopy of Ion-Implanted Silicon
Authors: Tuschel David D. , Lavine James P. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractRaman spectroscopy is used to characterize silicon implanted with boron at a dose of 1014/cm2 or less and thermally annealed. The Raman scattering strengths and band shapes of the first-order optical mode at 520 cm-1 and of the second-order phonon modes are investigated to determine which modes are sensitive to the boron implant. The asimplanted samples show diminishing Raman scattering strength as the boron dose increases when the incident laser beam is 60° with respect to the sample normal. Thermal annealing restores some of the Raman scattering strength. Three excitation wavelengths are used and the shortest, 457.9 nm, yields the greatest spectral differences from unimplanted silicon. The backscattering geometry shows a variety of changes in the Raman spectrum upon boron implantation. These involve band shifts of the first-order optical mode, bandwidth variations of the first-order optical mode, and the intensity of the second-order mode at 620 cm-1.
Health-related quality of life in patients with coronary artery disease after coronary revascularization
Authors: Tasić Ivan , Lazarević Gordana , Stojanović Miomir , Kostić Svetlana , Rihter Marija , Djordjević Dragan , Simonović Dejan , Vulić Dušan , Stefanović Vladisav 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the quality of life (HRQoL) in coronary artery disease(CAD) patients, admitted for rehabilitation within 3 months after an acute coronary event, in relation to treatment strategy [conservative treatment without revascularization (WR), percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA), coronary artery bypass graft (CABG)]. Methods: Overall 719 consecutive CAD patients were involved in the study: WR (n=170), PTCA (n=226), CABG (n=323). HRQoL was estimated using the SF-36 questionnaire for total QoL and its two dimensions for physical and mental health [physical and mental component scores (PCS, MCS)]. Sexual dysfunction was assessed using the ASEX scale. Results: Significantly higher PCS, MCS and total SF-36, but lower ASEX score, were found in men compared with women. The ASEX score was significantly affected by age. Significantly higher PCS was found in PTCA group compared with that of CABG group. In multivariate analysis a significant positive association was obtained between PCS/MCS and male sex, between regular exercise, hyperlipoproteinemia, and permanent stress. ASEX was significantly positively associated with the age, CHF and non smoking. Conclusion: The results of this study have demonstrated significantly better HRQoL in men, younger CAD patients, patients who underwent PTCA and in patients without self-reported exposition to stress.
Acute abdomen due to bladder perforation in a patient with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Habek Dubravko , Pavelić-Turudić Tatjana , Vukelić Milka , Mazul-Sunko Branka 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
The authors presented a case report of the acute abdomen with pelvic abscess because bladder perforation in a 21-year-old patient with multiple sclerosis and intermittent catheterization of the urinary bladder.
A Review Of The Literature And Media Reports Of Patterns Of Mental Health Stigma And Addressing Stigma In Slovenia Until 2010 / Pregled Literature In Medijskih Poročil O Stigmatizaciji Ljudi Z Duševnimi Motnajmi In O Ukrepih Proti Stigmi V Sloveniji Do Leta 2010
Authors: Valič Maja , Knifton Lee , Švab Vesna 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

As part of the ASPEN (Anti-Stigma Programme - European Network) project’s Work Package 4 (‘Anti-stigma’ best
practice), Aspen sites were to conduct a literature review on stigma in their country. In Slovenia, besides the peer
review publications and reports, we also included all media reports on stigma in the last five years to illustrate the
impact of various professional and public initiatives to reduce stigma and discrimination against depression.
The Slovenian report includes several areas of mental health stigma defined through peer reviewed literature and
other professional publications.
The Double-Edged Sword of RP: the Contrasting Roles of a Pronunciation Model in both Native and Non-native Environments
Authors: Ježek Miroslav 
Published: February 2013

Received Pronunciation (RP) is often studied as the pronunciation model in Great Britain and non-English-speaking countries separately. What my paper focuses on is the duality with which RP is essentially endowed: the role(s) in which it has to satisfy the needs of both native and non-native speakers of English.
Whilst the claim that RP has changed recently goes unchallenged, the issue of reflecting these changes in the preferred transcription models is hotly debated. Upton’s model of RP is one that does include several new symbols, motivated by an attempt to ‘ensure that the description of a late twentieth century version the accent […] looks forward to the new millennium rather than back at increasingly outmoded forms’ (2001:352). I discuss the feasibility of adopting Upton’s model of RP as the pronunciation model in non-English speaking countries, where it is desirable to resolve the paradox that ‘most of our teaching is aimed at young people, but the model we provide is that of middle-aged or old speakers’ (Roach 2005: 394).
The observations I make are largely based on my MA research, which is now being modified for the purposes of my Ph.D. I asked undergraduate students of English in England and the Czech Republic to evaluate seven voices ranging from the clearly regional to the unquestionably RP. The objective was to discover which sounds are considered to fall within the scope of RP by students in both countries, which approach avoids treating RP as though it were to include only the sounds ‘allowed by a preconceived model’ (Upton 2000: 78). Further, the respondents were asked to comment on the most salient features in the recordings: what they opted to comment on reveals a marked difference in the role of RP as a model accent in the given countries. Societies which lack a prestigious non-regional accent are often oblivious to the social connotations RP carries. Whilst it seems technically impossible to replace the model accent in all teaching materials all over the world, creating awareness of the fact that a rather outmoded model of RP found in many textbooks may not always be the best option is a necessary step towards ensuring that non-English speaking students are not only understood but that their speech will attract no adverse judgements.