bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Upper airway changes in Pierre Robin sequence from childhood to adulthood
Authors: Staudt C. B. , Gnoinski W. M. , Peltomäki T. 
Published: January 2013

Structured AbstractObjectivesTo investigate pharyngeal airway changes in patients with Pierre Robin sequence (PRS) longitudinally from childhood to adulthood.Setting and Sample PopulationCleft Lip and Palate Unit, Clinic of Orthodontics, University of Zurich. Twenty‐four patients born between 1970 and 1990 with non‐syndromic PRS.Materials and MethodsLateral cephalograms at age 5 (T1), 10 (T2), 15 (T3) and 20 (T4) years were available. Variables describing pharyngeal airway dimensions, soft palate morphology, tongue and hyoid position, skeletal morphology and head posture were assessed.ResultsA significant increase in nasopharyngeal depth was found over the entire observation period (T1 10.7 to T4 19.1 mm, p < 0.001), especially between T2 and T3 (change 3.8 mm, p < 0.001), and was mainly due to adenoid recession (r = −0.75, p < 0.001; variation explained by 56%). Increase in velopharyngeal depth mainly took place between T3 and T4 (change 2.3 mm, p < 0.01). It was due to more anterior tongue posture (r = 0.65, p < 0.001; 42.5% of variation explained), in turn allowing the soft palate to take a more vertical position (r = −0.52, p < 0.001). Increase in oropharyngeal depth was associated with head extension and anterior mandibular positioning (36% of variation explained). However, significance was not reached (T1 8.3 to T4 9.8 mm, p > 0.05).ConclusionsUpper airway dimensions in children with PRS improve with time, except for the oropharyngeal airway. Despite large interindividual variation, the mean remained in the lower reaches of normality described in other studies. Thus, further research should investigate the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnoea in adults with PRS.
Can light‐field photography ease focusing on the scalp and oral cavity?
Authors: Taheri Arash , Feldman Steven R. 
Published: January 2013

BackgroundCapturing a well‐focused image using an autofocus camera can be difficult in oral cavity and on a hairy scalp. Light‐field digital cameras capture data regarding the color, intensity, and direction of rays of light. Having information regarding direction of rays of light, computer software can be used to focus on different subjects in the field after the image data have been captured.MethodsA light‐field camera was used to capture the images of the scalp and oral cavity. The related computer software was used to focus on scalp or different parts of oral cavity. The final pictures were compared with pictures taken with conventional, compact, digital cameras.ResultsThe camera worked well for oral cavity. It also captured the pictures of scalp easily; however, we had to repeat clicking between the hairs on different points to choose the scalp for focusing. A major drawback of the system was the resolution of the resulting pictures that was lower than conventional digital cameras.ConclusionLight‐field digital cameras are fast and easy to use. They can capture more information on the full depth of field compared with conventional cameras. However, the resolution of the pictures is relatively low.
Step rate-determined walking intensity and walking recommendation in Chinese young adults: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Wang Huan , Zhang Yan-feng , Xu Liang-liang , Jiang Chong-min 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThere is lack of data on the physiological characteristics of over ground walking and walking recommendations for Chinese young adult. The purpose of the study was to measure walking-related energy expenditure during field testing, to identify step-rate cut-point associated with moderate and vigorous intensity, and to translate physical activity (PA) guidelines into walking goals for Chinese young adults.DesignCross-sectional analytic study.SettingTwo communities from Beijing and Shanghai in China.ParticipantsA sample of 226 Chinese adults (117 men, 109 women) with a mean age of 21.7 (±0.2) years, volunteered to participate in the study. All Participants were recreationally active without orthopaedic limitations, free of chronic diseases, not taking any medications that affect metabolism and non-smokers.Outcome measuresAll the participants completed four 6 minincremental over ground walking at different speeds of 3.8, 4.8, 5.6 and 6.4 km/h, respectively. Indirect calorimeter was used to measure energy expenditure at each speed. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to determine the step-rate cut-points associated with moderate and vigorous intensity activity.ResultsAt the same walking speed, step counts per minute were higher in women than in men. No significant differences were found in VO2per weight (ml/kg/min) between women and men. Step-rate cut-point associated with walking at 3 metabolic equivalents (METs) and 6METs were 105 and 130 step/min when analysing men and women together. There were slight differences on the cut-points between women and men if data were analysed separately.ConclusionsIn order to meet PA guidelines, Chinese young adult should walk 30 min with at least 105 step/min or 3150 steps or 2 km with the same step-rate per day. Walking at a higher speed of 130 step/min might provide additional health benefit.
Pheromonal bile acid 3-ketopetromyzonol sulfate primes the neuroendocrine system in sea lamprey
Authors: Chung-Davidson Yu-Wen , Wang Huiyong , Siefkes Michael J , Bryan Mara B , Wu Hong , Johnson Nicholas S , Li Weiming 
Published: January 2013

Abstract

Background
Vertebrate pheromones are known to prime the endocrine system, especially the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. However, no known pheromone molecule has been shown to modulate directly the synthesis or release of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH), the main regulator of the HPG axis. We selected sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) as a model system to determine whether a single pheromone component alters the output of GnRH.
Sea lamprey male sex pheromones contain a main component, 7α, 12α, 24-trihydroxy-5α-cholan-3-one 24-sulfate (3 keto-petromyzonol sulfate or 3kPZS), which has been shown to modulate behaviors of mature females. Through a series of experiments, we tested the hypothesis that 3kPZS modulates both synthesis and release of GnRH, and subsequently, HPG output in immature sea lamprey.

Results
The results showed that natural male pheromone mixtures induced differential steroid responses but facilitated sexual maturation in both sexes of immature animals (χ2 = 5.042, dF = 1, p < 0.05). Exposure to 3kPZS increased plasma 15α-hydroxyprogesterone (15α-P) concentrations (one-way ANOVA, p < 0.05) and brain gene expressions (genes examined: three lamprey (l) GnRH-I transcripts, lGnRH-III, Jun and Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK); one-way ANOVA, p < 0.05), but did not alter the number of GnRH neurons in the hypothalamus in immature animals. In addition, 3kPZS treatments increased lGnRH peptide concentrations in the forebrain and modulated their levels in plasma. Overall, 3kPZS modulation of HPG axis is more pronounced in immature males than in females.

Conclusions
We conclude that a single male pheromone component primes the HPG axis in immature sea lamprey in a sexually dimorphic manner.
How Geomechanical Data Integration Helped Constrain the Placement of the First Horizontal Well in a New Tight Gas Field
Authors: Bate Kevin J , Qobi Latifa , Kindy Sulaiman 
Published: January 2013

Abstract
In 2009 Petroleum Development Oman LLC (PDO) started an ambitious tight and deep gas exploration programme exploring for previously untapped reservoirs. The exploration strategy is focusing on both conventional tight gas plays as well as deep unconventional gas resources. These resources are typically in previously undrilled formations at great depths, with high temperatures and unknown pressure regimes, and uncertain fluid fill and composition. The unique geological properties of this type of reservoir require different strategies and technology deployment in order to make them viable and sustainable.
With unique Geomechanical, reservoir, and geological properties, some of the large gas-bearing prospects within the Fahud Basin in the Sultanate of Oman require innovative drilling and completion practices. A revised drilling and completion workflow, with specific technology deployment and operational flexibility, has been developed in order to account for such reservoir complexity. This workflow includes the incorporation of rock strength acquisition and stress state of the reservoir prior to completion, in order to identify targets for hydraulic fracturing and quantify hydraulic fracturing performance versus reservoir deliverability. The unparalled challenges encountered whilst exploring for these resources required resolving to new technologies from outside the region and adapting them to local conditions (Briner et al, 2012).
This paper demonstrates how the understanding of the Geomechanical stress regime obtained through the integration of data from multiple Petroleum Engineering disciplines helped to determine the location & orientation for the first horizontal well in a new Tight Gas discovery. In addition the paper will summarize the results of a Geomechanical analysis that aided the planning of appropriate hydraulic system to maintain borehole integrity in the Build-Up and Horizontal sections of the well through the highly stressed overburden and reservoir sections.
A comparison of the String Gradient Weighted Moving Finite Element method and a Parabolic Moving Mesh Partial Differential Equation method for solutions of partial differential equations
Authors: Wacher Abigail 
Published: January 2013

Abstract
We compare numerical experiments from the String Gradient Weighted Moving Finite Element method and a Parabolic Moving Mesh Partial Differential Equation method, applied to three benchmark problems based on two different partial differential equations. Both methods are described in detail and we highlight some strengths and weaknesses of each method via the numerical comparisons. The two equations used in the benchmark problems are the viscous Burgers’ equation and the porous medium equation, both in one dimension. Simulations are made for the two methods for: a) a travelling wave solution for the viscous Burgers’ equation, b) the Barenblatt selfsimilar analytical solution of the porous medium equation, and c) a waiting-time solution for the porous medium equation. Simulations are carried out for varying mesh sizes, and the numerical solutions are compared by computing errors in two ways. In the case of an analytic solution being available, the errors in the numerical solutions are computed directly from the analytic solution. In the case of no availability of an analytic solution, an approximation to the error is computed using a very fine mesh numerical solution as the reference solution.
Whole grains, type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, and hypertension: Links to the aleurone preferred over indigestible fiber
Authors: Lillioja Stephen , Neal Andrew L. , Tapsell Linda , Jacobs David R. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractHigher whole grain cereal intakes are associated with substantially lower risks of type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, and hypertension. These reduced risks have been established in large prospective studies that now include millions of person‐years of follow‐up. We analyze the results of 11 major prospective studies to provide recommendations about whole grain consumption. The following review establishes the amount of whole grains that should ideally be consumed based on prospective evidence; defines the nature of whole grains; identifies that the whole grain evidence is robust and not due to confounding; and provides a detailed assessment of several potential mechanisms for the effect of whole grains on health. We draw the following conclusions. Firstly, to maintain health, 40 grams or more of whole grains should be consumed daily. This is about a bowl of whole grain breakfast cereal daily, but 80% of the population does not achieve this. Secondly, aleurone in bran is a critical grain component generally overlooked in favor of indigestible fiber. Live aleurone cells constitute 50% of millers' bran. They store minerals, protein, and the antioxidant ferulic acid, and are clearly more than just indigestible fiber. Finally, we suggest potential roles for magnesium, zinc, and ferulic acid in the development of chronic disease. If the results of prospective studies were applied to the life‐style practices of modern societies there exists the potential for enormous personal health and public financial benefits. © 2013 BioFactors, 2013
Assessment of exposure to organochlorine pesticides and levels of DNA damage in mother–infant pairs of an agrarian community
Authors: Alvarado‐Hernandez Diana Lorena , Montero‐Montoya Regina , Serrano‐García Luis , Arellano‐Aguilar Omar , Jasso‐Pineda Yolanda , Yáñez‐Estrada Leticia 
Published: January 2013

AbstractExposure to organochlorine pesticides was studied in a group of mother–infant pairs living in a rural area where agriculture is the main economic activity. Fumigation in this zone is performed with airplanes, thus affecting the inhabited areas around them, including schools. Heparinized venous blood of mothers and umbilical cords was used to evaluate the olive tail moment in the comet assay, and micronuclei, chromatin buds, and nucleoplasmic bridges in peripheral blood lymphocytes. Cord blood samples were taken at the moment of birth only from natural and normal parturitions. Determinations of hexachlorobenzene, aldrin, heptachlor epoxide, oxichlordane, t and c‐chlordane, cis‐nonachlor, mirex, alpha and beta‐endosulfan, alpha, beta and gamma hexachlorocyclohexane, and p'p'‐DDT, p'p'‐DDE were conducted to establish the differential distribution of the toxicants between compartments, i.e., mother and umbilical cord. Significantly higher pesticide levels were found in umbilical cord plasma than in mothers' plasma for almost all compounds tested, except DDE and oxychlordane. Significantly higher olive tail moments were found in umbilical cords than in mothers, whereas micronuclei frequencies were higher in mothers than in umbilical cords. However, neither the levels of micronuclei nor the olive tail moment were correlated with pesticide levels. Given that no other exposure to toxic compounds has been identified in this region, the lack of correlation between genotoxicity biomarkers and pesticide levels may be due to the variability of the exposure and to endogenous processes related to lipid mobility during pregnancy, the metabolism of the compounds, and individual susceptibilities. Environ. Mol. Mutagen., 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Seismic vulnerability assessment of process towers using fragility curves
Authors: Moharrami Hamid , Amini Mohammad Amin 
Published: January 2013

SUMMARYThis study focuses on the seismic vulnerability assessment of process towers. A 96‐m process tower, located at the Shazand Refinery, is considered for a case study sample. The vulnerability of this structure is expressed with the development of fragility curves, which provide the probability of exceeding a prescribed level of damage for a wide range of ground motion intensities. The methodology of developing fragility curves for process towers is shown. The developed fragility curves can be very useful for emergency management agencies and insurance companies wishing to estimate the overall loss after an earthquake. The vulnerability of nonstructural equipments of tower is also assessed in subsequent step. To model the process tower with its base details, a nonlinear finite element model is generated. It was found that the fragility curves should be developed for external pressure condition because it is more critical state of loading. The results show that the damage to the process tower occurs in the shell; and the other types of damages, i.e. yielding of anchor bolts, structural damage to foundation and overturning of tower, do not occur. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tending Towards Greater Eco-Protection in Kenya: Public Interest Environmental Litigation and Its Prospects Within the New Constitutional Order
Authors: Sang Brian 
Published: January 2013

AbstractKenya's 2010 Constitution has inaugurated into the Kenyan legal framework, among other things, express constitutional recognition of the right to a clean and healthy environment. The constitutionalization of this right and the establishment of liberal provisions for the institution of judicial proceedings in the event of its infraction bear significant implications for public enforcement of environmental rights in Kenya. Hitherto, this was based on the restrictive interpretation oflocus standipremised on the principles of common law. This article focuses primarily on public interest environmental litigation in Kenya. It analyses judicial treatment of public interest action for environmental claims in the past and proffers some insights on the prospects for such action under Kenya's new constitutional order. It argues that, with the provision of an explicit and permissive constitutional basis for public interest environmental litigation, it is reasonable to conclude that Kenya is tending towards greater eco-protection.
A reinvestigation of the reference frame of the tilt-adaptation aftereffect
Authors: Mathôt Sebastiaan , Theeuwes Jan 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThe tilt-adaptation aftereffect (TAE) is the phenomenon that prolonged perception of a tilted ‘adapter’ stimulus affects the perceived tilt of a subsequent ‘tester’ stimulus. Although it is clear that TAE is strongest when adapter and tester are presented at the same location, the reference frame of the effect is debated. Some authors have reported that TAE is spatiotopic (world centred): It occurs when adapter and tester are presented at the same display location, even when this corresponds to different retinal locations. Others have reported that TAE is exclusively retinotopic (eye centred): It occurs only when adapter and tester are presented at the same retinal location, even when this corresponds to different display locations. Because this issue is crucial for models of transsaccadic perception, we reinvestigated the reference frame of TAE. We report that TAE is exclusively retinotopic, supporting the notion that there is no transsaccadic integration of low-level visual information.
Iron deficiency state in resistant oral aphthosis of Behcet's disease
Authors: Dormohammadi Toosi Taraneh , Shahram Farhad , Ghodsi S. Zahra , Nadji Abdolhadi , Tehrani Banihashemi Arash , Larimi Seyyedeh Roghieh , Davatchi Fereydoun 
Published: January 2013

AbstractAimThis study was designed to evaluate iron deficiency as a predisposing factor for resistant oral aphthosis in patients with Behcet's disease (BD).MethodsIn a case control study 220 consecutive BD patients with oral aphthosis were enrolled. All patients had been treated for at least 3 months. They were divided into two groups according to their treatment response (75 patients in the Case and 145 in the Control group). Demographic and clinical characteristics of the disease, serum iron, total iron binding capacity and serum ferritin were determined in each patient. We used independent t‐test and Mann–Whitney U‐test to compare the quantitative variables and chi‐square test for qualitative variables. Odds ratio (OR) and confidence interval at 95% (95% CI) were calculated for each item.ResultsThere was no significant difference between the two groups in demographics or clinical characteristics of the disease. We found iron deficiency in 72 patients (32.7%, 95% CI: 6.2), higher in the Case group than Control (39.2% vs. 30.1%; P = 0.17). Despite the higher frequency of iron deficiency in men (26.8% vs. 14.5%), the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.09). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that none of the iron deficiency or sex variables could predict the development of resistant oral aphthosis. The OR for iron deficiency was 1.52 (95% CI: 0.81–2.86) and for male sex was 1.04 (95% CI: 0.56–1.91).ConclusionDespite the higher frequency of iron deficiency in BD patients with resistant oral aphthosis, we were not able to attribute this resistance to this deficiency.
Photosensitivity and photodynamic events in black, red and blue tattoos are common: A ‘Beach Study’
Authors: Hutton Carlsen K. , Serup J. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractObjectivesTo find the prevalence of complaints in people having tattoos, with emphasis on chronic complaints, photosensitivity and photodynamic events.MethodsIndividuals sunbathing from June to September 2011 at the beaches of Denmark were invited to participate as they are prone to report tattoos and sun habits reliably. Sun‐related and non‐sun‐related problems in tattoos were determined along with participants' use of sunscreen. Skin type was categorized, as were motifs and colours associated with problems.ResultsOf 467 sunbathers, 146 (31.3%) had tattoos. A total of 144 sunbathers with 301 tattoos accepted inclusion. Complaints were experienced in 60/144 (42%), of which 31/60 (52%) were sun related, such as swelling (58%), itching/stinging/pain (52%) and redness (26%). Reactions independent of sun were 29/60 (48%), such as reactions to heat 12/29 (41%) and cold 1/29 (4%). Red, blue and black tattoos predominantly caused sun‐related complaints followed by the remaining colours. By number, problems in black tattoos dominated as black was far more frequent.Discussion/ConclusionComplaints such as swelling, itching, stinging, pain and redness are common, predominantly in black and red tattoos, but also frequent in blue tattoos, thus, not confined to one specific colour or chemical entity or class of pigment. Symptoms may switch on and off in seconds, typically not of the weal‐and‐flare type. Photochemical reactions to pigment or pigment‐breakdown products in situ in the skin with induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is presumed to be one causative mechanism. Another possible mechanism especially relevant in black may be induction of ROS due to effects of aggregation of carbon black nanoparticles.
Ribavirin treatment of acute and chronic hepatitis E: a single‐centre experience
Authors: Pischke Sven , Hardtke Svenja , Bode Ulrike , Birkner Stephan , Chatzikyrkou Christos , Kauffmann Wolfgang , Bara Christoph L. , Gottlieb Jens , Wenzel Juergen , Manns Michael P. , Wedemeyer Heiner 
Published: January 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe role of ribavirin for treatment of severe acute or chronic hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is not well defined.AimsTo investigate the applicability and efficacy of ribavirin therapy in acute and chronic HEV infections within a large single‐centre cohort.Materials & MethodsClinical courses of forty‐four German HEV‐infected individuals were analysed.ResultsIn a prospective case series, we observed spontaneous recovery from acute symptomatic HEV‐infection in 10/11 immunocompetent individuals. Ribavirin therapy was initiated in one patient with severe acute HEV‐genotype‐1e infection who rapidly improved liver function and cleared HEV. Of 15 organ transplant recipients with prolonged HEV viraemia, reduction in immunosuppression led to HEV‐clearance in three patients, while ribavirin therapy was initiated in 11 subjects. A rapid response with undetectable HEV‐RNA occurred in nine subjects. One patient died after experiencing a virological breakthrough associated with ribavirin dose reduction because of severe anaemia.DiscussionRibavirin is a safe treatment option for HEV infections. However, the optimal dose of ribavirin for the treatment of chronic hepatitis E remains to be determined as treatment failure may occur.