bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biomarkers to predict asthma in wheezing preschool children
Authors: Bannier M. A. G. E. , van de Kant K. D. G , Jöbsis Q. , Dompeling E. 
Published: November 2014

SummaryWheezing in preschool children is a very common symptom. An adequate prediction of asthma in these children is difficult and cannot be reliably assessed with conventional clinical tools. The study of potential predictive biomarkers in various media, ranging from invasive sampling (e.g. bronchoscopy) to non‐invasive sampling (lung function testing and exhaled breath analysis), was comprehensively reviewed. The evolution in biomarker discovery has resulted in an ‘omics’ approach, in which hundreds of biomarkers in the field of genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and ‘breath‐omics’ can be simultaneously studied. First, results on gene expression and exhaled breath profiles in predicting an early asthma diagnosis are promising. However, many hurdles need to be overcome before clinical implementation is possible. To reliably predict asthma in a wheezing child, probably a holistic approach is needed, combining clinical information with blood sampling, lung function tests, and potentially exhaled breath analysis. The further development of predictive, non‐invasive biomarkers may eventually improve an early asthma diagnosis in wheezing preschool children and assist clinicians in early treatment decision‐making.
Midkine concentrations in fine‐needle aspiration of benign and malignant thyroid nodules
Authors: Jee Youn Hee , Celi Francesco S. , Sampson Maureen , Sacks David B. , Remaley Alan T. , Kebebew Electron , Baron Jeffrey 
Published: November 2014

SummaryContextThe primary preoperative method for distinguishing malignant from benign thyroid nodules is fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) cytology, but it is frequently inconclusive. Midkine (MDK) is a heparin‐binding growth factor, which is overexpressed in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC).ObjectiveWe measured MDK concentrations in FNA samples from benign and malignant thyroid nodules to explore the possibility that MDK measurement might aid in the evaluation of thyroid nodules.Design35 subjects underwent preoperative FNA of 45 thyroid nodules, followed by thyroidectomy, providing a histological diagnosis. FNA needle contents were first expressed for cytology, and then, the needle was washed with buffer for immunoassay. In 46 subjects without preoperative FNA samples, FNA was performed ex vivo on 62 nodules within surgically excised thyroid tissue.MeasurementsMDK was measured using a high‐sensitivity sandwich ELISA and normalized to thyroglobulin (Tg) concentration in the sample to adjust for tissue content in the aspirate.ResultsThe MDK/Tg ratio was higher in 18 PTCs than in 87 benign nodules (204 ± 106 vs 1·2 ± 0·3 ng/mg, mean ± SEM, P < 0·001). Using a threshold of 10 ng/mg, the sensitivity and specificity of the MDK/Tg ratio for diagnosis of PTC were 67% and 99%, respectively. All follicular variant PTCs had a MDK/Tg ratio <10 ng/mg.ConclusionsThe findings indicate that, in FNA samples, the MDK/Tg ratio in PTC is greater than in benign thyroid nodules, raising the possibility that this approach might provide adjunctive diagnostic or prognostic information to complement existing approaches.
Interactive Procedural Modelling of Coherent Waterfall Scenes
Authors: Emilien Arnaud , Poulin Pierre , Cani Marie‐Paule , Vimont Ulysse 
Published: November 2014

AbstractCombining procedural generation and user control is a fundamental challenge for the interactive design of natural scenery. This is particularly true for modelling complex waterfall scenes where, in addition to taking charge of geometric details, an ideal tool should also provide a user with the freedom to shape the running streams and falls, while automatically maintaining physical plausibility in terms of flow network, embedding into the terrain, and visual aspects of the waterfalls. We present the first solution for the interactive procedural design of coherent waterfall scenes. Our system combines vectorial editing, where the user assembles elements to create a waterfall network over an existing terrain, with a procedural model that parametrizes these elements from hydraulic exchanges; enforces consistency between the terrain and the flow; and generates detailed geometry, animated textures and shaders for the waterfalls and their surroundings. The tool is interactive, yielding visual feedback after each edit.
Using internet search behavior to assess public awareness of protected wetlands
Authors: Do Yuno , Kim Ji Yoon , Lineman Maurice , Kim Dong‐Kyun , Joo Gea‐Jae 
Published: November 2014

AbstractImproving public awareness of protected wetlands facilitates sustainable wetland management, which depends on public participation. One way of gauging public interest is by tracking Internet search behavior (ISB). We assessed public awareness of issues related to protected wetland areas (PWAs) in South Korea by examining the frequencies of specific queries (PWAs, Ramsar, Upo wetland, Sunchon Bay, etc.) using relative search volumes (RSVs) obtained from an Internet search engine. RSV shows how many times a search term is used relative to a second search term during a specific period. Public awareness of PWAs changed from 2007 to 2013. Initially the majority of Internet searches were related to the most well‐known tidal and inland wetlands Sunchon Bay and Upo wetlands, which are the largest existing wetlands in Korea with the greatest historical exposure. Public awareness, as reflected in RSVs, of wetlands increased significantly following PWA designation for the wetlands in 2008, which followed the Ramsar 10th Conference of Contracting Parties to the Convention on Wetlands (COP10) meeting. Public interest was strongly correlated to the number of news articles in the popular media, as evidenced by the increase in Internet searches for specific wetlands and words associated with specific wetlands. Correspondingly, the number of visitors to specific wetlands increased. To increase public interest in wetlands, wetland aspects that enhance wetland conservation should be promoted by the government and enhanced via public education. Our approach can be used to gauge public awareness and participation in a wide range of conservation efforts.
Respirophasic Forward Diastolic Flow through the Pulmonary Valve in Massive Right Ventricular Infarction
Authors: Bouzas‐Mosquera Alberto , Bouzas‐Zubeldía Beatriz , Peteiro Jesús , Álvarez‐García Nemesio 
Published: November 2014

Mini‐AbstractWe report a case illustrating Fontan physiology in massive right ventricular infarction. The infarcted right ventricle acted as a passive conduit between the right atrium and the pulmonary artery, and the flow was largely driven by respiratory variations in intrathoracic pressure. During inspiration, the pulmonary valve remained open throughout the whole cardiac cycle and the right ventricular outflow was almost entirely antegrade both in systole and diastole.
Efficacy of a psychological online intervention for depression in people with epilepsy: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Schröder Johanna , Brückner Katja , Fischer Anja , Lindenau Matthias , Köther Ulf , Vettorazzi Eik , Moritz Steffen 
Published: November 2014

SummaryObjectiveDepression is the most prevalent psychiatric disorder in persons with epilepsy (PWEs). Despite its major impact on quality of life and risk of suicide, most PWEs are not treated for depression. A current challenge in mental health care is how to close this treatment gap and increase access to psychological services. Psychological online interventions (POIs) have shown efficacy in improving depression among individuals without neurologic disorders. This pilot study aimed to assess the feasibility and efficacy of a psychological online intervention for depression (Deprexis) in PWEs who have symptoms of depression.MethodsParticipants with self‐reported epilepsy and subjective complaints of depressive symptoms were randomized to an intervention condition (Deprexis) or to a waiting list control (WLC) condition. After 9 weeks, participants were invited to complete an online reassessment.ResultsRelative to the waiting list group, program users experienced a significant symptom decline on the Beck Depression Inventory ‐ I (BDI‐I, primary outcome) with a moderate effect size in the complete observations analysis and a small effect size in the intention‐to‐treat analysis. Furthermore, there was a significant improvement with a moderate effect size on the “energy/fatigue” subscale of the Quality of Life In Epilepsy Inventory ‐ 31 (QOLIE‐31).SignificanceThe results of this trial suggest that POIs may be a feasible and beneficial tool for PWEs who have comorbid depressive symptoms.
Fewer specialists support using medical marijuana and CBD in treating epilepsy patients compared with other medical professionals and patients: Result of Epilepsia's survey
Authors: Mathern Gary W. , Beninsig Laurie , Nehlig Astrid 
Published: November 2014

SummaryObjectiveFrom May 20 to September 1 2014, Epilepsia conducted an online survey seeking opinions about the use of medical marijuana and cannabidiol (CBD) for people with epilepsy. This study reports the findings of that poll.MethodsThe survey consisted of eight questions. Four questions asked if there were sufficient safety and efficacy data, whether responders would advise trying medical marijuana in cases of severe refractory epilepsy, and if pharmacologic grade compounds containing CBD should be available. Four questions addressed occupation, geographic region of residence, if responders had read the paper, and if they were International League Against Epilepsy/International Bureau for Epilepsy (ILAE/IBE) members.ResultsOf 776 who started or completed the survey, 58% were patients from North America, and 22% were epileptologists and general neurologists from Europe and North America. A minority of epileptologists and general neurologists said that there were sufficient safety (34%) and efficacy (28%) data, and 48% would advise using medical marijuana in severe cases of epilepsy. By comparison, nearly all patients and the public said there were sufficient safety (96%) and efficacy (95%) data, and 98% would recommend medical marijuana in cases of severe epilepsy. General physicians, basic researchers, nurses, and allied health professions sided more with patients, saying that there were sufficient safety (70%) and efficacy (71%) data, and 83% would advise using marijuana in severe cases. A majority (78%) said there should be pharmacologic grade compounds containing CBD, and there were no differences between specialists, general medical personal, and patients and the public.SignificanceThis survey indicates that there is a wide disparity in opinion on the use of medical marijuana and CBD in the treatment of people with epilepsy, which varied substantially, with fewer medical specialists supporting its use compared with general medical personal, and patients and the public.
Facilitating access to evidence: Primary Health Care Search Filter
Authors: Brown Lynsey , Carne Amanda , Bywood Petra , McIntyre Ellen , Damarell Raechel , Lawrence Mikaela , Tieman Jennifer 
Published: November 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe evidence base developed by, and relevant to, primary health care (PHC) is rapidly increasing. With the wealth of literature available, searchers trying to find PHC‐specific citations can feel overwhelmed.ObjectivesFlinders Filters and the Primary Health Care Research & Information Service collaborated to develop a search filter enabling efficient and effective retrieval of relevant PHC literature.MethodsStage 1 involved developing a PHC Search Filter in the OvidSP Medline platform using a rigorous experimental methodology. The search filter was then translated for Web‐based ‘one‐click searching’ in PubMed during Stage 2. Stage 3 involved planning and implementing a mixed‐methods evaluation.ResultsThe search filter sensitivity was 77.0% with a post hoc relevance assessment of 78.3%. Four months after its launch, a mixed‐methods study evaluated the PHC Search Filter. With 90 respondents, analysis of data from the online survey demonstrated overarching benefits, a positive response to the tool and directions for further refinement of the PHC Search Filter.DiscussionDesigning the PHC Search Filter followed an established method that ensures the tool offers a validated search strategy. Evaluation results suggest that the PHC Search Filter is a useful tool that is easy to navigate. Challenges for the Filter relate to access to full text articles, while challenges for the evaluation relate to the small sample size.ConclusionsThe PHC Search Filter reduces the burden associated with literature searching, increases the value of the results that are received and provides a useful resource to improve the likelihood of incorporating relevant evidence into policy and practice.
An evaluation of a multi-site community pharmacy–based chronic obstructive pulmonary disease support service
Authors: Wright David , Twigg Michael , Barton Garry , Thornley Tracey , Kerr Clare 
Published: November 2014

Abstract

Objectives
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive chronic condition that can be effectively managed by smoking-cessation, optimising prescribed therapy and providing treatment to prevent chest infections from causing hospitalisation. The government agenda in the UK is for community pharmacists to become involved in chronic disease management, and COPD is one area where they are ideally located to provide a comprehensive service.
This study aims to evaluate the effect of a community pharmacy–based COPD service on patient outcomes.

Methods
Patients in one UK location were recruited over a 10-week period to receive a community pharmacy–based COPD support service consisting of signposting to or provision of smoking-cessation service, therapy optimisation and recommendation to obtain a rescue pack containing steroid and antibiotic to prevent hospitalisation as a result of chest infection. Data were collected over a 6-month period for all recruited patients. Appropriate clinical outcomes, patient reported medication adherence, quality of life and National Health Service (NHS) resource utilisation were measured.

Key findings
Three hundred six patients accessed the service. Data to enable comparison before and after intervention was available for 137 patients. Significant improvements in patient reported adherence, utilisation of rescue packs, quality of life and a reduction in routine general practitioner (GP) visits were identified. The intervention cost was estimated to be off-set by reductions in the use of other NHS services (GP and accident and emergency visits and hospital admissions).

Conclusions
Results suggest that the service improved patient medicine taking behaviours and that it was cost-effective.
Career lesbians. Getting hired for not having kids?
Authors: Baert Stijn 
Published: November 2014

AbstractUsing a field experiment, we investigate whether discrimination based on women's sexual orientation differs by age and family constraints. We find weakly significant evidence of discrimination against young heterosexual women. This effect is driven by age (and fertility) rather than by motherhood. We do not find any unequal treatment at older ages. This age effect is consistent with our theoretical expectation that, relative to lesbian women, young heterosexual women are penalised for getting children more frequently and taking on, on average, more at‐home‐caring tasks.
Online algorithms for scheduling two parallel machines with a single server
Authors: Jiang Yiwei , Yu Feng , Zhou Ping , Hu Jueliang 
Published: November 2014

AbstractWe consider an online scheduling problem on two identical parallel machines with a single server. Jobs arrive one by one and each job has to be loaded by the server before being processed on one of the machines, and unloaded immediately by the server after its processing. Both loading and unloading times are equal to one time unit. The goal is to minimize the makespan. For the variant of the problem involving both loading and unloading operations, we present an online algorithm with competitive ratio of 5/3. For the variant with loading operation only, we show that the competitive ratio of list scheduling is at least 8/5 and provide an improved online algorithm with competitive ratio of 11/7. Finally, we discuss the lower bounds for these problems. We show that both variants have a lower bound of 3/2. Furthermore, we show that the lower bound of the first variant is at least 8/5 if the online algorithm satisfies a certain constraint.
The Effects of Black Cumin, Black Caraway Extracts and Their Combination on Shelf Life Extension of Silver Carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) during Refrigerated Storage
Authors: Eskandari Soheyl , Hosseini Hedayat , Gholamzadeh Marzieh , Mousavi Khaneghah Amin , Hosseini Ebrahim 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThis study aimed to determine the antioxidant and the antibacterial activities of Nigella sativa L. (Cu) and Bunium persicum Boiss (Ca) extracts on the shelf life of silver carp, which is stored at 4 ± 1C for 15 days. In order to evaluate the quality of fish samples, some tests such as microbiological total viable count (TVC) and psychrotrophic count, chemical peroxide value, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, and total volatile base nitrogen and sensory characteristics were analyzed over a period of 15 days. The results indicated that the lipid oxidation and spoilage of the samples have been delayed in three treatments of the extracts significantly (P < 0.05) in comparison with the control. Also, the psychotropic bacteria and TVC remained lower than the proposed acceptable limit (7 log10 colony‐forming unit/g). According to the sensory analysis results, the treatment of Cu extract had high quality and enhanced the beneficial effects on sensory characteristics. Results show that the B. persicum Boiss and N. sativa L. extracts have significant effect on extension of the shelf life of fresh silver carp up to 6–9 days at refrigerated storage condition.Practical ApplicationsThe consumers tend to eat fresh fishes rather than processed or frozen ones, while the shelf life of refrigerated fish, as a highly perishable food, is normally short. The main reason for the deterioration of fish is chemical and bacteriological activities that lead to loss of quality and subsequent spoilage. So, using different methods in order to extend the shelf life of fish is an important issue. Black caraway and black cumin are consumed widely as spices and traditional flavorings in food. These spices, regarding to their antioxidant and antibacterial properties, can be used in order to extend the shelf life and freshness quality of fishes during refrigerated storage. Results show that the Bunium persicum Boiss and Nigella sativa L. extracts have significant effect on the extension of shelf life of fresh silver carp up to 6–9 days at refrigerated storage condition.
Personality among Sexually Compulsive Men Who Practice Intentional Unsafe Sex in São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: do Amaral Maria Luiza S. , Abdo Carmita H.N. , Tavares Hermano , Scanavino Marco de Tubino 
Published: November 2014

Abstract

Introduction
There is evidence of an association between the practice of intentional unsafe sex among men who have sex with men (MSM) and sensation seeking and impulsivity. However, other aspects of personality have been less frequently investigated.

Aims
This study aims to investigate the association between the practice of intentional unsafe sex and personality traits in individuals who sought treatment and met the criteria for compulsive sexual behavior in São Paulo, Brazil.

Methods
The sample consisted of 69 sexually compulsive MSM. The participants underwent psychiatric evaluation and an interview to define intentional condomless sex and completed self-report instruments.

Main Outcome Measures
The participants completed the following measures: the Temperament and Character Inventory and the Sexual Compulsivity Scale.

Results
Twenty-five participants (36%) reported intentional unsafe sex with casual partners, of whom 84% were gay and 16% bisexual (P &lt; 0.05). Fifteen (22%) individuals reported being HIV positive, and 11 (73%) of them practiced intentional unprotected anal intercourse (P &lt; 0.05). The mean of sexual compulsivity was associated with men who engaged in intentional unsafe sex (P = 0.01). Men who reported intentional unsafe sex scored significantly higher on the novelty seeking temperament dimension (P &lt; 0.05) and scored significantly lower on the self-directedness character dimension (P &lt; 0.001). However, self-directedness predicted intentional unsafe sex in the multiple logistic regression (P = 0.001).

Conclusions
Sexually compulsive individuals who practiced intentional unsafe sex presented lower self-directedness than the group who did not engage in intentional unsafe sex, which suggests less autonomy regarding life itself. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to consider intentional unsafe sex in sexually compulsive men.
Does closantel in therapeutic doses display thyroid hormone‐like activity in sheep?
Authors: Snoj T. , Cebulj‐Kadunc N. , Kobal S. 
Published: November 2014

The aim of this study was to define the thyroid hormone‐like activity of closantel in sheep by measuring some blood parameters that are known to be influenced by thyroid hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). Our hypothesis was that, if closantel possesses thyroid hormone‐like activity, its use under in vivo conditions will result in changes similar to those in hyperthyroidism. The study was conducted in 20 Jezersko‐Solchava breed sheep. Blood sampling was performed before and 10 days after routine anthelmintic treatment with closantel. Complete blood count, plasma cholesterol, triglycerides, protein, and albumin levels, as well as those of serum T3 and T4, were compared before and 10 days after closantel administration. This routine anthelmintic treatment of sheep with closantel did not significantly influence hematological parameters, thyroid hormone levels, or most of the biochemical parameters. No evidence was found for thyroid hormone‐like activity of closantel in sheep. However, significantly (P < 0.01) elevated levels of plasma triglycerides were present 10 days after closantel administration.
The effect of impact obliquity on shock heating in planetesimal collisions
Authors: Davison Thomas M. , Ciesla Fred J. , Collins Gareth S. , Elbeshausen Dirk 
Published: November 2014

AbstractCollisions between planetesimals in the early solar system were a common and fundamental process. Most collisions occurred at an oblique incidence angle, yet the influence of impact angle on heating in collisions is not fully understood. We have conducted a series of shock physics simulations to quantify oblique heating processes, and find that both impact angle and target curvature are important in quantifying the amount of heating in a collision. We find an expression to estimate the heating in an oblique collision compared to that in a vertical incidence collision. We have used this expression to quantify heating in the Rhealsilvia‐forming impact on Vesta, and find that there is slightly more heating in a 45° impact than in a vertical impact. Finally, we apply these results to Monte Carlo simulations of collisional processes in the early solar system, and determine the overall effect of impact obliquity from the range of impacts that occurred on a meteorite parent body. For those bodies that survived 100 Myr without disruption, it is not necessary to account for the natural variation in impact angle, as the amount of heating was well approximated by a fixed impact angle of 45°. However, for disruptive impacts, this natural variation in impact angle should be accounted for, as around a quarter of bodies were globally heated by at least 100 K in a variable‐angle model, an order of magnitude higher than under an assumption of a fixed angle of 45°.