bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The clinical, operational, and financial worlds of neonatal palliative care: A focused ethnography
Authors: Williams-Reade Jackie , Lamson Angela L. , Knight Sharon M. , White Mark B. , Ballard Sharon M. , Desai Priti P. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractObjective:Due to multiple issues, integrated interdisciplinary palliative care teams in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) may be difficult to access, sometimes fail to be implemented, or provide inconsistent or poorly coordinated care. When implementing an effective institution-specific neonatal palliative care program, it is critical to include stakeholders from the clinical, operational, and financial worlds of healthcare. In this study, researchers sought to gain a multidisciplinary perspective into issues that may impact the implementation of a formal neonatal palliative care program at a tertiary regional academic medical center.Method:In this focused ethnography, the primary researcher conducted semistructured interviews that explored the perspectives of healthcare administrators, finance officers, and clinicians about neonatal palliative care. The perspectives of 39 study participants informed the identification of institutional, financial, and clinical issues that impact the implementation of neonatal palliative care services at the medical center and the planning process for a formal palliative care program on behalf of neonates and their families.Results:Healthcare professionals described experiences that influenced their views on neonatal palliative care. Key themes included: (a) uniqueness of neonatal palliative care, (b) communication and conflict among providers, (c) policy and protocol discrepancies, and (d) lack of administrative support.Significance of results:The present study highlighted several areas that are challenging in the provision of neonatal palliative care. Our findings underscored the importance of recognizing and procuring resources needed simultaneously from the clinical, operational, and financial worlds in order to implement and sustain a successful neonatal palliative care program.
The photochemistry and photophysics of a series of alpha octa(alkyl-substituted) silicon, zinc and palladium phthalocyanines
Authors: van Leeuwen Magda , Beeby Andrew , Fernandes Isabelle , Ashworth Stephen H. 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
Photophysical and photochemical measurements have been made on a series of novel alpha octa(alkyl-substituted) silicon, zinc and palladium phthalocyanines for which the synthesis is outlined. Fluorescence quantum yields and lifetimes, triplet quantum yields and lifetimes and singlet delta oxygen quantum yields were measured in 1% v/v pyridine in toluene. The effects of varying central atom and addition of alkyl substituents relative to unsubstituted parent molecules, zinc phthalocyanine (ZnPc) and silicon phthalocyanine (SiPc), are discussed. All phthalocyanines studied exhibit absorption and emission maxima in the region of 680–750 nm with molar absorptivity of the Q-band ∼105 M−1 cm−1. The series of compounds also exhibited triplet quantum yields of 0.65–0.95 and singlet oxygen quantum yields of 0.49–0.93.
Late Language Emergence in 24-Month-Old Twins: Heritable and Increased Risk for Late Language Emergence in Twins
Authors: Rice Mabel L. , Zubrick Stephen R. , Taylor Catherine L. , Gayán Javier , Bontempo Daniel E. 
Published: October 2013

Purpose
This study investigated the etiology of late language emergence (LLE) in 24-month-old twins, considering possible twinning, zygosity, gender, and heritability effects for vocabulary and grammar phenotypes.

Method
A population-based sample of 473 twin pairs participated. Multilevel modeling estimated means and variances of vocabulary and grammar phenotypes, controlling for familiality. Heritability was estimated with DeFries–Fulker regression and variance components models to determine effects of heritability, shared environment, and nonshared environment.

Results
Twins had lower average language scores than norms for single-born children, with lower average performance for monozygotic than dizygotic twins and for boys than girls, although gender and zygosity did not interact. Gender did not predict LLE. Significant heritability was detected for vocabulary (0.26) and grammar phenotypes (0.52 and 0.43 for boys and girls, respectively) in the full sample and in the sample selected for LLE (0.42 and 0.44). LLE and the appearance of Word Combinations were also significantly heritable (0.22–0.23).

Conclusions
The findings revealed an increased likelihood of LLE in twin toddlers compared with single-born children that is modulated by zygosity and gender differences. Heritability estimates are consistent with previous research for vocabulary and add further suggestion of heritable differences in early grammar acquisition.
Liquid crystal based low‐loss phase shifter for W‐band frequencies
Authors: Jost M. , Weickhmann C. , Strunck S. , Gäbler A. , Fritzsch C. , O.H. Karabey  , Jakoby R. 
Published: October 2013

A novel liquid crystal (LC) based hollow waveguide phase shifter with an LC section of 14.6 mm is presented, operating at 80–110 GHz. As a proof‐of‐concept, the phase shifter is biased by using permanent magnets, which results in a differential phase shift of 307°–318° and an insertion loss of 2.1–2.7 dB in the desired frequency range of 99–105 GHz. Hence, a phase shifter figure of merit of 118°–148°/dB is determined, which are to the authors’ knowledge the highest values in this frequency range for passive phase shifters.
Pulvinar neurons reveal neurobiological evidence of past selection for rapid detection of snakes
Authors: Van Le Quan , Isbell Lynne A. , Matsumoto Jumpei , Nguyen Minh , Hori Etsuro , Maior Rafael S. , Tomaz Carlos , Tran Anh Hai , Ono Taketoshi , Nishijo Hisao 
Published: October 2013

Significance
The present study shows preferential activity of neurons in the medial and dorsolateral pulvinar to images of snakes. Pulvinar neurons responded faster and stronger to snake stimuli than to monkey faces, monkey hands, and geometric shapes, and were sensitive to unmodified and low-pass filtered images but not to high-pass filtered images. These results identify a neurobiological substrate for rapid detection of threatening visual stimuli in primates. Our findings are unique in providing neuroscientific evidence in support of the Snake Detection Theory, which posits that the threat of snakes strongly influenced the evolution of the primate brain. This finding may have great impact on our understanding of the evolution of primates.
Sleeping Beauty
mutagenesis in a mouse medulloblastoma model defines networks that discriminate between human molecular subgroups
Authors: Genovesi Laura A. , Ng Ching Ging , Davis Melissa J. , Remke Marc , Taylor Michael D. , Adams David J. , Rust Alistair G. , Ward Jerrold M. , Ban Kenneth H. , Jenkins Nancy A. , Copeland Neal G. , Wainwright Brandon J. 
Published: October 2013

Significance
Medulloblastoma is a common malignant pediatric brain tumor. Gene expression data have indicated that the tumors fall into four molecular subgroups, “Wnt,” “Hedgehog,” “group 3,” and “group 4.” With the exception of the Hedgehog subgroup, few functional data exist defining key molecular pathways driving tumor growth. Using a transposon mutagenesis approach, we identified genes that functionally cooperate with Hedgehog signalling to promote tumorigenesis in a Ptch1 mouse model of medulloblastoma. Surprisingly, the genes we identified were able to accurately define all four human molecular subtypes, not just Hedgehog, when used to interrogate published expression data. Thus, we have functionally defined key regulatory networks that illustrate both the differences and commonalities between tumor subgroups indicating a number of therapeutic strategies.
A fluorescence-based assay suitable for quantitative analysis of deadenylase enzyme activity
Authors: Maryati Maryati , Kaur Ishwinder , Jadhav Gopal P. , Olotu-Umoren Loyin , Oveh Blessing , Hashmi Lubna , Fischer Peter M. , Winkler G. Sebastiaan 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
In eukaryotic cells, the shortening and removal of the poly(A) tail of cytoplasmic mRNA by deadenylase enzymes is a critical step in post-transcriptional gene regulation. The ribonuclease activity of deadenylase enzymes is attributed to either a DEDD (Asp-Glu-Asp-Asp) or an endonuclease–exonuclease–phosphatase domain. Both domains require the presence of two Mg2+ ions in the active site. To facilitate the biochemical analysis of deadenylase enzymes, we have developed a fluorescence-based deadenylase assay. The assay is based on end-point measurement, suitable for quantitative analysis and can be adapted for 96- and 384-well microplate formats. We demonstrate the utility of the assay by screening a chemical compound library, resulting in the identification of non-nucleoside inhibitors of the Caf1/CNOT7 enzyme, a catalytic subunit of the Ccr4–Not deadenylase complex. These compounds may be useful tools for the biochemical analysis of the Caf1/CNOT7 deadenylase subunit of the Ccr4–Not complex and indicate the feasibility of developing selective inhibitors of deadenylase enzymes using the fluorescence-based assay.
Close association of active nitrifiers with Beggiatoa mats covering deep‐sea hydrothermal sediments
Authors: Winkel Matthias , de Beer Dirk , Lavik Gaute , Peplies Jörg , Mußmann Marc 
Published: October 2013

SummaryHydrothermal sediments in the Guaymas Basin are covered by microbial mats that are dominated by nitrate‐respiring and sulphide‐oxidizing Beggiatoa. The presence of these mats strongly correlates with sulphide‐ and ammonium‐rich fluids venting from the subsurface. Because ammonium and oxygen form opposed gradients at the sediment surface, we hypothesized that nitrification is an active process in these Beggiatoa mats. Using biogeochemical and molecular methods, we measured nitrification and determined the diversity and abundance of nitrifiers. Nitrification rates ranged from 74 to 605 μmol N l−1 mat day−1, which exceeded those previously measured in hydrothermal plumes and other deep‐sea habitats. Diversity and abundance analyses of archaeal and bacterial ammonia monooxygenase subunit A genes, archaeal 16S ribosomal RNA pyrotags and fluorescence in situ hybridization confirmed that ammonia‐ and nitrite‐oxidizing microorganisms were associated with Beggiatoa mats. Intriguingly, we observed cells of bacterial and potential thaumarchaeotal ammonia oxidizers attached to narrow, Beggiatoa‐like filaments. Such a close spatial coupling of nitrification and nitrate respiration in mats of large sulphur bacteria is novel and may facilitate mat‐internal cycling of nitrogen, thereby reducing loss of bioavailable nitrogen in deep‐sea sediments.
How electoral vulnerability affects pension politics: Introducing a concept, measure and empirical application
Authors: Immergut Ellen M. , Abou‐Chadi Tarik 
Published: October 2013

AbstractAre electorally vulnerable politicians really less likely to support controversial legislation, such as pension reforms? While the literature on welfare state retrenchment has increasingly pointed to the role of electoral factors in the dynamics of social policy cutbacks, there are few studies that actually measure the magnitude of electoral pressure and its consequent impact on the politics of reform. To this end, the authors have developed a quantitative measure of the electoral vulnerability of politicians and tested its impact on pension reform outcomes using an original dataset comprising 16 Western European countries from 1980 to 2003. In line with expectations, the results show that the impact of electoral vulnerability on reform depends upon the system of interest intermediation. In corporatist systems, electoral vulnerability indeed impedes reform. But in pluralist systems, increased electoral vulnerability is associated with higher levels of reform. This is because unions in corporatist (but not in pluralist) systems can exploit electoral vulnerability in pre‐legislative bargaining, and thus pressure politicians. Consequently, this study has broader implications for the differential responsiveness of democracies to redistributive issues more generally.
Revealing preferences: Does deliberation increase ideological awareness among the less well educated?
Authors: Isernia Pierangelo , Smets Kaat 
Published: October 2013

AbstractResearch suggests that the rightist discourse on immigration appeals to left‐leaning citizens with lower levels of education. The opposite is, however, not true for right‐wing voters with lower educational levels, and this asymmetry leaves left‐wing parties at a disadvantage compared with the right on immigration and integration issues. Deliberative theory promises that discussion, information and reflection can promote a more balanced political discussion and a more enlightened citizen. This article assesses the extent to which deliberative polling increases the ideological awareness of citizens with lower educational levels. More specifically, it gauges the extent to which especially less well educated left‐wing voters – those whose attitudes research finds to be particularly out of tune with their ideological predispositions regarding immigration and integration – adjust their attitudes as a consequence of deliberate exposure to informational input and the presentation of two‐sided arguments. Use is made of unique data generated during the first European‐wide deliberative polling project, ‘EuroPolis’, held in 2009. The results indicate that less well educated left‐wing voters indeed have slightly more negative attitudes towards immigrants than leftist voters with secondary or post‐secondary educational levels. Turning to the micro‐mechanisms of attitude change in a deliberative setting, the analyses show that both levels of education and ideological predispositions play a role in the extent to which participants of the deliberative poll adjust their attitudes. In three out of four models, evidence is found that less well educated left‐leaning citizens are indeed most likely to adjust their attitudes on immigration and integration after being presented with a more balanced discussion of the topic.
Identifying Diagonal Cutter Marks on Thin Wires Using 3D Imaging
Authors: Heikkinen Ville Vili , Kassamakov Ivan , Barbeau Claude , Lehto Sami , Reinikainen Tapani , Hæggström Edward 
Published: October 2013

AbstractWe present work on matching 2‐mm‐thick wires using optical 3D imaging methods. Marks on such small surfaces are difficult to match using a comparison microscope as this 2D imaging method does not provide height data about the sample surface. Moreover, these 2D microscopy images may be affected by illumination. Hence, the reference and investigated sample should be present at the same time. We employed scanning white light interferometry and confocal microscopy to provide quantitative 3D profiles for reliable comparison of samples that are unavailable for simultaneous analysis. We show that 3D profiling offers a solution by allowing illumination‐independent sample comparison. We correctly identified 74 of 80 profiles using consecutive matching striae (CMS) criteria, and we were able to match samples based on profiles measured using different 3D imaging devices. The results suggest that the used methods allow matching cutter marks on thin wires, which has been difficult previously.
Demonstration program of population‐based lung cancer screening in China: Rationale and study design
Authors: Zhou Qinghua , Fan Yaguang , Wu Ning , Huang Yunchao , Wang Ying , Li Lu , Liu Jiewei , Wang Xinyun , Li Weimin , Qiao Youlin 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBackgroundLung cancer is the leading cause of cancer‐related death and has become an enormous economic burden in China. Low‐dose spiral computed tomography (LDCT) screening could reduce lung cancer mortality. The feasibility of conducting a population‐based lung cancer screening with LDCT in China is uncertain.MethodsIn 2010, a demonstration program of lung cancer screening was initiated in China. High‐risk individuals were enrolled in a cluster sampling design in different centers. Participants received baseline and annual screening with spiral CT and follow‐up information was collected. The objective of this program is to evaluate the feasibility of conducting population‐based LDCT lung cancer screening in the Chinese context. The rates of detection, early diagnosis and treatment are defined as indicators of program performance. The optimal management strategies for nodules are explored in the Chinese context based on experiences in other studies overseas.ResultsA demonstration program of ongoing prospective, multi‐center, population‐based lung cancer screening is being performed in China.ConclusionsThis demonstration program will provide opportunities to explore the feasibility of LDCT lung cancer screening in the Chinese setting.
Reporting combined outcomes with Trifecta and survival, continence, and potency (SCP) classification in 337 patients with prostate cancer treated with image‐guided hypofractionated radiotherapy
Authors: Jereczek‐Fossa Barbara A. , Zerini Dario , Fodor Cristiana , Santoro Luigi , Maucieri Andrea , Gerardi Marianna A. , Vischioni Barbara , Cambria Raffaella , Garibaldi Cristina , Cattani Federica , Vavassori Andrea , Matei Deliu V. , Musi Gennaro , De Cobelli Ottavio , Orecchia Roberto 
Published: October 2013

Objective
To report the image‐guided hypofractionated radiotherapy (hypo‐IGRT) outcome for patients with localised prostate cancer according to the new outcome models Trifecta (cancer control, urinary continence, and sexual potency) and SCP (failure‐free survival, continence and potency).
Patients and Methods
Between August 2006 and January 2011, 337 patients with cT1–T2N0M0 prostate cancer (median age 73 years) were eligible for a prospective longitudinal study on hypo‐IGRT (70.2 Gy/26 fractions) in our Department.
Patients completed four questionnaires before treatment, and during follow‐up: the International Index of Erectile Function‐5 (IIEF‐5), the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer prostate‐cancer‐specific Quality of Life Questionnaires (QLQ) QLQ‐PR25 and QLQ‐C30.
Baseline and follow‐up patient data were analysed according to the Trifecta and SCP outcome models. Cancer control, continence and potency were defined respectively as no evidence of disease, score 1 or 2 for item 36 of the QLQ‐PR25 questionnaire, and total score of >16 on the IIEF‐5 questionnaire.
Patients receiving androgen‐deprivation therapy (ADT) at any time were excluded.
Results
Trifecta criteria at baseline were met in 72 patients (42% of all ADT‐free patients with completed questionnaires).
Both at 12 and 24 months after hypo‐IGRT, 57% of the Trifecta patients at baseline were still meeting the Trifecta criteria (both oncological and functional success according to the SCP model).
The main reason for failing the Trifecta criteria during follow‐up was erectile dysfunction: in 18 patients after 6 months follow‐up, in 12 patients after 12 months follow‐up, and in eight patients after 24 months.
Actuarial 2‐year Trifecta failure‐free survival rate was 44% (95% confidence interval 27–60%).
In multivariate analysis no predictors of Trifecta failure were identified. Missing questionnaires was the main limitation of the study.
Conclusion
The Trifecta and SCP classifications can be used as tools to report RT outcome.
The impact of perioperative blood transfusion on survival after nephrectomy for non‐metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC)
Authors: Linder Brian J. , Thompson R. Houston , Leibovich Bradley C. , Cheville John C. , Lohse Christine M. , Gastineau Dennis A. , Boorjian Stephen A. 
Published: October 2013

Objective
To evaluate the association of perioperative blood transfusion (PBT) with survival after nephrectomy.
Patients and Methods
We identified 2318 patients who underwent partial or radical nephrectomy at Mayo Clinic between 1990 and 2006.
PBT was defined as transfusion of allogenic red blood cells during surgery or postoperative hospitalisation.
Survival was estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method and compared with the log‐rank test. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to evaluate the association of PBT with outcome.
Results
In all, 498 patients (21%) received a PBT. The median (interquartile range) number of units transfused was 3 (2, 5).
Patients receiving a PBT were significantly older at surgery (P < 0.001), more likely to be female (P < 0.001), with more frequent symptomatic presentation (P < 0.001), worse Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (P < 0.001), and more frequent adverse pathological features, such as high nuclear grade (P < 0.001), locally‐advanced tumour stage (P < 0.001) and lymph node invasion (P < 0.001).
The median follow‐up was 9.1 years. Receipt of a PBT was associated with adverse 5‐year cancer‐specific (68% vs 92%; P < 0.001) and overall (56% vs 82%; P < 0.001) survival.
On multivariate analyses, PBT remained associated with higher risk of death from any cause (hazard ratio [HR] 1.23; P = 0.02).
Among patients who received a PBT, an increasing number of units transfused was independently associated with increased all‐cause mortality (HR 1.08; P = 0.001).
Conclusion
PBT is associated with a significantly increased risk of mortality after nephrectomy. While external validation is needed, continued efforts to minimise the use of blood products in these patients are warranted.
Cascading Effects of Climate Change: Do Hurricane‐damaged Forests Increase Risk of Exposure to Parasites?
Authors: Behie Alison M. , Kutz Susan , Pavelka Mary S. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractIncreased parasitism in animals in disturbed habitats is often understood to be the result of increased disease susceptibility due to low food availability resulting in nutritionally stressed and immunocompromised individuals. Such habitat change, however, might also lead to increased exposure to disease. In this article, we test measures of susceptibility and exposure to explain the prevalence and intensity of directly and indirectly transmitted helminths in black howler monkeys (Alouatta pigra) following a hurricane in Belize. None of these parasites were predicted by direct measures of susceptibility (as measured by fruit consumption and fecal cortisol levels). Rather, directly transmitted parasites (Trichurissp. and strongylid type eggs.) were predicted by host density and group size, both measures of exposure. Similarly, only the consumption ofCecropia peltata, a fast growing pioneer that has a mutualistic relationship with ants predicted levels of the indirectly transmitted trematodeControrchisspp., also suggesting exposure.Cecropia peltataalso increased in density post‐hurricane, was high in digestible protein, sugar, and salt and eaten by monkeys more frequently than predicted based on distribution. These data suggest that in this hurricane‐damaged forest the ingestion of this abundant and nutritious pioneer species increased exposure of the monkeys toControrchisthrough ingestion of ant intermediate hosts. These results may point to a pattern true of pioneer species in general, leaving animals in disturbed forests with higher levels of parasitism as a result of changes to forest structure. As severe weather events are expected to increase, this suggests a cascading effect of climate change on ecosystem interactions and disease ecology.