bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fetal chylous ascites may redevelop only after birth
Authors: Peychl Ivan , Harvanek Karel , Krasnicanova Petra 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Congenital chylous ascites is a rare condition. We describe a case in which fetal ascites was found on a routine antenatal ultrasound, with all abnormalities resolving by 36 weeks’ gestation. No investigations or treatment for the ascites was undertaken after the baby´s birth. At the age of 3 months, when the baby underwent surgery for bilateral inguinal hernias and hydrocele, milky fluid was drained from the hernia sac. Laboratory and ultrasound investigations confirmed the presence of a significant amount of chyle in the peritoneal cavity. Congenital chylous ascites was treated by means of a diet based on medium chain triglycerides. By the age of 6 months, the fluid in the abdomen had resolved. However, it partly reappeared once a normal mixed diet was allowed. A minimal amount of fluid in the lower abdominal cavity was consistently found up to the age of 22 months. The fluid had finally disappeared by the age of 30 months when the child was generally in good health and developing normally. We conclude that congenital chylous ascites may be diagnosed prior to birth but may become more clinically significant only after birth, when its severity is enhanced by feedings of milk containing long chain fats. We recommend a thorough postnatal evaluation and follow-up in all infants diagnosed with fetal ascites, so that appropriate and timely management decisions can be made, if the chylous origin of the ascites is confirmed.
Sexual and reproductive health of Portuguese adolescents
Authors: Mendes Neuza , Palma Fátima , Serrano Fátima 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Background: As adolescent pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are major sources of morbidity, preventing them is an important health goal for Portuguese society.
Objective: To review data on the knowledge, attitudes and statistics on sexual and reproductive health.
Methods: A systematic review was conducted including peer-reviewed articles addressing issues influencing the sexuality of Portuguese adolescents (aged 13 to 19), published up to 2011 and conducted in any type of setting. After crossing-cleaning the reference list, 33 articles were included.
Results: The rate of sexual activity by Portuguese adolescents is high (44%–95%), but there has been an increase in the age of intercourse debut (currently 15.6 years). Early commencement of sexual intercourse is associated with smoking and regular alcohol consumption. Condoms are the most frequently chosen contraceptive method for first (76%–96%) and subsequent (52%–69%) sexual encounters. The perception of a double standard in sex still exists in teenage culture for both genders and influence behavior. There are significant differences between migrant and native adolescents: African adolescents initiate sexual intercourse at earlier ages and are more likely to have unprotected sex. Only one-third of Portuguese teenagers have ever visited a health facility to seek counseling concerning contraception or STIs, and less than half have ever attended classes on reproductive health. Very few (12%) have knowledge about Chlamydia trachomatis infection. The prevalence of STIs in Portuguese youth is unknown. The adolescent fertility rate is still high (14.7 births per 1000 females aged 15–19 years), but it, as well as the rate of abortion, is steadily decreasing.
Conclusions: There is still a long way to go towards promoting a resourceful young population. Citizens and institutions must focus on increasing both the competence of youths and external supports. Information must be provided systematically and health services must have greater accessibility. Studies addressing cultural and environmental determinants that contribute to the molding of the sexual conduct of Portuguese adolescents must be held to produce new and effective culturally sensitive health interventions.
Research on Non-contact Voltage Transducer for High-Voltage Transmission Lines Based on Inverse Problem of Electric Field
Authors: Yu Mengting , Wang Jingang , Ma Jun , Peng Hu , Xiong Lan 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
A new method to measure the voltage in a grid has been proposed based on the studies of a novel electronic voltage transducer for the high-voltage power transmission equipment using the charge induction principle and electromagnetic computing method. The voltage measuring method has been improved, the real-time electric field position and orientation near the high-voltage transmission lines has been measured and the real-time voltage has been calculated by computing the electric field inverse problem. According to the electric field simulation with test data, the data compensation and calibration calculation were carried out. With the rapid engineering method on computing voltage, a non-contact electronic voltage transducer has been developed. First, we did the confirmatory test of the electric field detection and designed the preliminary model of the sensor. By the contrast test of voltage detection, the sensor was able to realize the voltage detection, but the precision was not high enough. Next, the measuring mechanism of the voltage transducer was analyzed taking account of strong interference from electromagnetic field, electric field distortion, changes in temperature and humidity, and impact between adjacent electric fields and conductor galloping. The measuring accuracy was satisfied by data compensation.
On the socially aware development of self-adaptive ubiquitous computing
applications
Authors: Geihs Kurt , Niemczyk Stefan , Roßnagel Alexander , Witsch Andreas 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Ubiquitous computing applications provide pervasive support
to users in a self-adaptive and non-obtrusive way. Applications reason about
the user situation and adapt dynamically, often without explicit user
interaction. Such applications exploit technical features such as context
awareness, context reasoning, adaptation models, dynamic resource
discovery/binding, and self-configuration. The engineering of ubiquitous
computing applications is a challenge because the user acceptance depends
not only on functional features but at least as much on non-functional and
user-related features that we address under the term “social awareness”.
In this paper we present an interdisciplinary development approach for
self-adaptive applications that takes into account social awareness
requirements in a systematic and integrated manner. Our focus is on
usability, trust, and legality. We present the ingredients of our new
methodology and its evaluation based on application prototypes. Our approach
is compatible with existing software engineering process models and
practices.
Novel technology for high precision, fast
non-contact asphere metrology
Authors: Berger Gernot , Petter Jürgen 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
A method for non-contact optical profiling of aspheric surfaces is presented, which is based on multi wavelength interferometry (MWLI). The method yields high density 3D data at high accuracies in short measurement times. It measures aspheres without restrictions in terms of spherical departures. In addition, measurement of a large variety of special optics is enabled, segmented, ground, and discontinuuos optics. The measurement instrument can be used under production conditions.
Curvature radii characterization based on point clouds
Authors: Galovska Maryna , Krystek Michael , Tutsch Rainer 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Radii characterization procedures consist of a sequence of operations. Data
processing for point clouds, resulting from area-based measurements, differs
from profile-based processing. We deal with the realization of point cloud
operations in the case of curvature characterization. Special challenges of
complex geometries are the partition and association operations. We propose an
approach to the association including partition indirectly. The approach is
based on fitting of the complete mathematical model without separating the
data into subsets attributed to geometrical primitives. A study of uncertainty
propagation for the developed approach was carried out by using Monte-Carlo
simulations.
Yeast Growth Plasticity Is Regulated by Environment-Specific Multi-QTL Interactions
Authors: Bhatia Aatish , Yadav Anupama , Zhu Chenchen , Gagneur Julien , Radhakrishnan Aparna , Steinmetz Lars M , Bhanot Gyan , Sinha Himanshu 
Published: February 2014

AbstractFor a unicellular, non-motile organism like Saccharomyces cerevisiae, carbon sources act both as nutrients and as signaling molecules and consequently affect various fitness parameters including growth. It is therefore advantageous for yeast strains to adapt their growth to carbon source variation. The ability of a given genotype to manifest different phenotypes in varying environments is known as phenotypic plasticity. To identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) that drive plasticity in growth, two growth parameters (growth rate and biomass) were measured in a published dataset from meiotic recombinants of two genetically divergent yeast strains grown in different carbon sources. To identify QTL contributing to plasticity across pairs of environments, gene–environment interaction mapping was performed, which identified several QTL that have a differential effect across environments, some of which act antagonistically across pairs of environments. Multi-QTL analysis identified loci interacting with previously known growth affecting QTL as well as novel two-QTL interactions that affect growth. A QTL that had no significant independent effect was found to alter growth rate and biomass for several carbon sources through two-QTL interactions. Our study demonstrates that environment-specific epistatic interactions contribute to the growth plasticity in yeast. We propose that a targeted scan for epistatic interactions, such as the one described here, can help unravel mechanisms regulating phenotypic plasticity.
Comparative Genomic and Transcriptomic Analysis ofWangiella dermatitidis, A Major Cause of Phaeohyphomycosis and a Model Black Yeast Human Pathogen
Authors: Chen Zehua , Martinez Diego A , Gujja Sharvari , Sykes Sean M , Zeng Qiandong , Szaniszlo Paul J , Wang Zheng , Cuomo Christina A 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBlack or dark brown (phaeoid) fungi cause cutaneous, subcutaneous, and systemic infections in humans. Black fungi thrive in stressful conditions such as intense light, high radiation, and very low pH. Wangiella (Exophiala) dermatitidis is arguably the most studied phaeoid fungal pathogen of humans. Here, we report our comparative analysis of the genome of W. dermatitidis and the transcriptional response to low pH stress. This revealed that W. dermatitidis has lost the ability to synthesize alpha-glucan, a cell wall compound many pathogenic fungi use to evade the host immune system. In contrast, W. dermatitidis contains a similar profile of chitin synthase genes as related fungi and strongly induces genes involved in cell wall synthesis in response to pH stress. The large portfolio of transporters may provide W. dermatitidis with an enhanced ability to remove harmful products as well as to survive on diverse nutrient sources. The genome encodes three independent pathways for producing melanin, an ability linked to pathogenesis; these are active during pH stress, potentially to produce a barrier to accumulated oxidative damage that might occur under stress conditions. In addition, a full set of fungal light-sensing genes is present, including as part of a carotenoid biosynthesis gene cluster. Finally, we identify a two-gene cluster involved in nucleotide sugar metabolism conserved with a subset of fungi and characterize a horizontal transfer event of this cluster between fungi and algal viruses. This work reveals how W. dermatitidis has adapted to stress and survives in diverse environments, including during human infections.
Genome-Wide Analysis of Functional and Evolutionary Features of Tele-Enhancers
Authors: Huang Di , Ovcharenko Ivan 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
We investigated sequence features of enhancers separated from their target gene by at least one intermediate gene/exon (named tele-enhancers in this study) and enhancers residing inside their target gene locus. In this study, we used whole genome enhancer maps and gene expression profiles to establish a large panel of tele-enhancers. By contrasting tele-enhancers to proximal enhancers targeting heart genes, we observed that heart tele-enhancers use unique regulatory mechanisms based on the cardiac transcription factors SRF, TEAD, and NKX-2.5, whereas proximal heart enhancers rely on GATA4 instead. A functional analysis showed that tele-enhancers preferentially regulate house-keeping genes and genes with a metabolic role during heart development. In addition, tele-enhancers are significantly more conserved than their proximal counterparts. Similar trends have been observed for non-heart tissues and cell types, suggesting that our findings represent general characteristics of tele-enhancers.
Enhanced Capacitive Properties of Manganese Dioxide Nanowires Coating with Polyaniline by in situ Polymerization
Authors: Wu Lihao , Li Yingzhi , Yu Pingping , Zhang Qinghua 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTAmong the transition metal oxides, manganese oxides have been widely studied for electrochemical capacitors and batteries, because of their high energy density, low cost, natural abundance and environmentally friendliness. However, the poor electrical conductivity of manganese dioxide (MnO2) limits its capacitive response. Polyaniline becomes a unique and promising conducting polymer with a great potential application in supercapacitors due to easy synthesis and good conductivity of the conducting material. Combine the two properties can prepare nanocomposite materials in order to improve the conductivity and capacitive performance of the MnO2. MnO2 coated with polyaniline as the coaxial nanowires were prepared in this report. The polyaniline was synthesized via in situ polymerization and we got a controllable thin coating on the well-dispersed MnO2 nanowires. This hybrid nanostructure enhances the conductivity and capacitive performance of the supercapacitor electrode. The specific capacitance of MnO2/PANI composites is as high as 426 F g-1 at 1 A g-1, which is twice much higher than pure MnO2 (188 F g-1) .
Dynamics of arable land requirements for food in South Africa: From 1961 to 2007
Authors: Cui Xuefeng , Nath Reshmita , Luan Yibo , Ferrat Marion 
Published: February 2014

Food consumption puts pressure on natural resources and arable land. In the present study, we examined the
dynamics of land requirements for food in South Africa from 1961 to 2007 and investigated the relationships
between dietary patterns, yield, cropping intensity, population and the area of required land using the thought
experiment method. Strong population growth and the development of agricultural technology (indicated by
yield) accounted for more than a 2.5-fold increase in the total land requirements for food from 1961 to 2007.
Before the 1990s, the increase in crop yields enabled constant land requirements, whereas, after the 1990s,
the combined effect of agricultural technology and population growth, together with a small contribution from
dietary changes, led to an increase in the land requirements for food. Our findings confirm that the variation in
land requirements for food is a complex, non-linear function of agricultural production techniques, population
growth and dietary patterns and show that the complex relationship between dietary pattern changes, and
economic development challenges future predictions of land requirements for food in South Africa.
The first-year augmented programme in Physics: A trend towards improved student performance
Authors: Chetty Naven 
Published: February 2014

Amidst a critical national shortage of qualified Black graduates in the pure and applied sciences, the University of KwaZulu-Natal has responded to a call from government for redress by launching the BSc4 Augmented Physics programme. In this paper, the methods employed to foster learning and to encourage student success in the Mechanics module of the Augmented Physics programme are described and discussed. The use of problem-based learning and a holistic learning policy that focuses on the emotional, physical and knowledge development of the student seems to have yielded higher throughput in the first semester of an undergraduate programme in Physics. Furthermore, the results point to an increase in the conceptual understanding of the student with respect to Mechanics. When appraising this success, the results of the 2007–2009 cohorts, with and without teaching interventions in place, were analysed. These initial analyses pave the way for a course designed to benefit the student and improve throughput. These methods are not unique to Physics and can be adapted for any module in any country.
Responsible conduct of research: Global trends, local opportunities
Authors: Rossouw Theresa M. , Van Zyl Christa , Pope Anne 
Published: February 2014

Instances of research misconduct reported in the lay and scientific literature as well as international efforts
to encourage research integrity and the responsible conduct of research are currently receiving considerable
attention. In South Africa, however, the topic has not featured prominently in public debate and clear evidence
of a national, coordinated effort to address the problem of research misconduct seems to be lacking.
Given increasing globalisation of research efforts, the need exists to promote standardised approaches to
interpretation and implementation of the principles and values that underlie responsible conduct of research
as well as to create guidelines and structures to promote integrity in research in the country. We explore
the notions of research misconduct and research integrity, focusing on initiatives that promote responsible
conduct of research, and propose a framework for the South African context.
Escherichia Coli Peritonitis in Peritoneal Dialysis: The Prevalence, Antibiotic Resistance and Clinical Outcomes in a South China Dialysis Center
Authors: Feng Xiaoran , Yang Xiao , Yi Chunyan , Guo Qunying , Mao Haiping , Jiang Zongpei , Li Zhibin , Chen Dongmei , Cui Yingpeng , Yu Xueqing 
Published: February 2014

Introduction Escherichia coli ( E. coli) peritonitis is a frequent, serious complication of peritoneal dialysis (PD). The extended-spectrum β–lactamase (ESBL)-producing E. coli peritonitis is associated with poorer prognosis and its incidence has been on continuous increase during the last decades. However, the clinical course and outcomes of E. coli peritonitis remain largely unclear. Methods All of the E. coli peritonitis episodes that occurred in our dialysis unit from 2006 to 2011 were reviewed. The polymicrobial episodes were excluded. Results In total, ninety episodes of monomicrobial E. coli peritonitis occurred in 68 individuals, corresponding to a rate of 0.027 episodes per patient-year. E. coli was the leading cause (59.2%) of monomicrobial gram-negative peritonitis. ESBL-producing strains accounted for 35.5% of E. coli peritonitis. The complete cure rate and treatment failure rate of E. coli peritonitis were 77.8% and 10.0% respectively. Patients with preceding peritonitis had a higher risk of ESBL production as compared to those without peritonitis history [odds ratio (OR): 5.286; 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.018 – 13.843; p = 0.001]. The risk of treatment failure was significantly increased when the patient had a baseline score of Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) above 3 (OR: 6.155; 95% CI: 1.198 – 31.612; p = 0.03), or had diabetes mellitus (OR: 8.457; 95% CI: 1.838 – 38.91; p = 0.006), or hypoalbuminemia (≤ 30g/l) on admission (OR: 13.714; 95% CI: 1.602 – 117.428; p = 0.01). Prolonging the treatment course from 2 to 3 weeks or more reduced the risk of relapse and repeat significantly ( p < 0.05). Conclusions E. coli peritonitis remains a common complication of PD. The clinical outcomes of E. coli peritonitis are relatively favorable despite the high ESBL rate. A history of peritonitis is associated with increased risk for ESBL development. The severity of baseline comorbidities, the presence of diabetes mellitus and hypoalbuminemia at admission are associated with poor outcomes.
The Negative Impact of Early Peritonitis on Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis Patients
Authors: Hsieh Yao-Peng , Wang Shu-Chuan , Chang Chia-Chu , Wen Yao-Ko , Chiu Ping-Fang , Yang Yu 
Published: February 2014

Background Peritonitis rate has been reported to be associated with technique failure and overall mortality in previous literatures. However, information on the impact of the timing of the first peritonitis episode on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients is sparse. The aim of this research is to study the influence of time to first peritonitis on clinical outcomes, including technique failure, patient mortality and dropout from peritoneal dialysis (PD). Methods A retrospective observational cohort study was conducted over 10 years at a single PD unit in Taiwan. A total of 124 patients on CAPD with at least one peritonitis episode comprised the study subjects, which were dichotomized by the median of time to first peritonitis into either early peritonitis patients or late peritonitis patients. Cox proportional hazard model was used to analyze the correlation of the timing of first peritonitis with clinical outcomes. Results Early peritonitis patients were older, more diabetic and had lower serum levels of creatinine than the late peritonitis patients. Early peritonitis patients were associated with worse technique survival, patient survival and stay on PD than late peritonitis patients, as indicated by Kaplan-Meier analysis (log-rank test, p = 0.04, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively). In the multivariate Cox regression model, early peritonitis was still a significant predictor for technique failure (hazard ratio (HR), 0.54; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.30 – 0.98), patient mortality (HR, 0.34; 95% CI, 0.13 – 0.92) and dropout from PD (HR, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.30 – 0.82). In continuous analyses, a 1-month increase in the time to the first peritonitis episode was associated with a 2% decreased risk of technique failure (HR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.97 – 0.99), a 3% decreased risk of patient mortality (HR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.95 – 0.99), and a 2% decreased risk of dropout from PD (HR, 98%; 95% CI, 0.97 – 0.99). Peritonitis rate was inversely correlated with time to first peritonitis according to the Spearman analysis (r = –0.64, p < 0.001). Conclusions Time to first peritonitis is significantly correlated with clinical outcomes of peritonitis patients with early peritonitis patients having poor prognosis. Patients with shorter time to first peritonitis were prone to having a higher peritonitis rate.