bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Trends and projections of annual birth volumes in the State of Qatar: 1970–2025
Authors: Greer William 
Published: July 2013

Background: The ethnic profile of Qatar is a combination of its indigenous peoples (Qataris) and non-resident foreigners (non-Qataris). Its population has increased dramatically during the last 30 years to around 1.9 m (although only 15% are Qataris) leading to an increase in the number of local births. A recent unexpected surge in births has lead to a need to re-evaluate the trends in birth numbers and develop more reliable predictions for both near- (2015) and far-term (2025) annual numbers of births to support the many healthcare planning initiatives which are currently underway. Methods: There is considerable information already available in Qatar which can facilitate such a study. This paper collates these various data, charts and investigates their visible trends and develops a simple mathematical model which projects the annual number of births which might reasonably be expected to emerge later in this decade and beyond. Results: The Qatari sub-population has maintained a reliable linear increase in birth numbers since data first began to be collected. The births among the non-GCC and Asian sub-populations are the primary cause of the recent nonlinear increase which can be well-described in the near-term by a simple quadratic curve. Far-term projections require a non-linear mathematical model which combines the regular linear increase among the Qataris with an exponentially decreasing demand for “in-Qatar” births from the non-Qataris. The trend for multiple births in Qatar (i.e. the annual number of live-born twins, triplets etc.) has shown significant increases during the last 20 years but may be reaching a plateau. Among Qataris the numbers have been higher but – at least for triplets and higher-order births – this gap has decreased in the last few years. It appears that the increase in multiple births has been associated with the current expansion of IVF programs and other forms of assisted conception in Qatar. Conclusions: The annual number of births in Qatar has recently shown a significant departure from its previous trend, requiring a radical reassessment of future projections. There has also been a concomitant increase in multiple births which has been associated with the expansion of IVF programs and other forms of assisted conception. A simple quadratic model predicts that there will be ∼22,500 births in 2015, of which ∼8,000 will be Qatari. A far-term projection for 2025 suggests that this number is likely to rise to ∼27,000 but with some small additional increase yet to come.
Perinatal Pathologic Examination of Nonintact, Second-Trimester Fetal Demise Specimens: The Value of Standardization
Authors: Gawron Lori M. , Hammond Cassing , Ernst Linda M. 
Published: July 2013

Context.—Management of second-trimester intrauterine fetal demise via dilation and evacuation results in nonintact specimens for pathologic examination. Surgical pathology examination is often mandated; however, evidence on expected findings and specimen evaluation guidelines are lacking.
Objectives.—To assess pathologic findings of nonintact, second-trimester fetal demise specimens, through comparison of anatomic abnormalities identified on standardized perinatal examination to individualized general pathology examinations.
Design.—Single institution, retrospective chart review of 14- to 24-week gestational size fetal demise cases was conducted from May 2006 to October 2010. Suspected abnormalities, chromosomal and pathologic diagnoses were collected. A general surgical pathology examination occurred between May 2006 and October 2008, while a perinatal pathologist examined specimens between October 2008 and October 2010. Statistical analysis consisted of t tests and χ2 tests by Stata/SE 12.1.
Results.—One hundred eighteen specimens were included and mean gestational size was 16.0 weeks (standard deviation, 1.6 weeks). Perinatal pathologic evaluation diagnosed significantly more abnormalities than did general pathologic examination (77.3% [34 of 44] versus 9.5% [7 of 75], P &lt; .001). Forty-eight abnormalities were identified: 77.0% (n = 37) were placental and 23.0% (n = 11) were fetal. Chromosomal analysis was done on 73.7% (n = 87 of 118) with 12.6% (n = 11 of 87) showing abnormalities. Among aneuploid specimens, the perinatal pathologist confirmed abnormalities in 66.7% (n = 4 of 6) of cases while general pathologists confirmed abnormalities in 0% (n = 0 of 5) (P = .02).
Conclusions.—Systematic surgical pathology examination of nonintact, second-trimester fetal demise specimens yields increased information on fetal or placental abnormalities, which may be clinically useful. Institutions with high-risk obstetrical practices and dilation and evacuation providers should consider integrating a standardized perinatal checklist into educational and practice guidelines.
Brief communication: Effect of nomadic subsistence practices on lactase persistence associated genetic variation in Kuwait
Authors: Hill Sarah Catherine , Mohammad Talal Ramadan , Kivisild Toomas 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACTLactase persistence (LP)—the ability to digest lactose in adulthood—is paradigmatic of Holocenic dietary change affecting the evolutionary trajectory of specific populations. Kuwait represents one location of high LP where the variation in associated genomic regions has not been examined. Here, we present new sequence data from a 427 bp amplicon 14 kb upstream of the LCT (lactase) gene for two Bedouin tribal populations, the Ajman and Mutran. We estimate the frequency of known LP associated alleles and discuss the impact of nomadic‐pastoralism on the associated genetic variation. We observe high frequency (56% on average) of the −13,915*G allele in both tribes, which is consistent with the high prevalence of LP in Kuwait. Whilst LP associated alleles occur in Kuwait at a similar frequency to other regional populations, we suggest that the −13,915*G allele frequency among the Kuwaiti Bedouin may be higher than among non‐Bedouin Kuwaitis, possibly due to greater historical reliance on milk consumption or genetic drift. Am J Phys Anthropol 152:140–144, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mitochondrial diversity in human head louse populations across the Americas
Authors: Ascunce Marina S. , Fane Jackie , Kassu Gebreyes , Toloza Ariel C. , Picollo Maria I. , González‐Oliver Angélica , Reed David L. 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACTAnthropological studies suggest that the genetic makeup of human populations in the Americas is the result of diverse processes including the initial colonization of the continent by the first people plus post‐1492 European migrations. Because of the recent nature of some of these events, understanding the geographical origin of American human diversity is challenging. However, human parasites have faster evolutionary rates and larger population sizes allowing them to maintain greater levels of genetic diversity than their hosts. Thus, we can use human parasites to provide insights into some aspects of human evolution that may be unclear from direct evidence. In this study, we analyzed mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequences from 450 head lice in the Americas. Haplotypes clustered into two well‐supported haplogroups, known as A and B. Haplogroup frequencies differ significantly among North, Central and South America. Within each haplogroup, we found evidence of demographic expansions around 16,000 and 20,000 years ago, which correspond broadly with those estimated for Native Americans. The parallel timing of demographic expansions of human lice and Native Americans plus the contrasting pattern between the distribution of haplogroups A and B through the Americas suggests that human lice can provide additional evidence about the human colonization of the New World. Am J Phys Anthropol 152:118–129, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sex differences in 2D:4D and aggression in children and adolescents from five regions of Russia
Authors: Butovskaya Marina , Fedenok Julija , Burkova Valentina , Manning John 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACTThe aim of this study was to consider digit ratio (2D:4D: a putative marker of prenatal testosterone and estrogen levels) and aggression in a sample of 1,452 children and adolescents (mean age 13.6 years) from five regions of Russia. The 2D:4D was calculated from direct measurements of the fingers, and aggression scores were obtained from completed Buss and Perry (J Pers Soc Psychol 63 (1992) 452–459) aggression questionnaires. The 2D:4D demonstrated significant sexual dimorphism, with lower 2D:4D in boys in all regions. Physical aggression scores were highest in boys, but verbal aggression, anger and hostility were highest in girls. The highest right hand 2D:4D in boys was found in the most northerly population (Central Russia Region). Our data revealed small, but highly significant negative correlations between right 2D:4D, right–left 2D:4D (DR‐L) and self‐ratings on physical aggression in boys, but not in girls. These relationships remained after considering Russian ethnics only, and controlling for region. We suggest that the associations may be due to sex differences in prenatal androgen secretion. Am J Phys Anthropol 152:130–139, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Brief communication: Swimming and diving behavior in apes (Pan troglodytes and Pongo pygmaeus): First documented report
Authors: Bender Renato , Bender Nicole 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACTExtant hominoids, including humans, are well known for their inability to swim instinctively. We report swimming and diving in two captive apes using visual observation and video recording. One common chimpanzee and one orangutan swam repeatedly at the water surface over a distance of 2–6 m; both individuals submerged repeatedly. We show that apes are able to overcome their negative buoyancy by deliberate swimming, using movements which deviate from the doggy‐paddle pattern observed in other primates. We suggest that apes' poor swimming ability is due to behavioral, anatomical, and neuromotor changes related to an adaptation to arboreal life in their early phylogeny. This strong adaptive focus on arboreal life led to decreased opportunities to interact with water bodies and consequently to a reduction of selective pressure to maintain innate swimming behavior. As the doggy paddle is associated with quadrupedal walking, a deviation from terrestrial locomotion might have interfered with the fixed rhythmic action patterns responsible for innate swimming. Am J Phys Anthropol 152:156–162, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis, structural characterization and catalytic activity of benzimidazole‐functionalized Pd(II) N‐heterocyclic carbene complexes
Authors: Diao Yalin , Hao Rong , Kou Junfeng , Teng Mingyu , Huang Guoli , Chen Yegao 
Published: July 2013

AbstractTwo Pd(II)–NHC complexes bearing benzimidazole and pyridine groups have been successfully prepared and fully characterized by NMR and X‐ray diffraction analysis. The structure of palladium complexes are a typical square‐planar with palladium surrounded by two pairs of trans‐arranged benzimidazole and carbene ligands. The Pd–NHC complexes have been proved to be a highly efficient catalyst for the Mizoroki–Heck coupling reaction of aryl halides with various substituted acrylates under mild conditions in excellent yields. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enhancement of the antibacterial activity of natural rubber latex foam by the incorporation of zinc oxide nanoparticles
Authors: Rathnayake W. G. I. U. , Ismail H. , Baharin A. , Bandara I. M. C. C. D. , Rajapakse Sanath 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACTThe synthesis and characterization of ZnO‐nanoparticle‐incorporated natural rubber latex foam (NRLF) are described in this article. ZnO nanoparticles were added as the primary gelling agent by the replacement of the microsized ZnO particles, whereas the control sample of the NRLF was made without the addition of any ZnO particles. ZnO nanopowder was evaluated by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), whereas the aqueous dispersion of nano‐ZnO was evaluated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) micrograph analysis. The modified NRLF materials were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM)–energy‐dispersive X‐ray (EDX) analysis and XRD analysis. The antibacterial activities of the modified NRLF samples were evaluated quantitatively and qualitatively by antibacterial susceptibility tests against Gram‐positive Staphylococcus aureus and Gram‐negative Escherichia coli bacteria. We found that the XRD peaks matched perfectly with reference code 98‐002‐6593, which was the hexagonal phase. The particle sizes given by TEM image analysis were less than 60 nm. Most of the XRD peaks obtained for the modified NRLF matched with that of the ZnO nanopowder; this proved the presence of nano‐ZnO in the modified NRLF. Further, it was proven by SEM and EDX analysis. The NRLF modified by nanosized ZnO inhibited the growth of the so‐called bacteria in a very strong manner. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 39601.
Analyses of structurally modified quasi‐solid‐state electrolytes using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy for dye‐sensitized solar cells
Authors: Seo Seok‐Jun , Hinsch Andreas , Veurman Welmoed , Brandt Henning , Kang Moon‐Sung , Shin Sung‐Hee , Moon Seung‐Hyeon 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACTElectrochemical properties of structurally modified quasi‐solid‐state electrolytes were examined using porous substrates (PSs). The PS was prepared into two categories by a phase inversion method with a brominated poly(phenylene oxide) (BPPO): the sponge and finger types. Effects of the humidification and cosolvent compositions on the morphology of the PS were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. In all cases of the PSs, a higher VOC was observed of about 0.1 V than that of a liquid electrolyte owing to a suppressed back electron charge transfer. In addition, the PS prepared by the polymer solution of 1 : 4 : 1 (BPPO : N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone : butyl alcohol) with the humidification process showed better photovoltaic properties in terms of the current density and conversion efficiency owing to the appropriate combinations of pore size, tortuosity, and interconnectivity. Effects of the pore structures were intensively examined using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The impedance results revealed that large pores at the surface layers are advantageous for a lower RS and RTiO2. Meanwhile, the straight inner structure is beneficial for the facile I−/I3− diffusion, thus lowering RPt. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 39739.
A Corpus‐based Psychodynamic Analysis of Body Boundary Imagery in Hitler's Mein Kampf
Authors: Cariola Laura A. 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACTThis study employs a corpus‐based approach to make justifiable psychodynamic interpretations based on the statistical relationships that exist between linguistic variables in written texts. The text examined is Hitler's Mein Kampf (Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin, 1943), which was assessed on the strengths of associations between body boundary imagery, primordial thought language and emotional language. The results largely confirm the research hypotheses identifying the use of body boundary functions as a defense mechanism associated to borderline and narcissistic organization for separating trauma from conscious awareness and for containing a fragile self‐image and body schema. The discussion interprets the language pattern by drawing on various psychoanalytic theories in conjunction with Hitler's biographical notes and Langer's psychohistorical study of Hitler's life (The mind of Adolf Hitler: The secret wartime report. London: Pan, 1973). Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimal control strategies with an extended cell transmission model for massive vehicular‐pedestrian mixed flows in the evacuation zone
Authors: Zhang Xin , Chang Gang‐len 
Published: July 2013

SUMMARYThis paper presents an integrated model to design routing and signal plans for massive mixed pedestrian‐vehicle flows within the evacuation zone. The proposed model, with its embedded formulations for pedestrians and vehicles in the same evacuation network, can effectively take their potential conflicts into account and generate the optimal routing strategies to guide evacuees toward either the pickup locations or their parking areas during an evacuation. The proposed model, enhancing the cell transmission model with the notion of sub‐cells, mainly captures the complex movements in the vehicle‐pedestrian flows and can concurrently optimizes both the signals for pedestrian‐vehicle flows and the movement paths for evacuees. An illustrating example concerning the evacuation around the M&T Bank Stadium area has been used to demonstrate the application potential of the proposed model. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
ELF magnetic fields tuned to ion parametric resonance conditions do not affect TEA‐sensitive voltage‐dependent outward K+ currents in a human neural cell line
Authors: Gavoçi Entelë , Zironi Isabella , Remondini Daniel , Virelli Angela , Castellani Gastone , Del Re Brunella , Giorgi Gianfranco , Aicardi Giorgio , Bersani Ferdinando 
Published: July 2013

AbstractDespite the experimental evidence of significant biological effects of extremely low frequency (ELF) magnetic fields (MFs), the underlying mechanisms are still unclear. Among the few mechanisms proposed, of particular interest is the so called “ion parametric resonance (IPR)” hypothesis, frequently referred to as theoretical support for medical applications. We studied the effect of different combinations of static (DC) and alternating (AC) ELF MFs tuned on resonance conditions for potassium (K+) on TEA‐sensitive voltage‐dependent outward K+ currents in the human neuroblastoma BE(2)C cell line. Currents through the cell membrane were measured by whole‐cell patch clamp before, during, and after exposure to MF. No significant changes in K+ current density were found. This study does not confirm the IPR hypothesis at the level of TEA‐sensitive voltage‐dependent outward K+ currents in our experimental conditions. However, this is not a direct disprove of the hypothesis, which should be investigated on other ion channels and at single channel levels also. Bioelectromagnetics 34:579–588, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cross‐linguistic influence of first language writing systems on brain responses to second language word reading in late bilinguals
Authors: Yokoyama Satoru , Kim Jungho , Uchida Shinya , Miyamoto Tadao , Yoshimoto Kei , Kawashima Ryuta 
Published: July 2013

AbstractIntroductionHow human brains acquire second languages (L2) is one of the fundamental questions in neuroscience and language science. However, it is unclear whether the first language (L1) has a cross‐linguistic influence on the processing of L2.MethodsHere, we used functional magnetic resonance imaging to compare brain activities during L2 word reading tasks of phonographic Japanese Kana between two groups of learners of the Japanese language as their L2 and who had different orthographic backgrounds of their L1. For Chinese learners, a L1 of the Chinese language (Hanji) and a L2 of the Japanese Kana differed orthographically, whereas for Korean learners, a L1 of Korean Hangul and a L2 of Japanese Kana were similar.ResultsOur analysis revealed that, although proficiency and the age of acquisition did not differ between the two groups, Chinese learners showed greater activation of the left middle frontal gyrus than Korean learners during L2 word reading.ConclusionOur results provide evidence that strongly supported the hypothesis that cross‐linguistic variations in orthography between L1 and L2 induce differential brain activation during L2 word reading, which has been proposed previously.
The relationship between re‐endothelialization and endothelial function after DES implantation: Comparison between paclitaxcel eluting stent and zotarolims eluting stent
Authors: Murase Suguru , Suzuki Yoriyasu , Yamaguchi Toshikazu , Matsuda Osamu , Murata Akira , Ito Tatsuya 
Published: July 2013

BackgroundSeveral studies have reported re‐endothelialization and endothelial function after drug‐eluting stent (DES) implantation; however, the relationship between re‐endothelialization and endothelial function after DES implantation has not been investigated yet.MethodsA total of 14 patients underwent evaluation of re‐endothelialization by optical coherence tomography (OCT) and endothelial function by incremental Ach infusion at 9 months after DES implantation (ZES: N = 7, PES: N = 7). The neointimal thickness (NIT) inside each strut, strut coverage, and malapposition at every 1 mm cross‐section were evaluated by OCT and the endothelial function was estimated by measuring the coronary vaso‐reactivity in response to acetylcholine (Ach) infusion into coronary arteries.ResultsZotarolims eluting stent (ZES), compared with paclitaxcel eluting stent (PES), showed more homogeneous neointimal coverage of stent struts and low rate of malapposition. Vasoconstriction in response to Ach in the peri‐stent region was also less pronounced in ZES than PES. In particular, vasoconstriction was more often observed in cases with inhomogeneous neointimal coverage of stent struts in the PES group.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that endothelial function seems to be better preserved with ZES than PES, and homogeneous neointimal coverage of stent struts seem to be associated with the preserved endothelial function. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Quality of prostate cancer care among rural men in the Veterans Health Administration
Authors: Skolarus Ted A. , Chan Stephanie , Shelton Jeremy B. , Antonio Anna Liza , Sales Anne E. , Malin Jennifer L. , Saigal Christopher S. 
Published: July 2013

BACKGROUNDPatient travel distances, coupled with variation in facility‐level resources, create barriers for prostate cancer care in the Veterans Health Administration integrated delivery system. For these reasons, the authors investigated the degree to which these barriers impact the quality of prostate cancer care.METHODSThe Veterans Affairs Central Cancer Registry was used to identify all men who were diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2008. Patient residence was characterized using Rural Urban Commuting Area codes. The authors then examined whether rural residence, compared with urban residence, was associated with less access to cancer‐related resources and worse quality of care for 5 prostate cancer quality measures.RESULTSApproximately 25% of the 11,368 patients who were diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2008 lived in either a rural area or a large town. Rural patients tended to be white (62% urban vs 86% rural) and married (47% urban vs 63% rural), and they tended to have slightly higher incomes (all P < .01) but similar tumor grade (P = .23) and stage (P = .12) compared with urban patients. Rural patients were significantly less likely to be treated at facilities with comprehensive cancer resources, although they received a similar or better quality of care for 4 of the 5 prostate cancer quality measures. The time to prostate cancer treatment was similar (rural patients vs urban patients, 96.6 days vs 105.7 days).CONCLUSIONSRural patients with prostate cancer had less access to comprehensive oncology resources, although they received a similar quality of care, compared with their urban counterparts in the Veterans Health Administration integrated delivery system. A better understanding of the degree to which facility factors contribute to the quality of cancer care may assist other organizations involved in rural health care delivery. Cancer 2013;119:3629–3635. © 2013 American Cancer Society.