bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The impact of insecticide-treated school uniforms on dengue infections in school-aged children: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial in Thailand
Authors: Wilder-Smith Annelies , Byass Peter , Olanratmanee Phanthip , Maskhao Pongsri , Sringernyuang Luechai , Logan James G , Lindsay Steve W , Banks Sarah , Gubler Duane , Louis Valérie R , Tozan Yesim , Kittayapong Pattamaporn 
Published: November 2012

Abstract

Background
There is an urgent need to protect children against dengue since this age group is particularly sensitive to the disease. Since dengue vectors are active mainly during the day, a potential target for control should be schools where children spend a considerable amount of their day. School uniforms are the cultural norm in most developing countries, worn throughout the day. We hypothesise that insecticide-treated school uniforms will reduce the incidence of dengue infection in school-aged children. Our objective is to determine the impact of impregnated school uniforms on dengue incidence.

Methods
A randomised controlled trial will be conducted in eastern Thailand in a group of schools with approximately 2,000 students aged 7–18 years. Pre-fabricated school uniforms will be commercially treated to ensure consistent, high-quality insecticide impregnation with permethrin. A double-blind, randomised, crossover trial at the school level will cover two dengue transmission seasons.

Discussion
Practical issues and plans concerning intervention implementation, evaluation, analysing and interpreting the data, and possible policy implications arising from the trial are discussed.

Trial registration
clinicaltrial.gov. Registration number: NCT01563640
Effects of neuromuscular electrostimulation in patients with heart failure admitted to ward
Authors: de Araújo Carlos José Soares , Gonçalves Fernanda Souza , Bittencourt Hugo Souza , dos Santos Noélia Gonçalves , Junior Sérgio Vitor Mecca , Neves Júlio Leal Bandeira , Fernandes André Maurício Souza , Junior Roque Aras , dos Reis FranciscoJoséFariasBorges , Guimarães Armênio Costa , Junior ErenaldodeSouzaRodrigues , Carvalho Vitor Oliveira 
Published: November 2012

Abstract

Background
Neuromuscular electrostimulation has become a promising issue in cardiovascular rehabilitation. However there are few articles published in the literature regarding neuromuscular electrostimulation in patients with heart failure during hospital stay.

Methods
This is a randomized controlled pilot trial that aimed to investigate the effect of neuromuscular electrostimulation in the walked distance by the six-minute walking test in 30 patients admitted to ward for heart failure treatment in a tertiary cardiology hospital. Patients in the intervention group performed a conventional rehabilitation and neuromuscular electrostimulation. Patients underwent 60 minutes of electrostimulation (wave frequency was 20 Hz, pulse duration of 20 us) two times a day for consecutive days until hospital discharge.

Results
The walked distance in the six-minute walking test improved 75% in the electrostimulation group (from 379.7 ± 43.5 to 372.9 ± 46.9 meters to controls and from 372.9 ± 62.4 to 500 ± 68 meters to electrostimulation, p<0.001). On the other hand, the walked distance in the control group did not change.

Conclusion
The neuromuscular electrostimulation group showed greater improvement in the walked distance in the six-minute walking test in patients admitted to ward for compensation of heart failure.
Simultaneous nephrectomy and coronary artery bypass grafting through extended sternotomy
Authors: Budrikis Algimantas , Jievaltas Mindaugas , Al Assaad Sami , Kinduris Sarunas 
Published: November 2012

Abstract

Background
The advances in surgical techniques, resuscitation and anesthesiology support over the last years have allowed simultaneous thoracic and abdominal operations to be made for cancer and concomitant severe heart vessel disease relieving the patient from several diseases simultaneously and achieving long lasting remission or cure.

Clinical case
A simultaneous nephrectomy and coronary artery bypass grafting procedure through extended sternotomy is reported. A 63-year-old man with severe coronary artery disease was found to have renal carcinoma.

Diagnosis
Postoperative pathological investigation of the tumor revealed the presence of renal cell carcinoma pT3a N0 M0, G2. Coronarography revealed advanced three-vessel coronary artery disease.

Treatment
We successfully performed a simultaneous curative surgery for renal carcinoma and coronary artery bypass graft surgery under cardiopulmonary bypass using a novel technique of extended sternotomy. Simultaneous surgery thus appears to be a beneficial and safe approach for the treatment of coronary artery disease and resectable renal cancer in carefully selected patients.
Simulation and experimental characterization of the point spread function, pixel saturation, and blooming of a mercury cadmium telluride focal plane array
Authors: Soehnel Grant , West Rynes Anthony 
Published: November 2012

A custom IR spot scanning experiment was constructed to project
subpixel spots on a mercury cadmium telluride focal plane array (FPA).
The hardware consists of an FPA in a liquid nitrogen cooled Dewar,
high precision motorized stages, a custom aspheric lens, and a 1.55
and 3.39 μm laser source. By controlling the position and intensity of
the spot, characterizations of cross talk, saturation, blooming, and
(indirectly) the minority
carrier lifetime were performed. In addition, a Monte–Carlo-based
charge diffusion model
was developed to validate experimental data and make predictions.
Results show very good agreement between the model and experimental
data. Parameters such as wavelength, reverse bias, and operating
temperature were found to have little effect on pixel crosstalk in the
absorber layer of the
detector. Saturation characterizations show that these FPAs, which do
not have antiblooming
circuitry, exhibit an
increase in cross talk due to blooming at ∼39%
beyond the flux required for analog saturation.
Facile approach to the synthesis of substituted thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidin-4-ones
Authors: Hovhannisyan Anna , Aristakesyan Lilit , Melikyan Gagik 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
Condensation of Gewald’s thiophenes substituted with a dimethylaminomethyleneamino group at position 2 with primary amines yields 5/6-aryl-thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidin-4-ones with variable substituents at the N3 position.
Fragmentation mechanism of the phenylcoumaran-type lignin model compound by ToF-SIMS
Authors: Matsushita Yasuyuki , Ioka Kousuke , Saito Kaori , Takama Ruka , Aoki Dan , Fukushima Kazuhiko 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
The experiments with model compounds revealed that time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) is able to split the common interunit linkages of lignin, except the 5-5 linkage. In a previous study, ToF-SIMS produced characteristic secondary ions with m/z 137 and 151 (C6-C1 fragments) from the phenylcoumaran-type lignin model compound, the benzofuran ring of which has a β-5 linkage and an α-O-4 linkage. However, it is still unclear whether the fragments are from ring A with the free phenolic OH as a result of the sole cleavage of the α-O-4 link by opening the furan ring or from ring B as a result of the β-5 cleavage. In this study, the phenylcoumaran-type lignin model compound and its deuterium- and/or 13C-labeled analogues were synthesized and analyzed by ToF-SIMS. It could be clarified that the β-5 linkage is not cleaved by ToF-SIMS.
Laufregelung redundanter humanoider Roboter — ein modellbasierter Ansatz
Authors: Buschmann Thomas , Schwienbacher Markus , Favot Valerio , Ewald Alexander , Ulbrich Heinz 
Published: November 2012

Zusammenfassung
Dieser Beitrag beschreibt ein System zur Regelung redundanter zweibeiniger Roboter. Das hierarchisch angelegte System erzeugt aus groben Vorgaben zum gewünschten Gang in Echtzeit eine stabile Laufbewegung. Die stabilisierende Regelung kompensiert Modellfehler, externe Kräfte und Bodenunebenheiten. Durch Nutzung kinematischer Redundanzen können erforderliche Gelenkwinkelgeschwindigkeiten minimiert und die Gefahr des Rutschens reduziert werden. In dem Artikel wird die von uns für experimentelle Arbeiten entwickelte Laufmaschine Lola beschrieben und ein Überblick der mit diesem Roboter erzielten experimentellen Ergebnisse gegeben.
Quadrupedal Robots with Stiff and Compliant Actuation
Authors: Remy C. David , Hutter Marco , Hoepflinger Mark , Bloesch Michael , Gehring Christian , Siegwart Roland 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
In the broader context of quadrupedal locomotion, this overview article introduces and compares two platforms that are similar in structure, size, and morphology, yet differ greatly in their concept of actuation. The first, ALoF, is a classically stiff actuated robot that is controlled kinematically, while the second, StarlETH, uses a soft actuation scheme based on Changedhighly compliant series elastic actuators. We show how this conceptual difference influences design and control of the robots, compare the hardware of the two systems, and show exemplary their advantages in different applications.
When Concealed Handgun Licensees Break Bad: Criminal Convictions of Concealed Handgun Licensees in Texas, 2001–2009
Authors: Phillips Charles D. , Nwaiwu Obioma , McMaughan Moudouni Darcy K. , Edwards Rachel , Lin Szu-hsuan 
Published: November 2012

Objectives. We explored differences in criminal convictions between holders and nonholders of a concealed handgun license (CHL) in Texas. Methods. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) provides annual data on criminal convictions of holders and nonholders of CHLs. We used 2001 to 2009 DPS data to investigate the differences in the distribution of convictions for these 2 groups across 9 types of criminal offenses. We calculated z scores for the differences in the types of crimes for which CHL holders and nonholders were convicted. Results. CHL holders were much less likely than nonlicensees to be convicted of crimes. Most nonholder convictions involved higher-prevalence crimes (burglary, robbery, or simple assault). CHL holders’ convictions were more likely to involve lower-prevalence crimes, such as sexual offenses, gun offenses, or offenses involving a death. Conclusions. Our results imply that expanding the settings in which concealed carry is permitted may increase the risk of specific types of crimes, some quite serious in those settings. These increased risks may be relatively small. Nonetheless, policymakers should consider these risks when contemplating reducing the scope of gun-free zones.
Sex, Drugs (Methamphetamines), and the Internet: Increasing Syphilis Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in California, 2004–2008
Authors: Chew Ng Rilene A. , Samuel Michael C. , Lo Terrence , Bernstein Kyle T. , Aynalem Getahun , Klausner Jeffrey D. , Bolan Gail 
Published: November 2012

Objectives. We examined primary and secondary syphilis cases among men who have sex with men (MSM) in California, and the association of methamphetamine use and Internet use to meet sex partners (Internet use) with number of sex partners. Methods. We analyzed California surveillance data for MSM who were diagnosed with syphilis between 2004 and 2008, to assess differences in the mean number of sex partners by methamphetamine use and mutually exclusive groups of patients reporting Internet use (Internet users). Results. Large proportions of patients reported methamphetamine use (19.2%) and Internet use (36.4%). From 2006 through 2008, Adam4Adam was the most frequently reported Web site statewide, despite temporal and regional differences in Web site usage. Methamphetamine users reported more sex partners (mean = 11.7) than nonmethamphetamine users (mean = 5.6; P < .001). Internet users reported more sex partners (mean = 9.8) than non-Internet users (mean = 5.0; P < .001). Multivariable analysis of variance confirmed an independent association of methamphetamine and Internet use with increased numbers of sex partners. Conclusions. Higher numbers of partners among MSM syphilis patients were associated with methamphetamine and Internet use. Collaboration between currently stand-alone interventions targeting methamphetamine users and Internet users may offer potential advances in sexually transmitted disease control efforts.
Suicide, Guns, and Public Policy
Authors: Lewiecki E. Michael , Miller Sara A. 
Published: November 2012

Suicide is a serious public health concern that is responsible for almost 1 million deaths each year worldwide. It is commonly an impulsive act by a vulnerable individual. The impulsivity of suicide provides opportunities to reduce the risk of suicide by restricting access to lethal means. In the United States, firearms, particularly handguns, are the most common means of suicide. Despite strong empirical evidence that restriction of access to firearms reduces suicides, access to firearms in the United States is generally subject to few restrictions. Implementation and evaluation of measures such as waiting periods and permit requirements that restrict access to handguns should be a top priority for reducing deaths from impulsive suicide in the United States.
Efficacy of Frequent Monitoring With Swift, Certain, and Modest Sanctions for Violations: Insights From South Dakota’s 24/7 Sobriety Project
Authors: Kilmer Beau , Nicosia Nancy , Heaton Paul , Midgette Greg 
Published: November 2012

Objectives. We examined the public health impact of South Dakota’s 24/7 Sobriety Project, an innovative program requiring individuals arrested for or convicted of alcohol-involved offenses to submit to breathalyzer tests twice per day or wear a continuous alcohol monitoring bracelet. Those testing positive are subject to swift, certain, and modest sanctions. Methods. We conducted differences-in-differences analyses comparing changes in arrests for driving while under the influence of alcohol (DUI), arrests for domestic violence, and traffic crashes in counties with the program to counties without the program. Results. Between 2005 and 2010, more than 17 000 residents of South Dakota—including more than 10% of men aged 18 to 40 years in some counties—had participated in the 24/7 program. At the county level, we documented a 12% reduction in repeat DUI arrests (P = .023) and a 9% reduction in domestic violence arrests (P = .035) following adoption of the program. Evidence for traffic crashes was mixed. Conclusions. In community supervision settings, frequent alcohol testing with swift, certain, and modest sanctions for violations can reduce problem drinking and improve public health outcomes.
Network Mixing and Network Influences Most Linked to HIV Infection and Risk Behavior in the HIV Epidemic Among Black Men Who Have Sex With Men
Authors: Schneider John A. , Cornwell Benjamin , Ostrow David , Michaels Stuart , Schumm Phil , Laumann Edward O. , Friedman Samuel 
Published: November 2012

Objectives. We evaluated network mixing and influences by network members upon Black men who have sex with men. Methods. We conducted separate social and sexual network mixing analyses to determine the degree of mixing on risk behaviors (e.g., unprotected anal intercourse [UAI]). We used logistic regression to assess the association between a network “enabler” (would not disapprove of the respondent’s behavior) and respondent behavior. Results. Across the sample (n = 1187) network mixing on risk behaviors was more assortative (like with like) in the sexual network (rsex, 0.37–0.54) than in the social network (rsocial, 0.21–0.24). Minimal assortativity (heterogeneous mixing) among HIV-infected men on UAI was evident. Black men who have sex with men reporting a social network enabler were more likely to practice UAI (adjusted odds ratio = 4.06; 95% confidence interval = 1.64, 10.05) a finding not observed in the sexual network (adjusted odds ratio = 1.31; 95% confidence interval = 0.44, 3.91). Conclusions. Different mixing on risk behavior was evident with more disassortativity among social than sexual networks. Enabling effects of social network members may affect risky behavior. Attention to of high-risk populations’ social networks is needed for effective and sustained HIV prevention.
Revisiting Sample Size: Are Big Trials the Answer?
Authors: Lurati Buse Giovanna A.L. , Botto Fernando , Devereaux P.J. 
Published: November 2012

Abstract:
The superiority of the evidence generated in randomized controlled trials over observational data is not only conditional to randomization. Randomized controlled trials require proper design and implementation to provide a reliable effect estimate. Adequate random sequence generation, allocation implementation, analyses based on the intention-to-treat principle, and sufficient power are crucial to the quality of a randomized controlled trial. Power, or the probability of the trial to detect a difference when a real difference between treatments exists, strongly depends on sample size. The quality of orthopaedic randomized controlled trials is frequently threatened by a limited sample size. This paper reviews basic concepts and pitfalls in sample-size estimation and focuses on the importance of large trials in the generation of valid evidence.
The Dangers of Stopping a Trial Too Early
Authors: Briel Matthias , Bassler Dirk , Wang Amy T. , Guyatt Gordon H. , Montori Victor M. 
Published: November 2012

Abstract:
To ensure that participants in randomized controlled trials are protected from harm, interim analyses and review of results by an independent data monitoring committee have become standard practice. If an analysis of accumulating data partway through a trial reveals an unanticipated degree of benefit or toxicity, or differences in outcomes between the intervention and control groups are so unimpressive that any prospect of a positive result with the planned sample size is extremely unlikely, investigators may stop the trial earlier than originally scheduled. The practice of stopping randomized controlled trials early is, however, problematic, especially if the trial is stopped for apparent benefit. Concerns in trials stopped early for apparent benefit include appropriate interpretation of results and ethical problems concerning trial participants, clinicians, and society as a whole. In this article, we review the epidemiology of trials stopped early and illustrate some of the problems and controversies associated with stopping randomized controlled trials early for apparent benefit. Finally, we offer guidance for clinicians, those running clinical trials, and authors of systematic reviews.
Emerging Designs in Orthopaedics: Expertise-Based Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Scholtes Vanessa A. , Nijman Thomas H. , van Beers Loes , Devereaux P.J. , Poolman Rudolf W. 
Published: November 2012

Abstract:
In this article, we discuss the limitations of conventional randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in the surgical field. Surgeons are often believers in certain surgical techniques and therefore can be reluctant to learn new interventions. In expertise-based trials, the patients are randomized to surgeons with expertise in the intervention under investigation. In conventional RCTs, patients are randomized to an intervention, and surgeons will perform this intervention regardless of whether this is the surgery they typically undertake. Conventional randomization may lead to surgery performed by a less experienced or less motivated surgeon, resulting in differential expertise bias. Expertise-based trials can overcome these limitations if potential pitfalls are taken into account.
The Darker Side of Randomized Trials
Authors: Sibai Tarek , Carlisle Hope , Tornetta Paul 
Published: November 2012

Abstract:
Randomized trials are thought to provide optimal evidence if carried out correctly. Their application to important questions is the best guide to clinical decision-making. However, these trials are expensive to complete and have a variety of challenges in design and application. This article will review some of the factors that affect our ability to recruit patients into randomized controlled trials for conditions that may be treated surgically by different methods or for conditions for which both nonsurgical and surgical treatments exist.
Psychosocial Evaluation, Preparation, and Follow-Up for Bariatric Surgery Patients
Authors: Bagdade Paul S. , Grothe Karen B. 
Published: November 2012

In BriefBariatric surgery has become a highly effective treatment intervention for morbidly obese patients struggling with comorbidities such as diabetes. Research has found that patients with certain psychosocial stressors may be at higher risk for postoperative complications, including weight regain. As a result, psychologists often play an integral role on an interdisciplinary bariatric team to aid with assessment and treatment of these patients by using empirically validated treatment recommendations to optimize outcomes.
Les projets de Jacques Gondoin : première réponse aux rêves versaillais de Napoléon
Authors: Biraud Émilie 
Published: November 2012

Résultats de la première commande faite par Napoléon Ier pour le château de Versailles, les projets réalisés par l’architecte Jacques Gondoin furent les plus complets parmi tous ceux proposés à l’Empereur entre 1806 et 1811, puisqu’ils englobaient l’ensemble du domaine versaillais. Étudié précédemment aux côtés des propositions de Pierre-François-Léonard Fontaine et d’Alexandre Dufour, dans des publications consacrées au projet de Napoléon de faire du palais des rois de France sa propre résidence, le travail de Gondoin est ici l’objet d’un nouvel intérêt, suscité par la récente authentification des devis de l’architecte, au sein du service des archives du château de Versailles. L’examen de cette nouvelle source permet de compléter les informations fournies par les autres documents, notamment les plans conservés à Versailles et aux Archives nationales, et les élévations appartenant à une collection privée. À travers l’analyse des projets conçus pour les appartements de l’Empereur, sont ainsi révélées les données inédites que recèlent les devis. L’attention est principalement portée sur l’appartement habituel de l’Empereur, qui devait prendre place au rez-de-chaussée et présenter un décor complètement renouvelé – au détriment de chefs-d’œuvre de l’art décoratif du xviiie siècle. Outre le détail des interventions prévues dans chacune des pièces, le douzième des cinquante-trois volumes de devis, consacré à cet appartement impérial, renferme deux dessins de plafonds projetant de manière relativement précise tant leur décor architectural, que la composition des tableaux qui devaient les orner. Non réalisés, les projets de Gondoin servirent toutefois de référence à ses confrères Fontaine et Dufour, lorsqu’ils durent à leur tour imaginer la conversion du château de Versailles en résidence napoléonienne, jamais concrétisée.