bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Real-time modelling used for outbreak management during a cholera epidemic, Haiti, 2010–2011
Authors: ABRAMS J. Y. , COPELAND J. R. , TAUXE R. V. , DATE K. A. , BELAY E. D. , MODY R. K. , MINTZ E. D. 
Published: August 2012

SUMMARYThe emergence of epidemic cholera in post-earthquake Haiti portended a public health disaster of uncertain magnitude. In order to coordinate relief efforts in an environment with limited healthcare infrastructure and stretched resources, timely and realistic projections of the extent of the cholera outbreak were crucial. Projections were shared with Government and partner organizations beginning 5 days after the first reported case and were updated using progressively more advanced methods as more surveillance data became available. The first projection estimated that 105 000 cholera cases would occur in the first year. Subsequent projections using different methods estimated up to 652 000 cases and 163 000–247 000 hospitalizations during the first year. Current surveillance data show these projections to have provided reasonable approximations of the observed epidemic. Providing the real-time projections allowed Haitian ministries and external aid organizations to better plan and implement response measures during the evolving epidemic.
A step-indexed Kripke model of hidden state
Authors: SCHWINGHAMMER JAN , BIRKEDAL LARS , POTTIER FRANÇOIS , REUS BERNHARD , STØVRING KRISTIAN , YANG HONGSEOK 
Published: August 2012

Frame and anti-frame rules have been proposed as proof rules for modular reasoning about programs. Frame rules allow the hiding of irrelevant parts of the state during verification, whereas the anti-frame rule allows the hiding of local state from the context.We discuss the semantic foundations of frame and anti-frame rules, and present the first sound model for Charguéraud and Pottier's type and capability system including both of these rules. The model is a possible worlds model based on the operational semantics and step-indexed heap relations, and the worlds are given by a recursively defined metric space. We also extend the model to account for Pottier's generalised frame and anti-frame rules, where invariants are generalised tofamiliesof invariants indexed over preorders. This generalisation enables reasoning about some well-bracketed as well as (locally) monotone uses of local state.
Foods contributing to sodium intake and urinary sodium excretion in a group of Australian women
Authors: Keogh Jennifer B , Lange Kylie , Hogarth Rebecca , Clifton Peter M 
Published: August 2012

AbstractObjectivesTo identify food sources of Na in a group of community-dwelling women in Adelaide, South Australia. A secondary aim was to measure Na excretion in this group.DesignSurvey.SettingCommunity setting, Adelaide, South Australia.SubjectsSeventy healthy women (mean age 48·6 (sd8·1) years, mean BMI 28·6 (sd6·3) kg/m2) living in metropolitan Adelaide, South Australia and participating in a validation study of an FFQ. Dietary intake was derived from two 4 d weighed food records. Foods from the 4 d weighed food records were grouped according to foods or food groups to establish contributors to Na intake. Na excretion was measured in two 24 h urine samples. Completeness of urine collections was verified using creatinine excretion.ResultsBread alone contributed 19·0 % of Na intake, with an overall contribution from the breads and cereals group of 32·5 %. Meat products contributed 14·4 % of intake, the dairy and eggs group (excluding cheese) 9·6 % and combination dishes (e.g. pizza, quiche, sandwiches and stir fry dishes) 8·4 %. Na excretion was 126 (sd42) mmol/d, i.e. approximately 7·6 (sd2.5) g salt/d. Seventy per cent of participants (n48) had Na excretion ≥100 mmol/d (146 (sd34) mmol/d).ConclusionsEffective Na reduction could be achieved by reducing the amount in staple foods such as bread and meat products.
Long‐term hydrogen peroxide exposure potentiates anoikis resistance and anchorage‐independent growth in lung carcinoma cells
Authors: Halim Hasseri , Chanvorachote Pithi 
Published: August 2012

AbstractHydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is upregulated in tumour microenvironments and may contribute to effects on metastatic cancer cells. This study demonstrates that treatment of lung carcinoma and melanoma cells with H2O2 for 14 days results in an induction of anoikis resistance and growth in an anchorage‐independent condition. H2O2 exposure increased the Cav‐1 (caveolin‐1) level through an increase of Cav‐1 mRNA with minimal effect on protein degradation. Upregulation of Cav‐1 induced anoikis resistance and facilitated growth in a detached manner. The findings show a novel role of hydrogen peroxide in the regulation of metastatic potential of cancer cells.
Index Insurance for Developing Countries
Authors: Miranda Mario J. , Farrin Katie 
Published: August 2012

AbstractUnlike conventional insurance, which indemnifies policyholders for verifiable production losses arising from multiple perils, index insurance indemnifies policyholders based on the observed value of a specified “index” or some other closely related variable that is highly correlated with losses. Index insurance exhibits lower transaction costs than conventional insurance, potentially making it more affordable to the poor in the developing world. However, it also offers less effective individual risk protection. This article provides a review of recent theoretical and empirical research on index insurance for developing countries and summarizes lessons learned from index insurance projects implemented in the developing world since 2000.
Dynamic Games with Asymmetric Information: A Framework for Empirical Work*
Authors: Fershtman Chaim , Pakes Ariel 
Published: August 2012

AbstractWe develop a framework for the analysis of dynamic oligopolies with persistant sources of asymmetric information that enables applied analysis of situations of empirical importance that have been difficult to deal with. The framework generates policies that are “relatively” easy for agents to use while still being optimal in a meaningful sense, and is amenable to empirical research in that its equilibrium conditions can be tested and equilibrium policies are relatively easy to compute. We conclude with an example that endogenizes the maintenance decisions of electricity generators when the costs states of the generators are private information.
Subgame-Perfect Implementation Under Information Perturbations*
Authors: Aghion Philippe , Fudenberg Drew , Holden Richard , Kunimoto Takashi , Tercieux Olivier 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
We consider the robustness of extensive form mechanisms to deviations from common knowledge about the state of nature, which we refer to as information perturbations . First, we show that even under arbitrarily small information perturbations the Moore-Repullo mechanism does not yield (even approximately) truthful revelation and that in addition the mechanism has sequential equilibria with undesirable outcomes. More generally, we prove that any extensive form mechanism is fragile in the sense that if a non-Maskin monotonic social objective can be implemented with this mechanism, then there are arbitrarily small information perturbations under which an undesirable sequential equilibrium also exists. Finally, we argue that outside options can help improve efficiency in asymmetric information environments, and that these options can be thought of as reflecting ownership of an asset.
Density of herbaceous plants and distribution of western gorillas in different habitat types in south‐east Cameroon
Authors: Willie Jacob , Petre Charles‐Albert , Tagg Nikki , Lens Luc 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThe study of forest herb availability improves knowledge of ecology and conservation of gorillas that depend on such herbs. Density patterns of herbs and location of western gorilla nest sites were studied in different habitat types at a site in south‐east Cameroon to assess their relationship. Herb stems of the families Marantaceae and Zingiberaceae were identified and counted in 10,713 1‐m2 plots distributed within six habitat types. Stem density correlated with light availability and ranged from 2.38 stems m−² in near primary forest to 4.66 stems m−² in light gaps. Gorillas showed marked preferences for habitats with high herb densities such as light gaps, swamps and young secondary forest. However, no clear relationship exists between terrestrial herbaceous vegetation and gorilla densities across Central Africa. It is suggested that differences in ecological factors and land use history within and between sites may explain differences in herb density and diversity which partly account for variations in the historical and present population distribution and density of western gorillas. Formerly logged and swamp forests, which are characterized by an abundance of herbs, may prove to be of great value in the conservation of western gorillas given appropriate forest management practices, adequate protection from poaching and limited human encroachment.
The Localization and Regulation of Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin (PCSK) 6 in Human Ovary
Authors: Akiyama Ikumi , Yoshino Osamu , Osuga Yutaka , Shi Jia , Hirota Yasushi , Hirata Tetsuya , Harada Miyuki , Koga Kaori , Fujimoto Akihisa , Yano Tetsu , Taketani Yuji 
Published: August 2012

ProblemThe aim of this study is to evaluate the expression and regulation of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin (PCSK) 6, which is known to be an important factor in the production of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) cytokines in human ovary.Method of studyThe localization of PCSK 6 protein in normal human ovaries was examined by immunohistochemistry. Human granulosa cells (GC), obtained from 34 patients undergoing ovarian stimulation for in vitro fertilization, were cultured with BMP‐2, BMP‐6, BMP‐7, BMP‐15, growth differentiation factor (GDF)‐9, and activin‐A with or without FSH. PCSK 6 mRNA expression level was evaluated by quantitative real‐time reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR).ResultsAn immunohistochemistry study revealed that GC expressed PCSK 6 throughout follicular development, beginning in the primary follicle stage, while oocytes expressed PCSK 6 from the primordial follicle stage onwards. An in vitro study demonstrated that BMP‐2, BMP‐6, BMP‐7, and BMP‐15, not activin‐A and GDF‐9, decreased PCSK 6 gene expression in human GC. FSH induced PCSK 6 mRNA in the presence of activin‐A or GDF‐9. GDF‐3, which is an inhibitor of BMP cytokines, also induced PCSK 6 mRNA expression.ConclusionsPCSK 6, which is a critical factor to produce BMP cytokines, was suppressed with BMP stimulation in human GC, suggesting the presence of a negative feedback system in the follicular development process.
Transient Detection of Chlamydial‐Specific Th1 Memory Cells in the Peripheral Circulation of Women with History of Chlamydia trachomatis Genital Tract Infection
Authors: Vicetti Miguel Rodolfo D. , Reighard Seth D. , Chavez Jean M. , Rabe Lorna K. , Maryak Samantha A. , Wiesenfeld Harold C. , Cherpes Thomas L. 
Published: August 2012

ProblemDevelopment of safe and effective Chlamydia trachomatis vaccines requires better understanding of the host immune responses elicited by natural infection.Method of studyPeripheral blood mononuclear cells isolated from women with or without history of genital tract chlamydial infection were stimulated with inactivated C. trachomatis elementary bodies (EB) in ELISPOT assays that enumerated frequencies of cells producing interferon (IFN)‐γ or interleukin (IL)‐17.ResultsIFN‐γ‐positive cells were highest among women sampled 30–60 days after diagnosis of C. trachomatis infection and treatment initiation, while the numbers of IFN‐γ‐positive cells were equally low among uninfected women and women sampled <30 or >60 days after diagnosis of infection. Conversely, IL‐17‐positive cell numbers were uniformly low among all participants.ConclusionDramatically reduced numbers of Chlamydia‐specific Th1 memory cells in the peripheral circulation of study participants sampled more than 2 months after diagnosis, and initiation of treatment provides new insight into the results from C. trachomatis vaccine trials, in which immunization with EB provided only short‐lived protection. Our results also suggest that an effective vaccine against this weakly antigenic intracellular pathogen will need to generate immunological memory more durable than that elicited by natural infection.
Bone formation around zirconia implants combined with rhBMP‐2 gel in the canine mandible
Authors: Lee Byung‐Chul , Yeo In‐Sung , Kim Dae‐Joon , Lee Jai‐Bong , Kim Sung‐Hun , Han Jung‐Suk 
Published: August 2012

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this study was to estimate the effects of zirconia implants and recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (rhBMP‐2) gel on the acceleration of local bone formation and osseointegration in the canine mandible.Materials and MethodsFour groups of 48 implants with identical geometry were installed in the mandibles of beagle dogs: alumina‐blasted zirconia implants applied with rhBMP‐2, alumina‐blasted zirconia implants applied with demineralized bone matrix (DBM), alumina‐blasted zirconia implants, and resorbable blast media‐treated titanium (Ti) implants. For the first two groups, zirconia implants were inserted after the surgical sites were filled with rhBMP‐2 or DBM gel. For the other two groups, zirconia or Ti implants were installed with no adjunctive treatment. Fluorescent bone markers were administered to monitor bone remodeling at weeks 2, 4, and 5 postimplantation. After healing periods of 3 weeks and 6 weeks, the animals were sacrificed, and fluorescent microscopy, histology, and histomorphometric analyses were performed.ResultsFluorescent microscopy showed that bone formation around the zirconia implants installed with rhBMP‐2 gel was the most prominent at 2 weeks postimplantation, while the Ti implants acquired bone apposition mainly at week 5. No significant differences were found in bone area among the groups (P > 0.05). The zirconia implants showed similar bone‐to‐implant contact to the Ti implants. There were no significant differences in bone‐to‐implant contact between the zirconia implants with rhBMP‐2 gel and those with DBM (P > 0.05).ConclusionsThe zirconia implants with alumina‐blasted surfaces may achieve osseointegration in much the same manner as the well‐established Ti implants. The area influenced by rhBMP‐2 gel, including the alveolar crest, may cause active remodeling and early bone formation.
Differences in liquor prices between control state‐operated and license‐state retail outlets in theUnitedStates
Authors: Siegel Michael , DeJong William , Albers Alison B. , Naimi Timothy S. , Jernigan David H. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractAimsThis study aims to compare the average price of liquor in theUnitedStates between retail alcohol outlets in states that have a monopoly (‘control’ states) with those that do not (‘licence’ states).DesignA cross‐sectional study of brand‐specific alcohol prices in theUnitedStates.SettingWe determined the average prices inFebruary 2012 of 74 brands of liquor among the 13 control states that maintain a monopoly on liquor sales at the retail level and among a sample of 50 license‐state liquor stores, using their online‐available prices.MeasurementsWe calculated average prices for 74 brands of liquor by control versus license state. We used a random‐effects regression model to estimate differences between control and license state prices—overall and by alcoholic beverage type. We also compared prices between the 13 control states.FindingsThe overall mean price for the 74 brands was $27.79 in the license states [95% confidence interval (CI): $25.26–30.32] and $29.82 in the control states (95%CI: $26.98–32.66). Based on the random‐effects linear regression model, the average liquor price was approximately $2 lower (6.9% lower) in license states.ConclusionsIn theUnitedStates monopoly of alcohol retail outlets appears to be associated with slightly higher liquor prices.
Inhibitory effects of SA4503 on the rewarding effects of abused drugs
Authors: Mori Tomohisa , Rahmadi Mahardian , Yoshizawa Kazumi , Itoh Toshimasa , Shibasaki Masahiro , Suzuki Tsutomu 
Published: August 2012

AbstractPrevious findings have shown that sigma‐1 receptors (Sig‐1Rs) are upregulated by the self‐administration of methamphetamine, whereas Sig‐1R antisense can attenuate the behavioral effects of psychostimulants in rodents. Sig‐1R is an endoplasmic reticulum chaperone protein. However, the effects of Sig‐1R agonist on the rewarding effects of abused drugs are not fully understood. Therefore, we examined the effects of selective Sig‐1R agonists, such as SA4503 and (+)‐pentazocine, on the rewarding effects of abused drugs such as methamphetamine, cocaine and morphine in rats, as measured by the conditioned place preference. Methamphetamine, cocaine and morphine induced a significant place preference. SA4503, but not (+)‐pentazocine, significantly attenuated the abused drug‐induced place preference. We recently showed that (+)‐pentazocine exerts U50,488H‐like discriminative stimulus effects, which are related to its psychotomimetic/aversive effects. However, SA4503 did not generalize to the discriminative stimulus effects of U50,488H. These results suggest that SA4503 inhibits the rewarding effects of abused drugs, and that psychotomimetic/aversive effects may not play a role in the attenuating effects of SA4503 on the rewarding effects of abused drugs.
Nitrogen partitioning in oak leaves depends on species, provenance, climate conditions and soil type
Authors: Hu B. , Simon J. , Kuster T. M. , Arend M. , Siegwolf R. , Rennenberg H. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractClimate‐tolerant tree species and/or provenances have to be selected to ensure the high productivity of managed forests in Central Europe under the prognosticated climate changes. For this purpose, we studied the responses of saplings from three oak species (i.e. Quercus robur,Q. petraeaandQ. pubescens) and provenances of different climatic origin (i.e.low or high rainfall, low or high temperature habitats) with regard to leaf nitrogen (N) composition as a measure of N nutrition. Saplings were grown in model ecosystems on either calcareous or acidic soil and subjected to one of four treatments (control, drought, air warming or a combination of drought and air warming). Across species, oak N metabolism responded to the influence of drought and/or air warming with an increase in leaf amino acid N concentration at the expense of structural N. Moreover, provenances or species from drier habitats were more tolerant to the climate conditions applied, as indicated by an increase in amino acid N (comparing species) or soluble protein N (comparing provenances within a species). Furthermore, amino acid N concentrations of oak leaves were significantly higher on calcareous compared to acidic soil. From these results, it can be concluded that seeds from provenances or species originating from drier habitats and – if available – from calcareous soil types may provide a superior seed source for future forest establishment.
Residents' experiences of encounters with relatives and significant persons: A hermeneutic study
Authors: Westin Lars , Öhrn Ingbritt , Danielson Ella 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThe aim of this study was to explore and interpret the meaning of residents' experiences of encounters with their relatives and other significant persons in nursing homes. Twelve residents in three different nursing homes in a western Sweden municipality were interviewed. The method used was hermeneutical text analysis. Three themes emerged in the interpretation of the text: being pleased, being someone, and being inconvenient. These themes were also described through seven subthemes: to be happy to have someone, to make someone else happy, going back in life, to be together in a community, not being alone, to be disconnected, and to be a burden. The study concludes that it is important for nurses in nursing homes to develop a deeper insight into what various social contacts can mean for residents. To develop this knowledge, it is important that nurses in nursing homes can be educated, and supported by clinical supervision, in relation to residents' experiences of encounters with relatives and other significant persons.
Effects of exercise and tea catechins on muscle mass, strength and walking ability in community‐dwelling elderly Japanese sarcopenic women: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kim Hunkyung , Suzuki Takao , Saito Kyoko , Yoshida Hideyo , Kojima Narumi , Kim Miji , Sudo Motoki , Yamashiro Yukari , Tokimitsu Ichiro 
Published: August 2012

Aim:  To investigate the effects of exercise and/or tea catechin supplementation on muscle mass, strength and walking ability in elderly Japanese women with sarcopenia.Methods:  A total of 128 women aged over 75 years were defined as sarcopenic and randomly assigned into four groups: exercise and tea catechin supplementation (n = 32), exercise (n = 32), tea catechin supplementation (n = 32) or health education (n = 32). The exercise group attended a 60‐min comprehensive training program twice a week and the tea catechin supplementation group ingested 350 mL of a tea beverage fortified with catechin daily for 3 months. Body composition was determined by bioelectrical impedance analysis. Interview data and functional fitness measurements, such as muscle strength, balance and walking ability, were collected at baseline and after the 3‐month intervention.Results:  There were significant group × time interactions observed in timed up & go (P < 0.001), usual walking speed (P = 0.007) and maximum walking speed (P < 0.001). The exercise + catechin group showed a significant effect (odds ratio 3.61, 95% confidence interval 1.05–13.66) for changes in the combined variables of leg muscle mass and usual walking speed compared with the health education group.Conclusions:  The combination of exercise and tea catechin supplementation had a beneficial effect on physical function measured by walking ability and muscle mass. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 13: 458–465.
Is the mealtime experience in nursing homes understood? A qualitative study
Authors: Palacios‐Ceña Domingo , Losa‐Iglesias Marta Elena , Cachón‐Pérez José Miguel , Gómez‐Pérez Daniel , Gómez‐Calero Cristina , Fernández‐de‐las‐Peñas César 
Published: August 2012

Aim:  The aim of the present study was to explore the significance of the mealtime experience among residents of nursing homes in Spain.Methods:  A qualitative phenomenological approach was followed. An initial purposeful sampling of Spanish residents in for‐profit nursing homes in the southern area of Madrid was carried out. A theoretical sampling was also implemented in order to gain a more in‐depth understanding of dependence. Inclusion criteria for nursing home residents were: age (60 years or older) and lack of any cognitive impairment. Data were collected using unstructured and semistructured interviews. Data collection was concluded once theoretical saturation was reached, and the data were analysed using the Giorgi proposal.Results:  A total of 26 residents with a mean age of 83 years were included. Three main themes that describe the significance of meals in nursing homes emerged from the data: (i) timing of the meals – mealtimes serve as a point of reference for organizing activities in the nursing home and orient the residents during the day; (ii) table allocation – table allocation depends on the judgment of the personnel, the behavior of each resident and on the input from the residents that use a table; and (iii) the meals themselves – food is experienced as a privilege, as a sign of autonomy and normality, and as an indicator of personal identity.Conclusion:  Understanding the social significance of meals for residents in nursing homes would provide deeper insight into resident expectations. This will in turn help to improve service and quality of life for residents. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 13: 482–489.