bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Increasing high-sensitive C-reactive protein level predicts peritonitis risk in chronic peritoneal dialysis patients
Authors: Su Yu-Jen , Liao Shang-Chih , Cheng Ben-Chung , Hwang Jyh-Chang , Chen Jin-Bor 
Published: September 2013

Abstract

Background
The aim of this study was to evaluate whether a high baseline level of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) or changes in the level predicts the risk of peritonitis in patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD).

Methods
A prospective, cross-sectional, case–control study was conducted in a single hospital-based PD unit. A total of 327 patients were included in the study. Serum hs-CRP was measured annually for 2 years. Patients were divided into 4 groups according to the changes in annual hs-CRP levels (at baseline and at 1 year intervals): group 1 (from <5 mg/L to <5 mg/L, n = 171), group 2 (from <5 mg/L to ≥5 mg/L, n = 45), group 3 (from ≥5 mg/L to <5 mg/L, n = 45), and group 4 (from ≥5 mg/L to ≥5 mg/L, n = 80). Demographics, biochemistry results, PD adequacy indices, and peritonitis risk were compared between the groups.

Results
The initial serum albumin level was similar in the 4 groups (p = 0.12). There was a negative linear correlation between the serial albumin change (∆alb) and serial hs-CRP change (∆hs-CRP; r = −0.154, p = 0.005). The hazard ratio (HR) for peritonitis was significantly higher in group 2 (HR = 1, reference) than in group 4 (HR = 0.401, 95% CI 0.209 − 0.769). Group 2 had a greater serum albumin decline rate (∆alb: –3% ± 9%) and hs-CRP elevation rate (∆hs-CRP: 835% ± 1232%) compared to those for the other groups.

Conclusions
A progressive increase in the hs-CRP level was associated with a corresponding decline in the serum albumin level. Progressive rather than persistently high levels of serum hs-CRP predicted peritonitis risk in CAPD patients.
TB tracer teams in South Africa: knowledge, practices and challenges of tracing TB patients to improve adherence
Authors: Bristow Claire C , Podewils Laura Jean , Bronner Liza Ellen , Bantubani Nonkqubela , Walt Martie van der , Peters Annatjie , Mametja David 
Published: September 2013

AbstractBackgroundIn 2008–2009 the South African National Tuberculosis (TB) Program (NTP) implemented a national pilot project, the TB Tracer Project, aiming to decrease default rates and improve patient outcomes. The current study aimed to inform the NTP by describing the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of TB program personnel involved with tracing activities.MethodsA self-administered written questionnaire was sent to TB staff, managers and tracer team leaders to assess basic TB knowledge, attitudes and practices. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize results and the chi-squared statistic was used to compare responses of staff at facilities that participated in the TB Tracer Project (tracer) and those that followed standard NTP care (non-tracer).ResultsOf 560 total questionnaires distributed, 270 were completed and returned (response rate 48%). Total TB knowledge ranged from 70.8-86.3% correct across all response groups. However, just over half (range 50–59.3%) of each respondent group was able to correctly identify the four components of a DOT encounter. A patient no longer feeling sick was cited by 72.1% of respondents as the reason patients fail to adhere to treatment. Tracer teams were viewed as an effective means to get patients to return to treatment by 96.3% of health facility level respondents. Tracer team leaders reported concerns including lack of logistical support (41.7%), insufficient physical safety precautions (41.7%), and inadequate protection from contracting TB (39.1%). Upon patients returning to treatment at the clinic, facilities included in the TB Tracer Project were significantly more likely to discuss alternate DOTS arrangements than non-tracer facilities (79.2 vs. 66.4%, p = 0.03).ConclusionsThis study identified key components of knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding TB patient tracing activities in South Africa. Educating patients on the essential need to complete treatment irrespective of clinical symptoms may help improve treatment adherence. Future scale-up and integration of TB tracing activities as part of standard TB management should include provisions for standardized training of personnel on the critical elements of DOTS, and for ensuring appropriate supervision, logistical support, and physical safety and TB transmission protection of tracing teams.
Cloning and characterization of a novel oocyte-specific gene encoding an F-Box protein in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Authors: Wang Lei , Tripurani Swamy K , Wanna Warapond , Rexroad Caird E , Yao Jianbo 
Published: September 2013

Abstract

Background
Oocyte-specific genes play critical roles in oogenesis, folliculogenesis and early embryonic development. The objectives of this study were to characterize the expression of a novel oocyte-specific gene encoding an F-box protein during ovarian development in rainbow trout, and identify its potential interacting partners in rainbow trout oocytes.

Methods
Through analysis of expressed sequence tags (ESTs) from a rainbow trout oocyte cDNA library, a novel transcript represented by ESTs only from the oocyte library was identified. The complete cDNA sequence for the novel gene (named fbxoo) was obtained by assembling sequences from an EST clone and a 5′RACE product. The expression and localization of fbxoo mRNA and protein in ovaries of different developmental stages were analyzed by quantitative real time PCR, immunoblotting, in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. Identification of Fbxoo binding proteins was performed by yeast two-hybrid screening.

Results

fbxoo mRNA is specifically expressed in mature oocytes as revealed by tissue distribution analysis. The fbxoo cDNA sequence is 1,996 bp in length containing an open reading frame, which encodes a predicted protein of 514 amino acids. The novel protein sequence does not match any known protein sequences in the NCBI database. However, a search of the Pfam protein database revealed that the protein contains an F-box motif at the N-terminus, indicating that Fbxoo is a new member of the F-box protein family. The expression of fbxoo mRNA and protein is high in ovaries at early pre-vitellogenesis stage, and both fbxoo mRNA and protein are predominantly expressed in early pre-vitellogenic oocytes. Several proteins including tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 2 (Timp2) were identified as potential Fbxoo protein binding partners.

Conclusions
Results suggest that the novel oocyte-specific F-box protein may play an important role in early oocyte development by regulating other critical proteins involved in oogenesis in rainbow trout.
Contribution of cytoskeletal elements to the axonal mechanical properties
Authors: Ouyang Hui , Nauman Eric , Shi Riyi 
Published: September 2013

Abstract

Background
Microtubules, microfilaments, and neurofilaments are cytoskeletal elements that affect cell morphology, cellular processes, and mechanical structures in neural cells. The objective of the current study was to investigate the contribution of each type of cytoskeletal element to the mechanical properties of axons of dorsal root and sympathetic ganglia cells in chick embryos.

Results
Microtubules, microfilaments, and neurofilaments in axons were disrupted by nocodazole, cytochalasin D, and acrylamide, respectively, or a combination of the three. An atomic force microscope (AFM) was then used to compress the treated axons, and the resulting corresponding force-deformation information was analyzed to estimate the mechanical properties of axons that were partially or fully disrupted.

Conclusion
We have found that the mechanical stiffness was most reduced in microtubules-disrupted-axons, followed by neurofilaments-disrupted- and microfilaments-disrupted-axons. This suggests that microtubules contribute the most of the mechanical stiffness to axons.
No evidence so far for the dissemination of carbapenemase-producing Enterobactericeae in the community in Switzerland
Authors: Nüesch-Inderbinen Magdalena , Zurfluh Katrin , Hächler Herbert , Stephan Roger 
Published: September 2013

Abstract

Background
Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae represent an increasing threat to public health and to the treatment of serious nosocomial infections. The aim of this study was to screen for the presence of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae in human carriers in community settings in Switzerland, a country representative of central Europe.

Findings
Three hundred and fourteen stool samples of healthy staff members of a meat-processing company and 291 fecal swabs from primary care patients were recovered in Switzerland between April 2012 and July 2012 and were tested for carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae isolates by selecting for growth on a carbapenem-containing selective medium. Six resulting isolates (5 Escherichia coli and 1 Citrobacter youngae) were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility tests and PCR analysis by screening for the carbapenemase genes bla
OXA-48, bla
VIM, bla
NDM-1, and bla
KPC as well as for the extended-spectrum ß-lactamase genes bla
TEM,
bla
SHV, bla
CTX-M and bla
CMY-2. No carbapenemase genes were detected. Resistance to ß-lactam antibiotics was due to carriage of the extended-spectrum ß-lactamase CTX-M-15 in 4 isolates, to CTX-M-14 in one further isolate and to the plasmidic AmpC-ß-lactamase CMY-2 in one isolate.

Conclusions
These results show that carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae are as yet not present in the community. Continuous surveillance is necessary to anticipate future trends in the prevalence and dissemination of carbapenem resistant isolates in the population.
Mapping saline water intrusion into the coastal aquifer with geophysical and geochemical techniques: the University of Lagos campus case (Nigeria)
Authors: Ayolabi Elijah A , Folorunso Adetayo F , Odukoya Abiodun M , Adeniran Adelere E 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
Saltwater intrusion into the coastal aquifer, a phenomenon brought by the flow of seawater into freshwater aquifers originally caused by groundwater extraction near the coast, has long been recognised as a major concern around the world. In this study, we employed geophysical and geochemical techniques to map and provide evidences that the coastal aquifers in the study area have been intruded by saltwater from the adjacent Lagos lagoon. The resistivity data were acquired with an electrode spacing (a) that vary between 1.6 to 8 m, and expansion factor n of 30. The depth inverted models obtained from inversion of the fifteen resistivity data obtained in the area revealed significant impact of the lagoon water on the aquifers indicated as low resistivity usually below 7 Ωm. A combination of four different electrode arrays – Schlumberger, Wenner, Dipole-dipole and pole–dipole, with at least three deployed at each site ( except for three traverses – traverses 13, 14 and 15), yield better horizontal and vertical resolution, having depth range of 36–226 m with 1.6–8 m electrode spacing used. The delineated geoelectric layers were juxtaposed with logs from both boreholes located within the campus. Evidence from geochemical study of borehole and the lagoon water samples corroborated the ERT result. Progressive decrease in total dissolved solute (TDS) and electrical conductivity (EC) from the lagoon to the coastal aquifer buttresses gradual encroachment of the inland aquifers by the intruding lagoon water. In addition, similar trend was observed in heavy metal distribution Pollution Index (PI) plot suggesting possible underground flow of water from the lagoon to the aquifers. From this study, we deduced that excessive groundwater extraction and possibly the reduction of groundwater gradients which allows saline-water to displace fresh water in the aquifer of the investigated area are responsible for the saline water intrusion observed.
Examining Potential Colorectal Cancer Care Disparities in the Veterans Affairs Health Care System
Authors: Zullig Leah L. , Carpenter William R. , Provenzale Dawn , Weinberger Morris , Reeve Bryce B. , Jackson George L. 
Published: September 2013

Purpose Racial disparities in cancer treatment and outcomes are a national problem. The nationwide Veterans Affairs (VA) health system seeks to provide equal access to quality care. However, the relationship between race and care quality for veterans with colorectal cancer (CRC) treated within the VA is poorly understood. We examined the association between race and receipt of National Comprehensive Cancer Network guideline–concordant CRC care. Patients and Methods This was an observational, retrospective medical record abstraction of patients with CRC treated in the VA. Two thousand twenty-two patients (white, n = 1,712; African American, n = 310) diagnosed with incident CRC between October 1, 2003, and March 31, 2006, from 128 VA medical centers, were included. We used multivariable logistic regression to examine associations between race and receipt of guideline-concordant care (computed tomography scan, preoperative carcinoembryonic antigen, clear surgical margins, medical oncology referral for stages II and III, fluorouracil-based adjuvant chemotherapy for stage III, and surveillance colonoscopy for stages I to III). Explanatory variables included demographic and disease characteristics. Results There were no significant racial differences for receipt of guideline-concordant CRC care. Older age at diagnosis was associated with reduced odds of medical oncology referral and surveillance colonoscopy. Presence of cardiovascular comorbid conditions was associated with reduced odds of medical oncology referral (odds ratio, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.50 to 0.89). Conclusion In these data, we observed no evidence of racial disparities in CRC care quality. Future studies could examine causal pathways for the VA's equal, quality care and ways to translate the VA's success into other hospital systems.
Photocatalytic Oxidation of Aqueous Ammonia in the Presence of Oxygen over Palladium-loaded TiO2
Authors: Shibuya Satoshi , Yokoyama Daisuke , Sekine Yoshika , Mikami Ikko 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
Lower selectivity for nitrate and nitrite was obtained when Pd was used as a cocatalyst on TiO2 for photocatalytic oxidation of aqueous ammonia in the presence of oxygen. This is thought to be due to the fact that an N-containing intermediate formed by photocatalytic oxidation of ammonia on TiO2 decomposed sequentially on Pd by thermal catalysis, with high selectivity for dinitrogen.
At the Border between Public and Private: U.S. Immigration Policy for Victims of Domestic Violence
Authors: Rabin Nina 
Published: September 2013

Abstract
This article examines the treatment of women in flight from domestic violence at the U.S. – Mexico border. It compares the robust state protections available to domestic violence victims in the interior of the country with the hostile landscape women encounter at the border. The article draws on three sources for information about the treatment at the border of domestic violence victims: an in-depth case study of one woman’s experience of domestic violence and flight, a small data set of domestic violence victims detained in the Eloy Detention Center in Arizona during 2010 and 2011, and a detailed analysis of the policies and practices at play when a woman in flight from domestic violence comes to the U.S. border. From these sources, a grim picture emerges that may surprise many. Women fleeing violence whose lives entangle with the border confront a bureaucracy and justice system that harkens back to the time, 50 years ago, when domestic violence was seen as a private matter about which there was little the government could or should do to respond.
Building on this descriptive account, the article draws on political theories of citizenship and membership to highlight the moral and legal inconsistencies between the immigration policies of the United States and its national values and commitments regarding violence against women. It suggests that language about the “private” nature of the violence at issue for women in flight from domestic violence should not be used to cloak underlying concerns about immigration admissions policies. Transparent discussion of the considerations at issue lays bare the irrationality of applying fundamentally different conceptions of domestic violence depending on which side of the geographic border it occurs.
Non-invasive genetics can help find rare species: a case study with Rhinolophus mehelyi and R. euryale (Rhinolophidae: Chiroptera) in Western Europe
Authors: Puechmaille Sébastien J. , Teeling Emma C. 
Published: September 2013

AbstractThe reliability of species identification is of primary importance as much of biodiversity studies, ecology, legislation, and conservation are based on this taxonomic level. Species identification problems can obscure the conservation status, especially for rare and endangered species, which are of special concern for conservation. This problem is especially significant for some taxonomic groups such as chiropterans, as many monitoring programs are run during the hibernation season when animals should not be disturbed, hence not handled. In the present study, we used
Vermeidung von Windup bei Ausgangsbegrenzung / Prevention of Windup in the Presence of Output Constraints
Authors: Hippe Peter 
Published: September 2013

Zusammenfassung
Dieser Beitrag stellt eine neue Methode zur Vermeidung von Problemen vor, die durch Sensorsättigung in einem sonst linearen Regelkreis entstehen können. Im Gegensatz zu den bekannten Lösungen für die Beseitigung des durch Stellbegrenzung ausgelösten Windup wird der Regler während der Begrenzungsphase nicht stabilisiert, weil dies beim Auftreten konstanter Störungen zu einer Blockierung führen könnte. Stattdessen bleibt der I-Anteil des Reglers während der Sensor-Sättigung aktiv, und die Windup-Effekte werden durch eine geeignete Modifikation des Regler-Zählers vermieden. Das hierfür erforderliche Signal liefert ein Sättigungsindikator. Durch den auch im Begrenzungsfall vorhandenen I-Anteil ist eine robuste Ausregelung konstanter Störungen sicher gestellt. Durch Einsatz einer Regelkreisstruktur mit zwei Freiheitsgraden erhält man gleichzeitig ein robustes Führungsverhalten
Automatisierte Modellreduktion großer elastischer Mehrkörpersysteme durch die Greedy-basierte Approximation der Gramschen Matrizen / Automated Model Reduction of Large Scale Elastic Multibody Systems with Greedy Based Approximation of Gramian Matrices
Authors: Fischer Michael , Eberhard Peter 
Published: September 2013

Zusammenfassung
Zur effizienten Simulation elastischer Mehrkörpersysteme kann die Modellreduktion basierend auf Gramschen Matrizen verwendet werden. Für mechanische Systeme bieten sich frequenzgewichtete Gramsche Matrizen an, die für Systeme mit vielen elastischen Freiheitsgraden durch die Proper Orthogonal Decomposition approximiert werden. Die intelligente Auswahl der Snapshots ist hierbei entscheidend, wobei in diesem Beitrag ein Greedy-Verfahren zur Bestimmung der Snapshots vorgestellt wird. Die dabei notwendige Bestimmung des Reduktionsfehlers wäre in exakter Weise für industrielle Beispielsysteme mit enormen Rechenaufwand verbunden. Die Verwendung von Fehlerschätzern ermöglicht jedoch die effiziente iterative Reduktion der elastischen Systeme mit mehreren Millionen Freiheitsgraden
Symmetrieerhaltende Datenfusion für optisch-inertiales Tracking / Symmetry-Preserving Data Fusion for Optical-Inertial Tracking
Authors: Claasen Göntje , Graichen Knut , Martin Philippe 
Published: September 2013

Zusammenfassung
Der Beitrag beschreibt die effiziente Fusion von optischen und Inertialdaten in einem Trackingsystem zur Verfolgung schneller Bewegungen. Das Hauptziel ist dabei, die Datenfusion so zu entwerfen, dass die Trackingergebnisse mit hoher Abtastrate und niedriger Latenz vorliegen. Dafür wird ein invarianter Datenfusionsansatz gewählt, der die Symmetrien des Systems erhält. Durch diese Berücksichtigung der Geometrie des Systems wird u. a. die Rechenzeit verkürzt. Das optisch-inertiale Trackingsystem ist kostengünstig und für verschiedene Anwendungen geeignet, z. B. in der computergestützten Chirurgie
Bayes’sche Consensus-Regelung in dezentralen vernetzten Systemen / Bayesian Consensus Control in Decentralized Networked Systems
Authors: Willert Volker , Gering Stefan , Haumann Dominik 
Published: September 2013

Zusammenfassung
Der Beitrag befasst sich mit vernetzten dynamischen Multi-Agenten-Systemen (MAS), die Konsens über ihre Zustände bei unsicherer Datenübertragung und Sensorrauschen erreichen sollen. Dazu wird eine Analogie zwischen dem klassischen Consensus-Protokoll und dem Gauß’schen Belief Propagation hergestellt. Das Consensus-Problem wird als stochastischer Prozess modelliert, wodurch Unsicherheiten über die Anfangszustände und Übertragungsunsicherheiten explizit bei der Modellierung berücksichtigt werden können. Es werden die Voraussetzungen für dezentrale Inferenz hergeleitet, zwei dezentrale approximative Inferenz-Protokolle entworfen und ein Gauß’sches Consensus-Protokoll realisiert. Weiterhin wird der Zusammenhang zwischen Kommunikationsdichte und Approximationsfehler dargelegt. Schließlich wird gezeigt, dass die Hinzunahme von Messunsicherheiten zu einem dezentralen Entwurf eines Kalman-Filters für Consensus-Systeme führt
The Assessment of Digital Study Models Using the GOSLON Yardstick Index
Authors: Nicholls Wendy , Singer Steven L. , Southall Peter J. , Winters John C. 
Published: September 2013

Objective To investigate the reproducibility and repeatability of digital models of patients with a unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) using the GOSLON yardstick. Design Reproducibility and repeatability study. Method Two examiners used the GOSLON yardstick to assess the intermaxillary dentoalveolar relationship of 30 consecutive UCLP patients by analyzing their 9-year (±3 months) dental study casts and digital study models. The records were rated 1 week apart to avoid bias. The process was repeated 1 month later as a measure of reproducibility. Reliability was assessed by comparing the GOSLON score achieved between the two modalities. Patient dental study casts were sent to 3M Unitek Australia to be scanned using the 3M Unitek Lava™ system to produce digital study models. The accuracy of the dental study cast occlusal registration was assessed by both raters prior to sending the study models for scanning. Statistical analysis The Linear Weighted Kappa statistic and Kendall's Coefficient of Concordance statistic were used to determine the levels of agreement within and between raters. Results The linear weighted Kappa statistic for intrarater repeatability of digital study models scores were very high (0.89 and 0.97). This compared favorably to the intrarater repeatability of study model casts scores (0.86 and 0.97). There was very good agreement for interrater digital study model scores (0.80 and 0.87) and also for the interrater study model casts scores (0.80 and 0.90). Kendall's Coefficient of Concordance statistic (0.99) and Correlation Coefficient (0.86) support the weighted Kappa results of the digital study model scores. Conclusion Digital models can be used for GOSLON scoring with a high degree of reproducibility and repeatability.