bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Atrial Natriuretic Peptide Genetic Variant rs5068 Is Associated With a Favorable Cardiometabolic Phenotype in a Mediterranean Population
Authors: Cannone Valentina , Cefalu’ Angelo Baldassare , Noto Davide , Scott Christopher G. , Bailey Kent R. , Cavera Giovanni , Pagano Michele , Sapienza Michelangelo , Averna Maurizio R. , Burnett John C. 
Published: May 2013

OBJECTIVE
We hypothesized that the minor allele of the atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) genetic variant rs5068 is associated with a favorable cardiometabolic phenotype in a general Mediterranean population.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
We genotyped a random sample of the residents of Ventimiglia di Sicilia, Sicily, for rs5068.

RESULTS
Genotype frequencies of rs5068 are AA, 93.5%; AG, 6.4%; and GG, 0.1%. All subsequent analyses are AA versus AG+GG. After adjusting for age and sex, the minor G allele is associated with lower BMI (estimate [SE]: −1.7 kg/m2 [0.8], P = 0.04). In the AG+GG group, males with HDL cholesterol levels &lt;40 mg/dL are less frequent (P = 0.05) and obesity tends to be less prevalent (P = 0.07). Importantly, the G allele is associated with a lower prevalence of metabolic syndrome (P = 0.02). After adjusting for BMI, the above associations were attenuated. Independently of age, sex, and BMI, the minor allele is also associated with lower systolic blood pressure (−6.0 mmHg [2.5], P = 0.02) and lower prevalence of hypertension (odds ratio 0.41 [95% CI 0.20–0.83], P = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS
The association between the minor allele of rs5068 and a favorable cardiometabolic phenotype that we previously reported in a U.S. population is now replicated in a Mediterranean population in which the G allele of rs5068 is associated with lower blood pressure, BMI, and prevalence of hypertension and metabolic syndrome. These findings may lead to a diagnostic strategy to assess cardiometabolic risk and lay the foundation for the future development of an ANP or ANP-like therapy for metabolic syndrome.
A surface engineering approach applicable to concrete repair engineering
Authors: Garbacz A. , Courard L. , Bissonnette B. 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
The objective of the paper is to analyze the effect of substrate roughness and superficial microcraking upon adhesion of repair systems using concrete surface engineering approach. The results presented in this paper have been obtained within the framework of research projects performed to develop a better understanding of the factors affecting the adhesion of repair materials through a surface engineering approach. Based on the results of investigations, the authors showed that the durability and quality of concrete repairs depend to a large degree on the characteristics of the substrate. Mechanical preparation and profiling of the concrete surface to be repaired has to be balanced with potential co-lateral effects such as superficial cracking, too often induced as a result of inappropriate concrete removal method selection, and the loss of benefits due to better mechanical anchorage. The results obtained confirm also that Concrete Surface Engineering, as a scientific concept, will definitely contribute to shed more light on how to optimize repair bond, taking into account interactions between the materials at different observation scales
Prediction of the reinforced concrete structure durability under the risk of carbonation and chloride aggression
Authors: Czarnecki L. , Woyciechowski P. 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
The paper presents an idea of predicting durability of concrete structures with steel reinforcement under conditions of chloride and carbonation corrosion risk. Mechanisms of destruction due to steel corrosion in such conditions are shown. The recently elaborated model of carbonation and general model of chloride diffusion have been discussed. An algorithm of the rest service life time prognosis has been shown and options of its main stages realization have been done. An example of durability prognosis for pre-stressed hollow-core floor slab with upper layer of concrete and epoxy-resin coating has been given. This example confirms the usefulness of the described prognosis method and demonstrates its helpfulness in a structure management according to the standards of EN 1504 series
Self-repairing of polymer-cement concrete
Authors: Łukowski P. , Adamczewski G. 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
Self-repairing means ability to the total or partial recovering of the properties which were worsened as a consequence of damage of the material. The subject of the paper is evaluation of ability to self-repair of a cement composite modified with epoxy resin without a hardener. The methodology of investigation of self-repairing building materials, developed by the authors, has been described, with controllable enforcing of the limited weakening of the material. Also, the self-repair degree has been defined as the measure of self-repairing ability of the building composites. The material model of the epoxy-cement composite has been developed on the basis of the tests results. The material optimization of the composite towards the maximum self-repairing ability has also been carried out. The results of investigation have confirmed the possibility of self-repairing of the cement composite modified with the epoxy resin without hardener. The conclusion and further research needs in the range of the self-repairing epoxy-cement composites have been pointed out
Asymptotic guarantee of success for multi-agent memetic systems
Authors: Byrski A. , Schaefer R. , Smołka M. , Cotta C. 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
The paper introduces a stochastic model for a class of population-based global optimization meta-heuristics, that generalizes existing models in the following ways. First of all, an individual becomes an active software agent characterized by the constant genotype and the meme that may change during the optimization process. Second, the model embraces the asynchronous processing of agent’s actions. Third, we consider a vast variety of possible actions that include the conventional mixing operations (e.g. mutation, cloning, crossover) as well as migrations among demes and local optimization methods. Despite the fact that the model fits many popular algorithms and strategies (e.g. genetic algorithms with tournament selection) it is mainly devoted to study memetic algorithms.
The model is composed of two parts: EMAS architecture (data structures and management strategies) allowing to define the space of states and the framework for stochastic agent actions and the stationary Markov chain described in terms of this architecture. The probability transition function has been obtained and the Markov kernels for sample actions have been computed.
The obtained theoretical results are helpful for studying metaheuristics conforming to the EMAS architecture. The designed synchronization allows the safe, coarse-grained parallel implementation and its effective, sub-optimal scheduling in a distributed computer environment. The proved strong ergodicity of the finite state Markov chain results in the asymptotic stochastic guarantee of success, which in turn imposes the liveness of a studied metaheuristic. The Markov chain delivers the sampling measure at an arbitrary step of computations, which allows further asymptotic studies, e.g. on various kinds of the stochastic convergence
Time-fractional extensions of the Liouville and Zwanzig equations
Authors: Lukashchuk Stanislav 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThis paper presents extensions to the classical stochastic Liouville equation of motion that contain the Riemann-Liouville and Caputo time-fractional derivatives. At first, the dynamic equations with the time-fractional derivatives are formally obtained from the classical Liouville equation. A feature of these new equations is that they have the same common formal solution as the classical Liouville equation and therefore may be used for study of the Hamiltonian system dynamics. Two cases of the time-dependent and time-independent Hamiltonian are considered separately. Then, the time-fractional Liouville equations are deduced from the short- and long-time asymptotic expansions of the obtained dynamic equations. The physical meaning of the resulting equations is discussed. The statements of the Cauchy-type problems for the derived time-fractional Liouville equations are given, and the formal solutions of these problems are presented. At last, the projection operator formalism is employed to derive the time-fractional extensions of the Zwanzig kinetic equations and the corresponding formal statistical operators from the time-fractional Liouville equations.
Perennial is More Effective than Preseasonal Subcutaneous Immunotherapy in the Treatment of Seasonal Allergic Rhinoconjunctivitis
Authors: Tworek Damian , Bochenska-Marciniak Malgorzata , Kuprys-Lipinska Izabela , Kupczyk Maciej , Kuna Piotr 
Published: May 2013

Background Two different regimens of subcutaneous immunotherapy (IT), perennial or preseasonal, may be used in the treatment of seasonal allergy. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of perennial IT (PIT) and preseasonal IT (PSIT) in patients suffering from seasonal rhinoconjunctivitis. Methods The study was planned as a randomized, double-blind, comparative study on the efficacy and safety of PIT and PSIT. The study group comprised 120 patients allergic to grass and rye pollen. After the observational season they were randomized to receive PIT or PSIT for 3 years. The effect of IT was assessed based on symptom severity and medication use recorded in diaries. Results Ninety-nine patients completed the study. No difference was seen between the groups regarding combined symptom medication score (SMS) in the first season of IT. During the second season, the difference between PIT and PSIT regarding combined SMS was 27.9% (p = 0.063) and reached 42.7% (p = 0.012) in favor of PIT in the third season. Both treatments had a similar safety profile. Conclusion PIT was more effective than PSIT in the treatment of rhinoconjunctivitis in patients allergic to grass and rye pollens. Clinicaltrials.gov registration number NCT01555736.
Clinical Profile of Patients Presenting with Breast Cancer in Nepal
Authors: Acharya Sandhya Chapagain , Jha AK , Manandhar T 
Published: May 2013

Background Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women in Nepal. Even though the evaluation and treatment of patients is done as per western guidelines, there are considerable variations in risk factors, presenting stage and prognostic factors such as receptor status. Objective To evaluate the clinical profile of patients presenting with breast cancer in Nepal. Method The study was conducted at Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Bir Hospital and Department of Radiation Oncology, BP Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital, Bharatpur from 16th July 2007 to 15th June 2008 for a period of one year and 114 patients were enrolled. Detailed history, clinical examination and necessary investigations performed. Histological features including receptor status were recorded. Tumor Node Metastasis (TNM) staging system was as per American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC), fifth edition. Data was collected in preformed case report form and was managed using SPSS version 13. Results The incidence was high (34.2%) among perimenopausal women age ranging from 41 to 50. The majority of women presented with lump (98.2%) and others with pain (21.9%), nipple retraction (16.7%), ulceration (7.9%), discharge (7%), or symptoms of metastasis (6.1%). Regarding receptor status, the majority (64.0%) were Estrogen receptor (ER) and Progesterone receptor (PR) negative with 21.9 percent. ER+PR+, Younger women were more likely to be both ER and PR negative. Where available, Her-2 immunohistochemistry showed that 45.0 % of post menopausal women were Her-2 neative, compared to 64.0 % of premenopausal women. Incidence of Triple negative disease was 41.3 %. The most common stage at presentation was stage III (26.3%). Conclusion Majority of patients were perimenopausal, presenting with locally advanced disease (Stage III and Stage II) and with average tumor size two to five cm and were hormonal receptor negative. These findings are similar to other South Asian population but is inverse than profile reported in Western populations.Kathmandu University Medical Journal | VOL.10 | NO. 3 | ISSUE 39 | JUL- SEP 2012 | Page 3-7 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/kumj.v10i3.8009
Women Having Abortion in Urban Nepal: 2005 and 2010 Compared
Authors: Thapa Shyam , Neupane S , Basnett I , Read E 
Published: May 2013

Background The use of abortion services at the Maternity Hospital clinic, the largest public sector abortion clinic in Nepal, has risen over the years. Whether the profile of the clients, reasons for abortion, and contraceptive use have changed are not known and need to be investigated. Objectives This paper evaluates changes between 2005 and 2010 in the socio-demographic profile of abortion users, reasons for seeking abortion, and contraceptive use of two cohorts of women who had first-trimester abortion at the Maternity Hospital. Methods We used data from two similar surveys conducted in 2005 and 2010 among 672 and 392 women, respectively, who obtained first-trimester surgical abortion in a large public sector clinic. We analyzed trend data in service utilization and carried out a cost analysis. Results The number of women having abortions has steadily increased over the years, and cumulatively about 19,800 women have received services. The profile of the clients at this clinic has remained essentially the same between 2005 and 2010. The typical users of abortion services at the clinic were 27 years old with two living children, mostly married, with the majority not wanting to have more children. About half of them used a contraceptive method—mostly condoms, withdrawal, the pill and rhythm—in the month of unintended pregnancy, suggesting failures with these methods. Health concerns, dislike of available methods, and perceived low risk of pregnancy were common reasons for not using a contraceptive method. Conclusion Despite increases in the number of clients, the socio-demographic profile of the abortion clients has remained similar over the years. The linkage between the abortion and family planning clinics needs to be strengthened. Kathmandu University Medical Journal | VOL.10 | NO. 3 | ISSUE 39 | JUL- SEP 2012 | Page 8-13 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/kumj.v10i3.8010
A Study of Prevalence of Taenia Infestation and Associated Risk Factors Among the School Children of Dharan
Authors: Sah Ram Bilakshan , Pokharel PK , Paudel IS , Acharya A , Jha N , Bhattarai S 
Published: May 2013

Background Taenia prevalence has remained high among certain ethnic groups and occupational diseases in Nepal. Taenia saginata and Taenia solium species are worldwide in distribution. Infection is found most often in rural areas of developing countries with poor hygiene and living in close contact with pigs and eating undercooked pork meats. This allows the tapeworm infection to be completed and its cycle to continue. Objectives To measure the prevalence of taenia infestation and to identify risk factors associated with taenia infestation among the school children of Dharan. Methods A cross sectional study was conducted among 935 Government and private school going children of Grade VI, VII, and VIII of Dharan during 2007 to 2008. Stratified random sampling method was applied to choose the schools and the study subjects. The prevalence was calculated, Chi-square test was used to measure the association of risk factors and taenia infestation. Results Taenia species was found to be high (5.5%) among the school children of Dharan. Infection rate of taenia among the male children (6.0%) was slightly higher than female (4.8%). There were no cases of taenia infestation found among children washing hands with soap. Regarding meat consumption in the non-vegetarian group, taenia infestation was found higher (6.5%) among pork eating than non-pork eating (4.7%). No significant relationship was traced among the factors in the causation of taenia infestation although slight indications present. Conclusion Taenia species was found very high among the school children of Dharan. No such association was found with the risk factors. Kathmandu University Medical Journal | VOL.10 | NO. 3 | ISSUE 39 | JUL- SEP 2012 | Page 14-17 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/kumj.v10i3.8011
Understanding of Tobacco and Lung Cancer Among Medical Students in Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences (KUSMS)
Authors: Khatiwada Prashant , Kayastha SR , Pant P , Khanal KR , Giri A , Khatiwoda P , Mali A 
Published: May 2013

Background Often, lung cancer is diagnosed at terminal stages. Poor awareness about the symptoms or risk factors of lung cancer among medics may be one of the factors for delayed diagnosis. Objective We explored the knowledge of medical students and their behavior with the patients of lung cancer. Method Qualitative and quantitative approaches were used for data collection from 153 medical student of Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences from December 2011 to May 2012. Results Among the results, eighty-nine students had over 80% knowledge of the 14 cancer warning signs, among them 83% knew the nine risk factors for lung cancer. Twenty-three students told lung cancer can be hereditary. Sixty five percent of all participants believed that lung cancer can be detected at early stage; of them 81% told that it can be treated. About 24% of the total students were current or ex-smokers and about half of them believed that lung cancer does not occur in light smokers. Only 10% have heard of Framework Convention on Tobacco Control in Nepal. Conclusion Study finds that all medical students who know about any cancers may not necessarily have knowledge about lung cancers. Their perception about the cause of lung cancer may be influenced by their smoking behavior and there was little knowledge of public health measures for smoking control. Awareness about national policies needs to be increased. Kathmandu University Medical Journal | VOL.10 | NO. 3 | ISSUE 39 | JUL- SEP 2012 | Page 60-65 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/kumj.v10i3.8022
Dabigatran bleed risk with closed head injuries: are we prepared?
Authors: Parra Michael W. , Zucker Lloyd , Johnson Eric S. , Gullett Diane , Avila Cristina , Wichner Zachary A. , Kokaram Candace R. 
Published: May 2013

Object
The direct thrombin inhibitor dabigatran has recently been approved in the US as an alternative to warfarin. The lack of guidelines, protocols, and an established specific antidote to reverse the anticoagulation effect of dabigatran potentially increases the rates of morbidity and mortality in patients with closed head injury (CHI). Confronted with this new problem, the authors reviewed their initial clinical experience.

Methods
The authors retrospectively reviewed all cases of adult patients (age ≥ 18 years) who sustained CHI secondary to ground-level falls and who presented to the authors' provisional regional Level I trauma center between February 2011 and May 2011. The authors divided these patients into 3 groups based on anticoagulant therapy: dabigatran, warfarin, and no anticoagulants.

Results
Between February 2011 and May 2011, CHIs from ground-level falls were sustained by 5 patients while on dabigatran, by 15 patients on warfarin, and by 25 patients who were not on anticoagulants. The treatment of the patients on dabigatran at the authors' institution had great diversity. Repeat CT scans obtained during reversal showed 4 of 5 patients with new or expanded hemorrhages in the dabigatran group, whereas the warfarin group had 3 of 15 (p = 0.03). The overall mortality rate for patients sustaining CHI on dabigatran was 2 (40%) of 5, whereas that of the warfarin group was 0 (0%) of 15 (p = 0.05).

Conclusions
It is critical for physicians involved in the care of patients with CHI on dabigatran to be aware of an elevated mortality rate if no treatment protocol or guideline is in place. The authors will soon implement a reversal management protocol for patients with CHI on dabigatran at their institution in an attempt to improve efficacy and safety in their treatment approach.
La recherche sur la jeunesse en Europe. Redéfinitions et perspectives
Authors: Chisholm Lynne 
Published: May 2013

European Youth Reasearch
Before even starting to think about any future research on European youth it is necessary to acquire some background history on the subject. The European Community has always relegated youth policies to second place in community decisions. It is usually socio-economic pressure which is behind the occasional decisons which are made. Nevertheless it is possible to distinguish four political axes upon which to base future investigation. At present European youth research appears as a rather Utopie challenge. The most interesting perspectives in this area are those which compel Member States to transcend their own national framework and initiate genuine transnational research which will gradually extend beyond the rather fruitless comparative studies of today.
Intégration et culture d'origine. Les jeunes maghrébins et turcs
Authors: Kaval Musa 
Published: May 2013

«The changing role oF traditional culture in the integration process oF young Maghreb and Turkish immigrants».
Although it may be possible to analyse the satisfactory working order of the integration processes of the various influxes of immigrants to France at the end of the XIX century and the beginning of the XX century thanks to a certain cultural intimacy, it is equally important to bear in mind the fairly propitious socio- economic climate of the time. Nowadays 2nd generation young people of Maghreb and Turkish origin have to face the consequences of the widening gap between traditional family culture and that of the host country in a difficult economic climate. Since fairly recently this well-known and much studied phenomenom has started to reveal itself in a new light with the ever more powerful forward thrust of Islam, presented to young people as one of the solutions to their sense of disquiet and uneasiness. And yet surely today, such a cultural solution simply delays the integration of young people.
Le logement des jeunes
Authors: Paillette Michel 
Published: May 2013

Jóvenes, vivienda, y proyecto de vida.
La política de vivienda para los jóvenes ha sido elaborada hasta ahora el el marco de programas sectoriales dirigidos a grupos de población determinados. Ante la agravación de las dificultades de los jóvenes en numerosos dominios, incluido el de la vivienda, los poderes públicos podrían programar la conducción de una política global cuyo objeto sería ayudar a los jóvenes -a través del acceso a la vivienda- a una major autonomía. Esta política debe comportar tres elementos :
1. Una política de vivienda hacia las capas desfavoriza- das de la población.
2. Una política de inserción.
3. Una aplicación territorial de los dos elementos precedentes.
Esta orientación toma en consideración la situación del joven en todas sus dimensiones que se trate de su trayectoria social y residencial o de sus posibilidades de integración social en el medio en el cual se desenvuelve.