bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Design of psychosocial factors questionnaires: A systematic measurement approach
Authors: Villalobos Gloria H. , Vargas Angélica M. , Rondón Martin A. , Felknor Sarah A. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractBackgroundEvaluation of psychosocial factors requires instruments that measure dynamic complexities. This study explains the design of a set of questionnaires to evaluate work and non‐work psychosocial risk factors for stress‐related illnesses.MethodsThe measurement model was based on a review of literature. Content validity was performed by experts and cognitive interviews. Pilot testing was carried out with a convenience sample of 132 workers. Cronbach's alpha evaluated internal consistency and concurrent validity was estimated by Spearman correlation coefficients.ResultsThree questionnaires were constructed to evaluate exposure to work and non‐work risk factors. Content validity improved the questionnaires coherence with the measurement model. Internal consistency was adequate (α = 0.85–0.95). Concurrent validity resulted in moderate correlations of psychosocial factors with stress symptoms.ConclusionsQuestionnaires' content reflected a wide spectrum of psychosocial factors sources. Cognitive interviews improved understanding of questions and dimensions. The structure of the measurement model was confirmed. Am. J. Ind. Med. 56:100–110, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Phenotypic progression of skeletal anomalies in CLOVES syndrome
Authors: Klein Steven , Stroberg Albert , Ghahremani Shahnaz , Martinez‐Agosto Julian A. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractOvergrowth syndromes, defined as genetic disorders in which there is disproportionate somatic growth, are challenging to diagnose due to their heterogeneous presentations and possible differing genetic etiologies. CLOVES syndrome is characterized by congenital lipomatous overgrowth, vascular malformations, epidermal nevi, and skeletal abnormalities (Scoliosis). We describe a developmental follow up of the skeletal changes in CLOVES syndrome and a detailed account of its management. We demonstrate the asymmetric growth rate of toes responsible for the macrodactyly observed, and present additional phenotypic findings, including postnatal onset of abdominal symmetry and hepatomegaly. While the etiology of CLOVES is still a mystery, its similarity to Klippel–Trenaunay syndrome suggests a shared defect in a common signaling pathway, and its asymmetric bone overgrowth supports a mosaic genetic defect as its etiology. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Centers for Mendelian Genomics: A new large‐scale initiative to identify the genes underlying rare Mendelian conditions
Authors: Bamshad Michael J. , Shendure Jay A. , Valle David , Hamosh Ada , Lupski James R. , Gibbs Richard A. , Boerwinkle Eric , Lifton Richard P. , Gerstein Mark , Gunel Murat , Mane Shrikant , Nickerson Deborah A. ,   on behalf of the Centers for Mendelian Genomics
Published: May 2012

AbstractNext generation exome sequencing (ES) and whole genome sequencing (WGS) are new powerful tools for discovering the gene(s) that underlie Mendelian disorders. To accelerate these discoveries, the National Institutes of Health has established three Centers for Mendelian Genomics (CMGs): the Center for Mendelian Genomics at the University of Washington; the Center for Mendelian Genomics at Yale University; and the Baylor–Johns Hopkins Center for Mendelian Genomics at Baylor College of Medicine and Johns Hopkins University. The CMGs will provide ES/WGS and extensive analysis expertise at no cost to collaborating investigators where the causal gene(s) for a Mendelian phenotype has yet to be uncovered. Over the next few years and in collaboration with the global human genetics community, the CMGs hope to facilitate the identification of the genes underlying a very large fraction of all Mendelian disorders; see http://mendelian.org. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Isodicentric Y chromosomes in Egyptian patients with disorders of sex development (DSD)
Authors: Mekkawy Mona , Kamel Alaa , El‐Ruby Mona , Mohamed Amal , Essawi Mona , Soliman Hala , Dessouky Nabil , Shehab Marwa , Mazen Inas 
Published: May 2012

AbstractIsodicentric chromosome formation is the most common structural abnormality of the Y chromosome. As dicentrics are mitotically unstable, they are subsequently lost during cell division resulting in mosaicism with a 45,X cell line. We report on six patients with variable signs of disorders of sex development (DSD) including ambiguous genitalia, short stature, primary amenorrhea, and male infertility with azoospermia. Cytogenetic studies showed the presence of a sex chromosome marker in all patients; associated with a 45,X cell line in five of them. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) technique was used to determine the structure and the breakage sites of the markers that all proved to be isodicentric Y chromosomes. Three patients, were found to have similar breakpoints: idic Y(qter→ p11.32:: p11.32→ qter), two of them presented with ambiguous genitalia and were found to have ovotesticular DSD, while the third presented with short stature and hypomelanosis of Ito. One female patient presenting with primary amenorrhea, Turner manifestations and ambiguous genitalia revealed the breakpoint: idic Y (pter→q11.1::q11.1→pter). The same breakpoint was detected in a male with azoospermia but in non‐mosaic form. An infant with ambiguous genitalia and mixed gonadal dysgenesis (MGD) had the breakpoint at Yq11.2: idic Y(pter→q11.2::q11.2→pter). SRY signals were detected in all patients. Sequencing of the SRY gene was carried out for three patients with normal results. This study emphasizes the importance of FISH analysis in the diagnosis of patients with DSD as well as the establishment of the relationship between phenotype and karyotype. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Genome‐wide association uncovers shared genetic effects among personality traits and mood states
Authors: Luciano Michelle , Huffman Jennifer E. , Arias‐Vásquez Alejandro , Vinkhuyzen Anna A.E. , Middeldorp Christel M. , Giegling Ina , Payton Antony , Davies Gail , Zgaga Lina , Janzing Joost , Ke Xiayi , Galesloot Tessel , Hartmann Annette M. , Ollier William , Tenesa Albert , Hayward Caroline , Verhagen Maaike , Montgomery Grant W. , Hottenga Jouke‐Jan , Konte Bettina , Starr John M. , Vitart Veronique , Vos Pieter E. , Madden Pamela A.F. , Willemsen Gonneke , Konnerth Heike , Horan Michael A. , Porteous David J. , Campbell Harry , Vermeulen Sita H. , Heath Andrew C. , Wright Alan , Polasek Ozren , Kovacevic Sanja B. , Hastie Nicholas D. , Franke Barbara , Boomsma Dorret I. , Martin Nicholas G. , Rujescu Dan , Wilson James F. , Buitelaar Jan , Pendleton Neil , Rudan Igor , Deary Ian J. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractMeasures of personality and psychological distress are correlated and exhibit genetic covariance. We conducted univariate genome‐wide SNP (∼2.5 million) and gene‐based association analyses of these traits and examined the overlap in results across traits, including a prediction analysis of mood states using genetic polygenic scores for personality. Measures of neuroticism, extraversion, and symptoms of anxiety, depression, and general psychological distress were collected in eight European cohorts (n ranged 546–1,338; maximum total n = 6,268) whose mean age ranged from 55 to 79 years. Meta‐analysis of the cohort results was performed, with follow‐up associations of the top SNPs and genes investigated in independent cohorts (n = 527–6,032). Suggestive association (P = 8 × 10−8) of rs1079196 in the FHIT gene was observed with symptoms of anxiety. Other notable associations (P < 6.09 × 10−6) included SNPs in five genes for neuroticism (LCE3C, POLR3A, LMAN1L, ULK3, SCAMP2), KIAA0802 for extraversion, and NOS1 for general psychological distress. An association between symptoms of depression and rs7582472 (near to MGAT5 and NCKAP5) was replicated in two independent samples, but other replication findings were less consistent. Gene‐based tests identified a significant locus on chromosome 15 (spanning five genes) associated with neuroticism which replicated (P < 0.05) in an independent cohort. Support for common genetic effects among personality and mood (particularly neuroticism and depressive symptoms) was found in terms of SNP association overlap and polygenic score prediction. The variance explained by individual SNPs was very small (up to 1%) confirming that there are no moderate/large effects of common SNPs on personality and related traits. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Developmental variation in ecogeographic body proportions
Authors: Cowgill Libby W. , Eleazer Courtney D. , Auerbach Benjamin M. , Temple Daniel H. , Okazaki Kenji 
Published: May 2012

AbstractWhile ecogeographic variation in adult human body proportions has been extensively explored, relatively less attention has been paid to the effect of Bergmann's and Allen's rules on human body shape during growth. The relationship between climate and immature body form is particularly important, as immature mortality is high, mechanisms of thermoregulation differ between young and mature humans, and immature body proportions fluctuate due to basic parameters of growth. This study explores changes in immature ecogeographic body proportions via analyses of anthropometric data from children included in Eveleth and Tanner's (1976) Worldwide Variation in Human Growth, as well as limb proportion measurements in eight different skeletal samples.Moderate to strong correlations exist between climatic data and immature stature, weight, BMI, and bi‐iliac breadth; these relationships are as strong, if not stronger, in immature individuals as they are in adults. Correlations between climate and trunk height relative to stature are weak or nonexistent. Altitude also has significant effects on immature body form, with children from higher altitudes displaying smaller statures and lower body weights. Brachial and crural indices remain constant over the course of growth and display consistent, moderate correlations with latitude across ontogeny that are just as high as those detected in adults. The results of this study suggest that while some features of immature body form, such as bi‐iliac breadth and intralimb indices, are strongly dictated by ecogeographic principles, other characteristics of immature body proportions are influenced by intrinsic and extrinsic factors such as nutrition and basic constraints of growth. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
In poor families, mothers' milk is richer for daughters than sons: A test of Trivers–Willard hypothesis in agropastoral settlements in Northern Kenya
Authors: Fujita Masako , Roth Eric , Lo Yun‐Jia , Hurst Carolyn , Vollner Jennifer , Kendell Ashley 
Published: May 2012

AbstractThe Trivers–Willard hypothesis predicts the unequal parental investment between daughters and sons, depending on maternal condition and offspring reproductive potential. Specifically, in polygynous populations where males have higher reproductive variance than females, it predicts that mothers in good condition will invest more in sons, whereas mothers in poor condition will invest more in daughters. Previous studies testing this hypothesis focused on behavioral investment, whereas few examined biological investment. This study investigates the Trivers–Willard hypothesis on both behavioral and biological parental investment by examining breastfeeding frequencies and breast milk fat concentrations. Data from exclusively breastfeeding mothers in Northern Kenya were used to test hypotheses: Economically sufficient mothers will breastfeed sons more frequently than daughters, whereas poor mothers will breastfeed daughters more frequently than sons, and economically sufficient mothers will produce breast milk with higher fat concentration for sons than daughters, whereas poor mothers will produce breast milk with higher fat concentration for daughters than sons. Linear regression models were applied, using breastfeeding frequency or log‐transformed milk fat as the dependent variable, and offspring's sex (son = 1/daughter = 0), socioeconomic status (higher = 1/lower = 0), and the sex‐wealth interaction as the predictors, controlling for covariates. Our results only supported the milk fat hypothesis: infant's sex and socioeconomic status interacted (P = 0.014, n = 72) in their relation with milk fat concentration. The model estimated that economically sufficient mothers produced richer milk for sons than daughters (2.8 vs. 0.6 gm/dl) while poor mothers produced richer milk for daughters than sons (2.6 vs. 2.3 gm/dl). Further research on milk constituents in relation to offspring's sex is warranted. Am J Phys Anthropol , 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Amyloid deposition, hypometabolism, and longitudinal cognitive decline
Authors: Landau Susan M. , Mintun Mark A. , Joshi Abhinay D. , Koeppe Robert A. , Petersen Ronald C. , Aisen Paul S. , Weiner Michael W. , Jagust William J. ,   for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: May 2012

AbstractObjective:Using data from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) population, we examined (1) cross‐sectional relationships between amyloid deposition, hypometabolism, and cognition, and (2) associations between amyloid and hypometabolism measurements and longitudinal cognitive measurements.Methods:We examined associations between mean cortical florbetapir uptake, mean18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose–positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET) within a set of predefined regions, and Alzhiemer's Disease Assessment Scale (ADAS‐cog) performance in 426 ADNI participants (126 normal, 162 early mild cognitive impairment [EMCI], 85 late MCI [LMCI], 53 Alzheimer disease [AD] patients). For a subset of these (76 normal, 81 LMCI) we determined whether florbetapir and FDG‐PET were associated with retrospective decline in longitudinal ADAS‐cog measurements.Results:Twenty‐nine percent of normal subjects, 43% of EMCI patients, 62% of LMCI patients, and 77% of AD patients were categorized as florbetapir positive. Florbetapir was negatively associated with concurrent FDG and ADAS‐cog in both MCI groups. In longitudinal analyses, florbetapir‐positive subjects in both normal and LMCI groups had greater ongoing ADAS‐cog decline than those who were florbetapir negative. However, in normal subjects, florbetapir positivity was associated with greater ADAS‐cog decline than FDG, whereas in LMCI, FDG positivity was associated with greater decline than florbetapir.Interpretation:Although both hypometabolism and β‐amyloid (Aβ) deposition are detectable in normal subjects and all diagnostic groups, Aβ showed greater associations with cognitive decline in normal participants. In view of the minimal cognitive deterioration overall in this group, this suggests that amyloid deposition has an early and subclinical impact on cognition that precedes metabolic changes. At moderate and later stages of disease (LMCI/AD), hypometabolism becomes more pronounced and more closely linked to ongoing cognitive decline. ANN NEUROL 2012;72:578–586
Preparation and characterization of biodegradable poly(sebacic anhydride) chain extended by glycol as drug carrier
Authors: Liang Yanqin , Xiao Li , Zhai Yinglei , Xie Chaopeng , Deng Liandong , Dong Anjie 
Published: May 2012

AbstractGlycol modified poly(sebacic anhydride) (PSA), a biodegradable poly(ester anhydride) copolymer, was prepared by melt bulk reaction of PSA and glycol. The structure of PSAG was characterized by FTIR, 1H NMR, and GPC. The results indicate the formation of ester bonds along the polyanhydride backbone. The thermal properties and crystallinity changes of the polyanhydrides were investigated using DSC and XRD. In vitro degradation experiments show that the degradation rate of PSAG is slower than that of PSA because of the introduction of the glycol. Using dexamethasone as a model drug, the in vitro release rate of a drug from PSAG discs was shown to be slower than that from PSA discs, and no initial burst releases were observed for 13 days. PSAG is therefore a promising candidate, which control the release of an incorporated drug over a sustained period of time. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Mechanical and barrier properties of carbon nanotube reinforced PCL‐based composite films: Effect of gamma radiation
Authors: Khan Ruhul A. , Dussault Dominic , Salmieri Stephane , Safrany Agnes , Lacroix Monique 
Published: May 2012

AbstractCarbon nanotube (CNT) reinforced (0.05–0.5% by wt) polycaprolactone (PCL)‐based composites were prepared by compression molding. Addition of 0.2% CNT caused a 131% improvement of tensile strength (TS) of PCL films. The tensile modulus (TM) and elongation at break (Eb) of PCL were also significantly improved with the addition of CNT. The water vapor permeability of PCL was 1.51 g·mm/m2·day but 0.2% CNT containing PCL films showed 1.08 g·mm/m2·day. Similarly, the oxygen transmission rate (OTR) of PCL films was found to decrease with the addition of CNT. But, carbon dioxide transmission rate (CO2TR) of PCL film was improved due to incorporation of CNT. Effect of gamma radiation on PCL films and CNT reinforced PCL‐based composites were also studied. The TS of the irradiated (10 kGy) PCL films gained to 75% higher than control sample. The TS of the 0.2% CNT reinforced composite film was reached to 41 MPa at 15 kGy dose. The barrier properties of non‐irradiated and irradiated (10 kGy) PCL films and composites (0.2% CNT reinforced) were also measured. Both PCL films and composites showed lower values of WVP upon irradiation and indicated better water vapor barrier. The OTR and CO2TR of the irradiated (10 kGy) PCL films and composites were decreased compared to their counterparts. Surface and interface morphologies of the composites were studied by scanning electron microscopy. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Mechanochemical devulcanization of ground tire rubber and its application in acoustic absorbent polyurethane foamed composites
Authors: Zhang Xinxing , Lu Zhixing , Tian Dong , Li Hua , Lu Canhui 
Published: May 2012

AbstractThe use of recycled rubber in preparation of acoustic absorbent materials will help to combat the existing environmental problems of both waste disposal and noise pollution. The focus of this work is to investigate the influence of mechanochemical pretreatment of ground tire rubber (GTR) on the acoustic absorption properties of polyurethane (PU)/GTR foamed composites. GTR subjected to pan‐milling could be mechanochemically devulcanized by breaking up the crosslinked structures through inducing fairly strong shearing and compressing forces. The significant increase in sol fraction of GTR confirmed the partial devulcanization during pan‐milling. Moreover, thermal gravimetric analysis indicated that rubber content in the soluble part of GTR was also remarkably increased. The devulcanization increased flexible chains of the GTR particles, which could help to improve damping properties as well as acoustic absorption ability of the PU/GTR foamed composites. Dynamic mechanical analysis and acoustic absorption measurements well confirmed this hypothesis. The loss modulus and sound absorption coefficient of PU/GTR foamed composites were remarkably increased through the mechanochemical pretreatment of GTR. The mechanochemical pretreatment also enhanced foamability of the composites as revealed by cell morphology. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Preparation and characterization of polyacrylamide nanomicrospheres and its profile control and flooding performance
Authors: Yao Chuanjin , Lei Guanglun , Li Lei , Gao Xuemei 
Published: May 2012

AbstractIn this study, a new profile control and flooding agent “polyacrylamide nanomicrospheres” with particle size of 120–180 nm was prepared by inverse microemulsion polymerization. The viscoelasticity of polyacrylamide nanomicrospheres and the swelling property of polyacrylamide nanomicrospheres in aqueous solution were characterized. Using sand pack models, the profile control and flooding performance of polyacrylamide nanomicrospheres was studied. The results show that the polyacrylamide nanomicrospheres have better elasticity; the polyacrylamide nanomicrospheres have obvious swelling property, which depends on the concentration of NaCl and temperature; the polyacrylamide nanomicrospheres can plug sand pack effectively and have better ability of transporting and plugging in porous media; the polyacrylamide nanomicrospheres prefer to plug high permeability layer selectively so as to increase the swept volume and enhance oil recovery of low permeability layer and low permeability area in high permeability layer; the polyacrylamide nanomicrospheres can enhance oil recovery by 11–14%. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Morphological structure and mechanical properties of In situ microfibrillar composites of modified PA66 with PP
Authors: Cheng Linghe , Wang Wanjie , Wang Jingwu , Cao Yanxia , Li Guixun , Shen Yelong 
Published: May 2012

AbstractIn situ microfibrillar composites (PP/mPA66) of modified polyamide66 (mPA66) with polypropylene (PP) were prepared by using a “post‐compatibilization” technique. The mPA66 was firstly obtained by reactive extrusion of PA66 resin with a specially designed compatibilizer, which was then blended with PP through extrusion combined with a hot stretching and subsequently quenching process. The PP/mPA66 in situ microfibrillar composites were comparatively studied with simply blended samples of PP/PA66 that were prepared by blending PA66 and PP together with (or without) the same compatibilizer through extrusion. PA66‐g‐PP (and/or elastomers) graft copolymer formation in mPA66 was identified by dissolution test and infrared spectroscopy measurement, the compatibilizer is unevenly dispersed with large domains in PA66 as observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). In PP/mPA66 composites, the in situ generated PA66 microfibrils have a rather nonuniform diameter distribution and a very rough surface. SEM observations for the fractured surface illustrated that PP/mPA66 composites have structural characteristics of stronger adhesion and moderate flexibility of the interface. Enhanced compatibilization between the PA66 microfibrils with the PP matrix resulted in improved mechanical properties of the PP/mPA66 composites. With optimized composition, the PP/mPA66 composite has notched Izod impact strength, flexural modulus, and tensile yield stress of 1.49, 1.16, and 0.99 times as those of the neat PP, respectively. Such enhanced mechanical properties balance and improved interface adhesion were not found in the simply blended samples of PP/PA66 with or without the specially designed compatibilizer. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013