bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Developing and Testing a Human-Based Gesture Vocabulary for Tabletop Systems
Authors: Urakami Jacqueline 
Published: February 2012

Objective: The goal was to study the natural and intuitive use of surface gestures for the development of a tabletop system. Furthermore, the effect of expertise on choice of gestures was examined. Background: It is still not well understood what kinds of gestures novice users choose when they interact with gesture recognition systems. Method: First, novices’ and experts’ choice of gestures for a tabletop system was compared in a quasiexperimental design. Second, memorability of novices’ and experts’ gesture sets derived from the first study was compared in an experimental study. Third, memorization of hand shape and motion path was examined in a further experiment. Results: Data revealed user preferences for specific hand shapes and motion paths. Choice of gestures was affected by the size of the manipulated object, expertise, and nature of the command (direct manipulation of objects vs. assessment of abstract functions). Follow-up experiments revealed that the novices’ gesture set was better memorized than were the experts’ gesture set. Furthermore, the motion path of a gesture is better memorized than the specific hand shapes for a gesture. Conclusion: Expertise affects the choice of gesture to a certain degree. It is therefore essential to involve novice users in the development of gesture vocabularies. Gestures for technical systems should be simple and should involve distinctive motion patterns instead of focusing on specific hand shapes or number of fingers. Abstract or symbolic gestures should be avoided. Application: Results of the study can be applied to the development of surface gestures for tabletop systems.
The Effect of Handhold Orientation, Size, and Wearing Gloves on Hand-Handhold Breakaway Strength
Authors: Young Justin G. , Woolley Charles B. , Ashton-Miller James A. , Armstrong Thomas J. 
Published: February 2012

Objective: The aim of this study was to quantify the effect of handhold orientation, size (diameter), and wearing a glove on the maximum breakaway strength between a hand and handhold. Background: Manual breakaway strength is known to be greatly reduced for vertical compared with horizontal handholds, but oblique orientations have yet to be studied. Method: For this study, 12 young adults (6 female) attempted to hold on to fixed overhead cylindrical handholds with one hand in low-speed simulated falls as forces on the handhold were recorded in two experimental designs. Breakaway strength was measured for (a) three different-sized cylinders in four orientations while the participants were using the dominant hand and (b) a single-sized cylinder in four orientations while the participants were bare-handed or wearing a glove on the nondominant hand. Results: Handhold orientation ( p < .001), handhold diameter ( p < .001), and wearing gloves ( p < .001) significantly affected breakaway strength. Breakaway strength increased 75% to 94% as the orientation of the handhold was moved from vertical to horizontal. Breakaway strength decreased 8% to 13% for large-diameter (51-mm) handholds as compared with smaller diameters (22 mm to 32 mm), depending on orientation. Gloves may increase or decrease the ability to hang on depending on interface friction; greater friction increased breakaway force. Conclusion: Handles oriented perpendicular to the pull direction and high-friction gloves provide the greatest breakaway strength. Smaller handhold diameters than predicted by grip strength afford greater capability in these orientations. Application: These insights can be used to design handholds that increase the ability to support one’s body weight and reduce the effort needed to pull or lift heavy items.
Comparison between fresh and exposed swelling elastomer
Authors: Pervez T. , Qamar S. Z. , Velden Mark van de 
Published: February 2012

Last decade has seen growing use of swelling elastomers in various applications by the oil and gas industry. Elastomers with special properties have been developed to sustain the specific downhole conditions of temperature, pressure, and chemical environment in different wells. Apart from targeted short-term tests conducted by rubber developers and drilling application companies, little is known about material characterization of such elastomers. Even these test results are not generally available in the public domain due to proprietary rights. In particular, an important factor that has not been previously explored is the effect of exposure on material response of swelling elastomers. Zonal isolation packers and other forms of elastomer-mounted tubulars are often stacked in open yards for a long time before their deployment in wells. Properties of elastomers may significantly change due to their exposure to air, sunlight, and humidity. Some results from a comparative study of the behavior of fresh and exposed samples of an ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM)-type water-swelling elastomers are reported here. Methodology of the swelling test was developed in consultation with petroleum engineers and rubber manufacturers. Other experiments were designed and performed in line with standard ASTM test methods. Properties of elastomers that are investigated are hardness, compression set, tensile set, tensile properties, and swelling behavior. Elastomer samples were allowed to swell for a total test duration of 1000 h. Two specimen geometries were tested for swelling: unconfined disc samples to study the behavior of free elastomer and plate samples (elastomer vulcanized on steel plate) to emulate the actual seal performance. Swelling was carried out in salt solutions of different concentrations and at different temperatures. Hardness of exposed elastomer samples (EPDM1) was generally higher than that of fresh samples (EPDM2). Similarly, exposed elastomer showed significantly higher amount of compression set when compared with fresh elastomer. Short-duration tensile set values (10 min test) were almost the same for both sample types. However, tensile set results for the longer-duration tests (10 h and 20 h) were higher for exposed samples. Surprisingly, stress–strain graphs for both fresh and exposed elastomers were almost linear, while rubber-type materials typically show a highly nonlinear behavior. Values of modulus of elasticity and stress at fracture were considerably higher for exposed samples. In contrast, percentage elongation results were higher for fresh samples. Amount of swelling against swelling time showed an up-and-down trend for both the sample types. At the same temperature and under brine solution of the same concentration, fresh elastomer generally swelled far more than the exposed one. The overall observation from the variety of experimental results is that exposure to sun and moisture for extended periods of time reduces the flexibility and swelling capacity of these elastomers.
Integrative Palliative Care, Advance Directives, and Hospital Outcomes of Critically Ill Older Adults
Authors: Yoo Ji Won , Nakagawa Shunichi , Kim Sulgi 
Published: February 2012

Objective: To examine the associations between palliative care types and hospital outcomes for patients who have or do not have advance directives. Method: Using administrative claims and clinical data for critically ill older adults (n = 1291), multivariable regressions examined the associations between palliative care types and hospital outcomes by advance directive status. Results: Integrative palliative care was associated with lower hospital costs, lower adjusted probability of in-hospital deaths, and higher adjusted probability of hospice discharges. There was no difference in hospital outcomes by palliative care types in those with advance directives. Conclusion: Significantly lower hospital costs and in-hospital deaths with higher hospice discharges were observed in integrative palliative care compared to consultative palliative care, but these findings were diminished with the presence of advance directives.
Daring to Care
Authors: Adler Nancy J. , Hansen Hans 
Published: February 2012

Whatever we choose to do, the stakes are very high. David Whyte (1994 , p. 298), poet Researching questions that matter demands passionate conviction. Whether recognized as such or not, such conviction, combined with profound compassion, defines true scholarship. Daring to care requires courage—the courage to speak out and to act. Courage transforms convictions and compassion into action. Thus, by its very nature, daring to care calls into question the traditional role of rigid scientific objectivity and invites advocacy to play a vital role within our scholarly tradition. In focusing on daring to care, this article raises questions that academia must ask itself in order to support scholars in rigorously researching and teaching about issues that matter. It provides examples of scholarship that have required courage, conviction, and compassion, including a case example where the outcome of appropriate methodology is literally life or death. Throughout the discussion, readers are invited to consider what supports their core convictions, compassion, and courageous action in their own scholarship, teaching, and advocacy.
Impaired Endothelial-Dependent and Endothelium-Independent Vasodilatation in Patients With Thromboangiitis Obliterans
Authors: Brodmann M. , Hafner F. , Gary T. , Seinost G. , Pilger E. 
Published: February 2012

Background: Endothelial dysfunction is the key process in the development of atherosclerosis. The aim of our study was to evaluate endothelial dysfunction measured by the noninvasive technique of Celermajer that plays a role in the pathogenesis of thrombangitis obliterans. Methods: A total of 36 patients with thrombangitiis obliterans ([TAO]; mean age 44.9 ± 1.3 years) were compared with 30 healthy individuals (mean age 36.1 ± 1.8 years). High frequency ultrasound was used to measure changes in response to reactive hyperemia (leading to flow-mediated endothelium-dependent dilatation) and in response to 0.4 mg sublingual nitroglycerin ([NTG]; leading to NTG-induced, endothelium-independent dilatation). Results: Patients with TAO showed a lower but statistically not significant flow-mediated dilatation and a statistically significant reduced NTG-induced vasodilatation than the control group. Conclusion: Our results suggest that both mechanisms play a role in patients with TAO, the endothelium-independent impaired vasodilatation even in a more significant way than the impaired endothelium-dependent vasodilatation.
Knowledge of and Compliance With Pitch Count Recommendations
Authors: Fazarale Joseph J. , Magnussen Robert A. , Pedroza Angela D. , Kaeding Christopher C. 
Published: February 2012

Background: Pain and injuries suffered by youth pitchers are ongoing concerns that have been addressed through the institution of rules and recommendations regarding pitch counts and rest periods. The aim of our study was to see if coaches of youth baseball pitchers in our region were aware of the recommended guidelines and if they followed them. Methods: An Internet-based survey consisting of 18 items including demographic information and questions concerning the USA Baseball Medical and Safety Advisory Committee pitching guidelines was sent to coaches affiliated with a local youth league to assess their knowledge of and reported compliance with these recommendations. Results: Ninety-five of 228 coaches (41.4%) participated in the survey. On average, coaches answered 43% of questions regarding pitch count and rest periods correctly; 73% reported that they followed the recommendations, while only 53% felt that other coaches in the league abided by the recommendations. Thirty-five percent of coaches stated that their pitchers reported shoulder or elbow pain during the season, and 19% reported that one of their pitchers pitched a game with a sore or fatigued arm during the season. No coaches reported any pitching-related injuries among their players requiring surgery. Fewer than 10% of coaches reported that their players pitched in multiple leagues or participated in showcases, while 91% reported that pitchers attended camps or received specific instruction to improve their pitching form. Conclusions: This study shows that this subset of youth baseball coaches is deficient with regard to knowledge of the USA Baseball Medical and Safety Advisory Committee pitching guidelines. This situation may put youth pitchers at increased risk for upper extremity pain and injuries.
On some Hadamard-type inequalities for product of two s-convex functions on the co-ordinates
Authors: Özdemir Muhamet Emin , Latif Muhammad Amer , Akdemir Ahmet Ocak 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
In this article, Hadamard-type inequalities for product of s-convex in the second sense on the co-ordinates in a rectangle from the plane are established.
The association between Toll-like receptor 2 single-nucleotide polymorphisms and hepatocellular carcinoma susceptibility
Authors: Junjie Xie , Songyao Jiang , Minmin Shi , Yanyan Song , Baiyong Shen , Xiaxing Deng , Jiabin Jin , Xi Zhan , Hao Chen 
Published: February 2012

Abstract

Background
Toll-like receptors (TLR) are key innate immunity receptors participating in an immune response. Growing evidence suggests that mutations of TLR2/TLR9 gene are associated with the progress of cancers. The present study aimed to investigate the temporal relationship of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) of TLR2/TLR9 and the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods
In this single center-based case-control study, SNaPshot method was used to genotype sequence variants of TLR2 and TLR9 in 211 patients with HCC and 232 subjects as controls.

Results
Two synonymous SNPs in the exon of TLR2 were closely associated with risk of HCC. Compared with those carrying wild-type homozygous genotypes (T/T), risk of HCC decreased significantly in individuals carrying the heterozygous genotypes (C/T) of the rs3804099 (adjusted odds ratio (OR), 0.493, 95% CI 0.331 - 0.736, P < 0.01) and rs3804100 (adjusted OR, 0.509, 95% CI 0.342 - 0.759, P < 0.01). There was no significant association found in two TLR9 SNPs concerning the risk of HCC. The haplotype TT for TLR2 was associated significantly with the decreased risk of HCC (OR 0.524, 95% CI 0.394 - 0.697, P = 0.000). Inversely, the risk of HCC increased significantly in patients with the haplotype CC (OR 2.743, 95% CI 1.915 - 3.930, P = 0.000).

Conclusions
These results suggested that TLR2 rs3804099 C/T and rs3804100 C/T polymorphisms were closely associated with HCC. In addition, the haplotypes composed of these two TLR2 synonymous SNPs have stronger effects on the susceptibility of HCC.
Low back pain in 17 year olds has substantial impact and represents an important public health disorder: a cross-sectional study
Authors: O'Sullivan Peter B , Beales Darren J , Smith Anne J , Straker Leon M 
Published: February 2012

Abstract

Background
Prevalence of low back pain (LBP) rises rapidly during adolescence, reaching adult levels by the age of 18. It has been suggested that adolescent LBP is benign with minimal impact, despite limited evidence.

Methods
The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of LBP and the influence of chronicity, gender and presence of other spinal pain comorbidities at age 17. Subjects (n = 1283) were categorised according to experiencing current and chronic LBP, gender and presence of other areas of spinal pain. LBP impact was ascertained via questions regarding seeking professional assistance, using medication, missing school/work, limited normal or recreational physical activity and health related quality of life (HRQOL).

Results
12.3% of participants reported current but not chronic LBP, while 19.9% reported current chronic LBP. LBP was more commonly reported by females than males. Other spinal pain comorbidities were common in the LBP groups. Impact was greater in subjects with chronic LBP, in females and in those with other spinal pain comorbidities.

Conclusion
LBP, and particularly chronic LBP, has a significant negative impact at 17 years. It is commonly associated with care seeking, medication use, school absenteeism, and reduced HRQOL. These findings support that adolescent LBP is an important public health issue that requires attention.
A strategy of gene overexpression based on tandem repetitive promoters in Escherichia coli
Authors: Li Mingji , Wang Junshu , Geng Yanping , Li Yikui , Wang Qian , Liang Quanfeng , Qi Qingsheng 
Published: February 2012

Abstract

Background
For metabolic engineering, many rate-limiting steps may exist in the pathways of accumulating the target metabolites. Increasing copy number of the desired genes in these pathways is a general method to solve the problem, for example, the employment of the multi-copy plasmid-based expression system. However, this method may bring genetic instability, structural instability and metabolic burden to the host, while integrating of the desired gene into the chromosome may cause inadequate transcription or expression. In this study, we developed a strategy for obtaining gene overexpression by engineering promoter clusters consisted of multiple core-tac- promoters (MCPtac s) in tandem.

Results
Through a uniquely designed in vitro assembling process, a series of promoter clusters were constructed. The transcription strength of these promoter clusters showed a stepwise enhancement with the increase of tandem repeats number until it reached the critical value of five. Application of the MCPtac s promoter clusters in polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) production proved that it was efficient. Integration of the phaCAB genes with the 5CPtac s promoter cluster resulted in an engineered E.coli that can accumulate 23.7% PHB of the cell dry weight in batch cultivation.

Conclusions
The transcription strength of the MCPtac s promoter cluster can be greatly improved by increasing the tandem repeats number of the core-tac-promoter. By integrating the desired gene together with the MCPtac s promoter cluster into the chromosome of E. coli, we can achieve high and stale overexpression with only a small size. This strategy has an application potential in many fields and can be extended to other bacteria.
Could gastrointestinal disorders differ in two close but divergent social environments?
Authors: Grodzinsky Ewa , Hallert Claes , Faresjö Tomas , Bergfors Elisabet , Faresjö Åshild Olsen 
Published: February 2012

Abstract

Background
Many public health problems in modern society affect the gastrointestinal area. Knowledge of the disease occurrence in populations is better understood if viewed in a psychosocial context including indicators of the social environment where people spend their lives. The general aim of this study was to estimate the occurrence in the population and between sexes of common gastrointestinal conditions in two neighborhood cities representing two different social environments defined as a "white-collar" and a "blue-collar" city.

Methods
We conducted a retrospective register study using data of diagnosed gastrointestinal disorders (cumulative incidence rates) derived from an administrative health care register based on medical records assigned by the physicians at hospitals and primary care.

Results
Functional gastrointestinal diseases and peptic ulcers were more frequent in the white-collar city, while diagnoses in the gallbladder area were significantly more frequent in the blue-collar city. Functional dyspepsia, irritable bowel syndrome, and unspecified functional bowel diseases, and celiac disease, were more frequent among women while esophageal reflux, peptic ulcers, gastric and rectal cancers were more frequent among men regardless of social environment.

Conclusions
Knowledge of the occurrence of gastrointestinal problems in populations is better understood if viewed in a context were the social environment is included. Indicators of the social environment should therefore also be considered in future studies of the occurrence of gastrointestinal problems.
The relationship between polycystic ovary syndrome, glucose tolerance status and serum preptin level
Authors: Bu Zhiqin , Kuok Kakei , Meng Jie , Wang Rui , Xu Bei , Zhang Hanwang 
Published: February 2012

Abstract

Background
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is linked to obesity, impaired glucose tolerance and diabetes. Recently, studies have found that preptin enhances insulin secretion in rats and might play a role in the pathogenesis of diabetes and PCOS in humans. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between PCOS, glucose tolerance status, and serum preptin level.

Methods
This study was conducted in a university-affiliated hospital from October 2010 to August 2011. Anthropometric parameters, sex hormone concentrations, blood pressure, lipid profiles, fasting glucose and insulin, 2-h blood glucose after glucose overloaded (2hOGTT), glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c), homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR), and serum preptin of the samples were analyzed.

Results
Sixty-three PCOS patients, including 33 women with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) and 30 women with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), and 63 patients without PCOS, including 35 women with NGT and 28 women with IGT were recruited in this study. For patients with and without PCOS, women with IGT had higher serum preptin levels compared with women with NGT. Preptin levels in PCOS patients were higher compared with patients without PCOS, but the difference was not significant. Fasting serum preptin levels correlated positively with TG, SBP, DBP, FBG, 2hOGTT, and HOMA-IR in simple regression analysis of the pooled data. While in multiple stepwise regression analysis, preptin levels were independently related with glucose tolerance, but not with PCOS.

Conclusions
Irrespective of PCOS status, women with IGT had higher serum preptin levels compared with women with NGT. Preptin levels are related with glucose tolerance status, but not with PCOS status.
Carbon nanotube bumps for the flip chip packaging system
Authors: Yap Chin Chong , Brun Christophe , Tan Dunlin , Li Hong , Teo Edwin Hang Tong , Baillargeat Dominique , Tay Beng Kang 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
Carbon nanotube [CNT] interconnection bump joining methodology has been successfully demonstrated using flip chip test structures with bump pitches smaller than 150 μm. In this study, plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition approach is used to grow the CNT bumps onto the Au metallization lines. The CNT bumps on the die substrate are then 'inserted' into the CNT bumps on the carrier substrate to form the electrical connections (interconnection bumps) between each other. The mechanical strength and the concept of reworkable capabilities of the CNT interconnection bumps are investigated. Preliminary electrical characteristics show a linear relationship between current and voltage, suggesting that ohmic contacts are attained.
Hybrid polymer/ZnO solar cells sensitized by PbS quantum dots
Authors: Wang Lidan , Zhao Dongxu , Su Zisheng , Shen Dezhen 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
Poly[2-methoxy-5-(2-ethylhexyloxy-p- phenylenevinylene)]/ZnO nanorod hybrid solar cells consisting of PbS quantum dots [QDs] prepared by a chemical bath deposition method were fabricated. An optimum coating of the QDs on the ZnO nanorods could strongly improve the performance of the solar cells. A maximum power conversion efficiency of 0.42% was achieved for the PbS QDs' sensitive solar cell coated by 4 cycles, which was increased almost five times compared with the solar cell without using PbS QDs. The improved efficiency is attributed to the cascade structure formed by the PbS QD coating, which results in enhanced open-circuit voltage and exciton dissociation efficiency.