bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Structure, fit and coherence of two circumplex assessments of personality in a population with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Lindsay W. R. , Steptoe L. , Hogue T. E. , Mooney P. , Taylor J. L. , Morrissey C. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractBackground  Little research has been conducted investigating the way in which personality constructs relate to people with intellectual disabilities. The small amount of research that does exist suggests that underlying personality structure may be considerably different to that found in mainstream research. This hypothesis is, however, untested because so little work has been conducted with this population.Method  Two circumplex models, the Interpersonal Adjective Scales and the CIRCLE, were employed to explore the factor structure, coherence and fit of these models with this population. One hundred and twenty‐three participants from forensic intellectual disability services were rated by staff on the assessments, although not all assessments were completed for all participants.Results  The factor structures for both assessments conform broadly with a theoretical structure. Hypotheses concerning the magnitude and direction of Spearman's correlations both within and between assessments were generally confirmed.Conclusion  While results would support the applicability of mainstream personality assessments to this client group, cautions were expressed in relation to the source of the sample and to the method of data collection.
Trypanosoma brucei gambiense in domestic livestock of Kogo and Mbini foci (Equatorial Guinea)
Authors: Cordon‐Obras C. , Berzosa P. , Ndong‐Mabale N. , Bobuakasi L. , Buatiche J. N. , Ndongo‐Asumu P. , Benito A. , Cano J. 
Published: March 2009

SummaryObjective  To evaluate Trypanosoma brucei gambiense infection in peri‐domestic livestock from Kogo and Mbini foci (Equatorial Guinea) in order to investigate its possible implication in the sleeping sickness transmission cycle in these hypoendemic foci.Methods  Samples from 698 domestic animals (goats, sheep and pigs) from trypanosomiasis‐endemic localities of Kogo and Mbini foci were tested for animal trypanosomes and T. b. gambiense (group I) by species‐specific polymerase chain reaction.Results  Trypanosoma brucei s.l., the predominant trypanosome species, was detected in 182 (52.6%) samples from Mbini and in 127 (36.1%) samples from Kogo. T. b. gambiense was only identified in seven (2%) of the Mbini samples and one co‐infection (with T. vivax) was observed.Conclusion  The occurrence of T. b. gambiense in peri‐domestic livestock in Mbini and its absence in Kogo could explain the epidemiological differences between the two foci and could have significant implications for sleeping sickness control in Equatorial Guinea.
Lower‐leg growth rates in children with asthma during treatment with ciclesonide and fluticasone propionate
Authors: Agertoft Lone , Pedersen Søren 
Published: March 2009

Agertoft L, Pedersen S. Lower‐leg growth rates in children with asthma during treatment with ciclesonide and fluticasone propionate. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2010: 21: e199–e205. © 2009 The Authors Journal compilation © 2009 Blackwell MunksgaardMeasurement of short‐term lower‐leg growth rate in children by knemometry has become established as an integral part of the available measures of systemic activity of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) in children. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of the novel ICS ciclesonide (CIC) and the ICS fluticasone propionate (FP) on lower‐leg growth rate and hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal‐axis function in children with mild asthma. In a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, three‐period crossover study, 28 children, aged 6–12 yr, sequentially received daily doses of CIC 320 μg, FP 375 μg (330 μg ex‐actuator) and placebo via a spacer in a randomized order. Each 2‐wk treatment period was followed by a 2‐wk washout period. Knemometry was performed at the beginning and end of each treatment period. Cortisol levels in 12‐h overnight urine were measured at the end of each treatment period. No statistically significant differences were seen in lower‐leg growth rates between CIC (0.30 mm/wk) and placebo (0.43 mm/wk) treatments. Lower‐leg growth rate during FP treatment (0.08 mm/wk) was significantly reduced compared with both placebo [least squares (LS) mean: −0.35 (95% CI: −0.53, −0.18; p = 0.0002)] and CIC [LS mean: −0.23 (95% CI: −0.05, −0.40; p = 0.0137)]. Cortisol levels in 12‐h overnight urine were significantly lower in the FP group when compared with CIC (p < 0.05); however, there were no statistically significant differences between each of the active treatments and placebo. CIC had no significant effect on lower‐leg growth rate in children aged 6–12 yr with mild asthma. In contrast, a similar dose of FP significantly reduced lower‐leg growth rate compared with placebo and CIC.
What factors shape rates of phenotypic evolution? A comparative study of cranial morphology of four mammalian clades
Authors: COOPER N. , PURVIS A. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractUnderstanding why rates of morphological evolution vary is a major goal in evolutionary biology. Classical work suggests that body size, interspecific competition, geographic range size and specialization may all be important, and each may increase or decrease rates of evolution. Here, we investigate correlates of proportional evolutionary rates in phalangeriform possums, phyllostomid bats, platyrrhine monkeys and marmotine squirrels, using phylogenetic comparative methods. We find that the most important correlate is body size. Large species evolve the fastest in all four clades, and there is a nonlinear relationship in platyrrhines and phalangeriformes, with the slowest evolution in species of intermediate size. We also find significant increases in rate with high environmental temperature in phyllostomids, and low mass‐specific metabolic rate in marmotine squirrels. The mechanisms underlying these correlations are uncertain and appear to be size specific. We conclude that there is significant variation in rates of evolution, but that its meaning is not yet clear.
Species cohesion despite extreme inbreeding in a social spider
Authors: JOHANNESEN J. , MORITZ R. F. A. , SIMUNEK H. , SEIBT U. , WICKLER W. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractColonial social spiders experience extreme inbreeding and highly restricted gene flow between colonies; processes that question the genetic cohesion of geographically separated populations and which could imply multiple origins from predecessors with limited gene flow. We analysed species cohesion and the potential for long‐distance dispersal in the social spider Stegodyphus dumicola by studying colony structure in eastern South Africa and the cohesion between this population and Namibian populations previously published. Data from both areas were (re)analysed for historic demographic parameters. Eastern South African S. dumicola were closely related to an east Namibian lineage, showing cohesion of S. dumicola relative to its sister species. Colony structure was similar in both areas with mostly monomorphic colonies, but haplotype diversity was much reduced in eastern South Africa. Here, the population structure indicated recent population expansion. By contrast, Namibia constitutes an old population, possibly the geographic origin of the species. Both the comparison of the eastern South African and Namibian lineages and the distribution within eastern South Africa show the potential for long‐distance dispersal in few generations via colony propagation.
Evidence for gene recombination in FCGR3 gene variants
Authors: Blum K. S. , Tong Y. , Siebert R. , Marget M. , Humpe A. , Neppert J. , Flesch B. K. 
Published: March 2009

Background and Objectives  The genes encoding the Fcγ receptors (FcγR) IIIa and IIIb (FCGR3A and FCGR3B) are clustered on chromosome 1 band q23–24 and exhibit allelic polymorphism. We investigated the molecular basis of additional new FCGR3 genomic variation.Materials and Methods  A segment shared by FCGR3A and FCGR3B containing the polymorphic nucleotide positions 141, 147, 227, 266, and 277 in exon 3 was cloned and sequenced from genomic DNA of 30 donors and 3 bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) clones. A mixture consisting of isolated FCGR3B*2‐ and FCGR3A‐ plasmids was cloned and sequenced as well. Additionally, nucleotide databases were screened for clones with variant FCGR3 sequences.Results  A total of 12 FCGR3 variants defined by the polymorphic positions were detected in whole blood genomic DNA from 23 of 24 FCGR3B*2 and/or FCGR3B*3 positive donors, the DNA from two of three BAC clones and in the DNA mixture of isolated FCGR3B*2‐ and FCGR3A‐ plasmids.Conclusion  Nucleotide exchanges of the variants were non‐random and resulted from two alternative nucleotides present in one of the polymorphic position of the basic FCGR3 forms. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) artefacts cannot be excluded as origin of new variants, but there is strong evidence that at least two variants are the result of a somatic recombination.
A virally inactivated functional growth factor preparation from human platelet concentrates
Authors: Su C.‐Y. , Kuo Y. P. , Lin Y. C. , Huang C.‐T. , Tseng Y. H. , Burnouf T. 
Published: March 2009

Background  Human platelet growth factors (HPGF) are essential for tissue regeneration and may replace fetal bovine serum (FBS) in cell therapy. No method for the manufacture of standardized virally inactivated HPGF has been developed yet.Study design and methods  Platelet concentrates (PC) were subjected to solvent/detergent (S/D) treatment (1% TnBP/1% Triton X‐45), oil extraction, hydrophobic interaction chromatography and sterile filtration. Platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF)‐AB, ‐BB and ‐AA, transforming growth factor‐ß1 (TGF‐ß1), epidermal growth factor (EGF), insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) and vascular endothelium growth factor (VEGF) were measured by ELISA. Composition in proteins and lipids was determined, protein profiles were obtained by SDS‐PAGE, and TnBP and Triton X‐45 were assessed by gas chromatography and high‐performance liquid chromatography, respectively. Cell growth promoting activity of HPGF was evaluated by 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐5‐(3‐carboxymethoxyphenyl)‐2‐(4‐sulfophenyl)‐2H‐tetrazolium (MTS) assay using human embryonic kidney (HEK293A) fibroblast and Statens Seruminstitute rabbit corneal (SIRC) epithelial cell lines.Results  The GF preparation contained a mean of 16·66, 2·04, 1·53, 72·19, 0·33, 48·59 and 0·44 ng/ml of PDGF‐AB, ‐BB, ‐AA, TGF‐ß1, EGF, IGF‐1 and VEGF, respectively. The protein profile was typical of platelet releasates and had less than 2 p.p.m. of residual S/D agents. MTS assay of HEK293A and SIRC cultures showed that the GF preparation at 10% and 0·1% (v/v), respectively, could successfully replace 10% FBS for cell proliferation. Cell‐stimulating activity of HPGF on HEK293A was over twice that of PC releasates.Conclusion  Standardized and functional virally inactivated HPGF can be prepared from human PC for possible applications in cell therapy and regenerative medicine.
The Feasibility of Producing Oil Palm with Altered Lignin Content to Control Ganoderma Disease
Authors: Paterson Robert R. M. , Moen Sariah , Lima Nelson 
Published: March 2009

AbstractOil palm is a major crop which is grown for the production of vegetable oil used in foods, cosmetics and biodiesel. The palm is of major economic importance in southeast Asia where it is grown extensively in Malaysia and Indonesia. There is concern about Ganoderma rots of oil palm which need to be controlled to prevent major infection. However, the basic mechanism of white‐rot infection has been ignored. White rot implies that fungi attack the lignin component of woody tissue leaving the white cellulose exposed. The fungus grows within palms by utilizing cellulose in the tree. By altering the lignin fraction of oil palm losses may be reduced. Methods for altering lignin in plants are reviewed here to indicate how similar transformations could be attempted for oil palm. In addition, progress in transforming oil palm is described. Lignin is extremely complex and this may explain why it has not been studied in oil palm. Some crops transformed with Bacillus thuringiensis toxin genes have increased lignin and modified oil palm have been produced using B. thuringiensis genes. These require to be tested for lignin concentration and structure. The nomenclature of the disease organism is discussed. The prospects for altered lignin oil palm are considered herein.
Do ethical Guidelines make a difference to decision‐making?
Authors: Osborn M. , Day R. , Komesaroff P. , Mant A. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractBackground: The different levels of knowledge and understanding of attitudes to and use by physicians of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) Guidelines for ethical relationships between physicians and the pharmaceutical industry are unknown. The aim of this study was to explore how physician Fellows of the RACP relate to and use the ethical Guidelines of the RACP regarding relationships with the pharmaceutical industry.Methods: Focus group discussions and in‐depth face‐to‐face interviews were used to gather information from physicians who responded to invitations placed in electronic newsletters or through word of mouth.Results: Five focus groups and eight in‐depth interviews were conducted with 56 practising physicians in Australia and New Zealand. Most physicians were aware of the RACP ethical Guidelines (3rd edition, 2006), but only a few used them to resolve ethical dilemmas or to influence their decision‐making in relation to interacting with the pharmaceutical industry. Ethical standards used or approaches to decision‐making practices related to interactions with the pharmaceutical industry were most likely to have been developed through past experiences, peer pressure or decisions that were considered to be ‘in the best interests of their patients’. There were strong opinions expressed about relationships with the pharmaceutical industry and how these relationships often lead to feelings of humiliation. Some felt they were prostituting themselves for the sake of acquiring funding for staff positions, medical devices, research or attendance at conferences. Very few physicians recollected having any assistance on how to deal with the pharmaceutical industry during their training, and those few who did recollect such input through their curricula and education felt they did not benefit.Conclusion: RACP Guidelines on ethical guidance for relating to the pharmaceutical industry have not been used by most physicians, and very few had read or referred to the Guidelines. Reliance on ‘previous’ experience, opinions of peers and ‘value to patients’ had most influence on attitudes and behaviours in interactions with industry. Many physicians felt uncomfortable and embarrassed about interactions with industry, especially varying levels of dependence on industry for resources.
Radiation exposure and the justification of computed tomography scanning in an Australian hospital emergency department
Authors: Street M. , Brady Z. , Van Every B. , Thomson K. R. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractIn an emergency department (ED), computed tomography (CT) is particularly beneficial in the investigation of high‐speed trauma patients. With the advent of multidetector CT (MDCT) scanners, it is becoming faster and easier to conduct scans. In recent years, this has become evident with an increasing number of CT requests. Patients who have multiple CT scans during their hospital stay can receive radiation doses that have an increased theoretical risk of induction of cancer. It is essential that the clinical justification for each CT scan be considered on an individual basis and that due consideration is given to the radiation risk and possible diagnostic benefit. The current lack of a central State or Commonwealth data repository for medical images is a contributing factor to excessive radiation dosage to the population. The principles of justification and radiation risks are discussed in this study.
Redesigning care for chronic conditions: improving hospital‐based ambulatory care for people with osteoarthritis of the hip and knee
Authors: Brand C. A. , Amatya B. , Gordon B. , Tosti T. , Gorelik A. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractBackground: Osteoarthritis of the hip and knee is a highly prevalent chronic condition in Australia that commonly affects older people who have other comorbidities. We report the pilot implementation of a new chronic disease management osteoarthritis service, which was multidisciplinary, evidence‐based, supported patient self‐management and care coordination.Methods: A musculoskeletal coordinator role was pivotal to service redesign and osteoarthritis pathway implementation. Impact evaluation included: service utilization, patient and general practitioner service experience, a ‘before and after’ audit of clinician adherence to recommendations, and 3‐ and 6‐month patient health outcomes (pain, physical function, patient and physician global health (Visual Analogue Scale), disability (Multi‐Attribute Prioritisation Tool), Partners in Health Scale and body mass index).Results: A total of 123 patients, median age of 66 years, were assessed. Documentation of osteoarthritis assessment and management improved for all parameters. At 3 months there were improvements in self‐reported pain (P < 0.001), global function (P < 0.001), physician and patient reported global health (P < 0.001), Partners in Health Score (P < 0.001) and Hip and Knee Multi‐Attribute Prioritisation Tool score (P < 0.014). Body mass index did not improve. Patients and general practitioners reported positive experiences, but there was variable uptake of recommendations by patients. The main factors influencing uptake of recommendations were access block to community services in the first 3 months and patient preferences for therapy. The cost implications for implementation were low.Conclusion: The osteoarthritis service model is feasible to implement, is well received by patients and staff, and provides a template for translation into other settings.
Pilot study of high‐sensitivity troponin T testing to facilitate safe early disposition decisions in patients presenting to the emergency department with chest pain
Authors: Paoloni R. , Kumar P. , Janu M. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractBackground: Many patients present to emergency departments with chest pain, but little is known about this population and the safest, most efficient testing strategies. We assessed clinical risk stratification of all patients with chest pain and, on a subset, utility of high‐sensitivity troponin at 4 and 6 h after pain onset in aiding disposition decisions.Methods: Patients with intermediate or high‐risk chest pain presenting within 6 h of onset were eligible for detailed study of troponin testing and outcome. Confusion, inability to speak English or need for urgent angiography was exclusion. Troponin levels were performed on arrival and at 4, 6 and 10–24 h from chest pain onset. Follow up of 30 days assessed compliance with, and results of, further investigation.Results: Chest pain accounted for 627 presentations over 112 days. Of 282 intermediate or high‐risk presentations 144 (51%) presented more than 6 h after onset. The detailed study enrolled 52 patients with a troponin rise observed in 26%. In no cases did troponin increase between 6 and 10 h and, in five cases, fell. Follow up was achieved in 96%. Eight high‐risk patients (40%) and four intermediate risk patients (13%) had positive stress tests. For discharged patients with outpatient investigations booked in emergency department 92% attended, while those with letters recommending investigations did not obtain testing.Conclusion: These preliminary data suggest that high‐sensitivity troponin 6 h after chest pain onset may be diagnostically useful. Marked differences in outpatient testing attendance suggest bookings should be made before discharge.
ThinPrep Pap‐smear and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia in reproductive‐aged Thai women
Authors: Rugpao S. , Koonlertkit S. , Ruengkrist T. , Lamlertkittikul S. , Pinjaroen S. , Limtrakul A. , Werawatakul Y. , Sinchai W. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractObjective:  To estimate the incidence of abnormal cervical cytology by ThinPrep Pap‐tests and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) in young adult reproductive‐aged Thai women.Method:  A total of 1254 women distributed in all regions of Thailand were monitored from 2002 through 2004. Women were screened for abnormal cervical cytology using the ThinPrep method every 6 months. Interpretation of cervical cytology was based on the Bethesda system, version 2001. Women who had the ThinPrep Pap results as atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance or worse underwent colposcopic examination. The ThinPrep and all cervical tissue samples obtained from diagnostic or therapeutic procedures were analyzed and reviewed by Covance Central Laboratory Service, Inc., Indianapolis, USA.Result:  The cumulative incidence of abnormal ThinPrep Pap‐tests was as follows: 15.3 per 100 woman years (WY) (95% confidence interval [CI] 12.3, 18.9) at 6 months; 12.3 per 100 WY (95% CI 10.3, 14.6) at 12 months; and 11.6 per 100 WY (95% CI 10.0, 13.5) at 18 months. Of 1448.6 woman years of follow up, the incidence of CIN1 was 4.1 per 100 WY (95% CI 3.2, 5.3); CIN2 0.8 per 100 WY (95% CI 0.4, 1.4); and CIN3 0.6 per 100 WY (95% CI 0.3, 1.2).Conclusion:  The incidence of abnormal ThinPrep Pap‐test and CIN in young adult Thai women had been reported. No comparable data is available.
Effect of second non‐singular term of mode I near the tip of a V‐notched crack
Authors: KIM J. K. , CHO S. B. 
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACTThe effect of a second non‐singular term of mode I in the vicinity of the tip of a V‐notched crack is discussed. The undetermined eigenvector coefficients of singular and non‐singular terms of eigenfunction expansion were calculated by the numerical analysis method using the reciprocal work contour integral method (RWCIM) based on Betti's reciprocal work theorem and finite‐element analysis. This study demonstrates that the second non‐singular term of mode I can have a significant effect on the size and shape of plastic zones as an additional fracture mechanics parameter along with the conventional parameter K.
Automated dynamic fracture procedure for modelling mixed‐mode crack propagation using explicit time integration brick finite elements
Authors: AMINJIKARAI S. B. , TABIEI A. 
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACTSeveral fracture codes have been developed in recent years to perform analyses of dynamic crack propagation in arbitrary directions. However, general‐purpose, commercial finite‐element software which have capabilities to do fracture analyses are still limited in their use to stationary cracks and crack propagation along trajectories known a priori. In this paper, we present an automated fracture procedure implemented in the large‐scale, nonlinear, explicit, finite‐element code DYNA3D which can be used to simulate dynamic crack propagation in arbitrary directions. The model can be used to perform both generation‐ and application‐phase simulations of self‐similar as well as non‐self‐similar dynamic crack propagation in linear elastic structures without user intervention. It is developed based on dynamic fracture mechanics concepts and implemented for three‐dimensional solid elements. Energy approach is used in the model to check for crack initiation/propagation. Dynamic energy release rate and stress intensity factors are determined from far‐field finite‐element field solutions using finite‐domain integrals. Fracture toughness is input as a function of crack‐tip velocity, and when the criterion for crack growth is satisfied, an element deletion‐and‐replacement re‐meshing procedure is used along with a gradual nodal release technique to update the crack geometry and model the crack propagation. Direction of crack propagation is determined using the maximum circumferential stress criterion. Numerical simulations of experiments involving non‐self‐similar crack propagation are performed, and results are presented as verification examples.