bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder among adult survivors three months after the Sichuan earthquake in China
Authors: Wang Li , Zhang Yuqing , Wang Wenzhong , Shi Zhanbiao , Shen Jianhua , Li Ming , Xin Yong 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThe study investigated the symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and associated risk factors among adult survivors 3 months after the 2008 Sichuan earthquake in China. One thousand five hundred sixty‐three earthquake survivors in two communities participated in the study. The prevalence of probable PTSD was 37.8% and 13.0%, respectively, in the two communities that were affected differently by the earthquake. The significant predictive factors for the severity of PTSD symptoms were female gender, subnationality, lower educational level, lower social support, and higher initial exposure level. The results indicate that PTSD is also a common mental health problem among earthquake survivors in China. Given inadequate knowledge and practices concerning the mental health of disaster victims in China, the information provided by this study is useful for directing, strengthening, and evaluating disaster‐related mental health needs and interventions after the earthquake.
Spectral, cepstral, and multivariate exploration of tracheoesophageal voice quality in continuous speech and sustained vowels
Authors: Maryn Youri , Dick Catherine , Vandenbruaene Caroline , Vauterin Tom , Jacobs Tinne 
Published: August 2009

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:The quality of tracheoesophageal voice can vary substantially. Although previous research has identified acoustic differences between various types of voicing (i.e., laryngeal, tracheoesophageal, esophageal, etc.), acoustic analysis has failed to quantify the degree of alaryngeal voice quality. This study assessed the value of several cepstral, spectral, and perturbation measures in quantifying the overall quality of tracheoesophageal voice production.Study Design:Cross‐sectional, correlational.Methods:Continuous speech and sustained vowel samples from 16 tracheoesophageal speakers were concatenated and perceptually rated in a paired comparison paradigm on overall voice quality by four experienced clinicians. After removing the nonvoiced fragments within the continuous speech samples, the concatenated samples were analyzed with 47 perturbation, spectral, and cepstral measures. Correlation between perceptual ratings and acoustic measures was assessed. Multiple regression analysis resulted in a two‐factor acoustic model for the measurement of overall voice quality of the concatenated samples.Results:The reliability of the perceptual judgements was moderate to high. The prominence of the cepstral peak (CPP) and of the first two spectral harmonics appeared to be the strongest correlates of tracheoesophageal voice quality. A linear regression‐based combination of CPP and the height of the second harmonic produced a correlation of 0.87 with listener judgments.Conclusions:It is clinically feasible to investigate both continuous speech and sustained vowel samples of tracheoesophageal speakers with acoustic methods described and assessed in this report. Results are discussed in the context of existing literature. Laryngoscope, 2009
Application of SNaPshot multiplex assays for simultaneous multigene mutation screening in patients with idiopathic sensorineural hearing impairment
Authors: Wu Chen‐Chi , Lu Ying‐Chang , Chen Pei‐Jer , Liu Alyssa Yan‐Zhen , Hwu Wuh‐Liang , Hsu Chuan‐Jen 
Published: August 2009

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:To develop a cost‐effective and robust genetic diagnostic tool for patients with idiopathic nonsyndromic sensorineural hearing impairment.Study Design:Development of a diagnostic tool and validation in a prospective cohort.Methods:Twenty common sequence variants in GJB2, SLC26A4, and the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene were selected based on our previous epidemiological study. These variants were analyzed using the SNaPshot technique. The efficacies of the SNaPshot multiplex assays were determined by using a prospective cohort composed of 214 unrelated Taiwanese patients with idiopathic sensorineural hearing impairment. The results of the assays were compared to the results obtained by direct sequencing.Results:We developed a diagnostic technique consisting of two consecutive panels of SNaPshot multiplex assays, with each panel screening 10 common sequence variants. Theoretically, this design can detect more than 98% of the known deafness‐associated sequence variants in Taiwanese individuals. A total of 126 (58.9%) patients were diagnosed as having at least one sequence variant using the SNaPshot multiplex assays. In total, the SNaPshot assays yielded an accuracy of more than 99%.Conclusions:The strengths of SNaPshot multiplex assays include high accuracy, high sensitivity, high flexibility (the examination panel can be easily expanded for additional mutations), low cost (less than US $10 per patient), and easy implementation for any institute with a DNA sequencer. Although only 20 to 30 mutations can be examined in two to three runs of the SNaPshot assay, this technology may be suitable for first‐pass screening of deafness‐associated mutations in populations with a relatively homogeneous ethnic background. Laryngoscope, 2009
Looking around the corner: A review of the past 100 years of frontal sinusitis treatment
Authors: Close Lanny Garth , Stewart Michael G. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractOver the past 100 years, developments in imaging studies, endoscopic evaluation, medical treatment, and surgical techniques, particularly those employing endoscopic approaches, have led to improvements in our ability to treat frontal sinusitis. Providing “around the corner” views of the frontal recess, 30° and 45° endoscopes have allowed the meticulous preservation of the mucoperiosteum and restoration of normal sinus physiology, even in difficult areas of the frontal sinus outflow tract. Rarely is it necessary to perform radical or obliterative frontal sinus procedures, although the osteoplastic flap obliteration approach advocated by Montgomery continues to be the gold standard for treatment of frontal sinusitis, which has failed medical treatment and endoscopic approaches, at least in the minds of many prominent surgeons. The endoscopic modification of Lothrop's approach has gained favor in the experience of many, however, despite its technical difficulty and failure rate of up to 20%. Technical advances, such as computer‐assisted endoscopic surgery and, more recently, intraoperative imaging have shown promise and may lead to further improvement in treatment outcomes. Finally, we will all benefit from further advances in outcomes assessment, which will provide better scientific proof of our clinical observations. Laryngoscope, 2009
Mucin gene polymorphisms in otitis media patients
Authors: Ubell Matthew L. , Khampang Pawjai , Kerschner Joseph E. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis.Mucin genes MUC2, MUC5AC, and MUC5B have been identified as major gel‐forming mucins in the middle ear (ME). This study compared polymorphisms in MUC2, MUC5AC, and MUC5B genes in otitis media (OM) patients and controls.Study Design.Cross‐sectional case‐control study. Patients age 6 months to 14 years undergoing routine tympanostomy tube insertion for recurrent otitis media (RecOM) or chronic otitis media with effusion (OME) were compared to control patients with no history of OM undergoing an unrelated procedure.Methods.Genomic DNA extracted from peripheral blood samples was analyzed by Southern blots using gene‐specific probes to determine sizes of MUC2 and MUC5AC genes. Polymerase chain reaction was used to determine the size of MUC5B genes.Results.Twenty RecOM patients, 20 OME patients, and 40 control patients were analyzed. There were no statistically significant differences in polymorphism expression identified between groups for MUC2 and MUC5B genes. OME patients were more likely than controls or RecOM patients to carry the longer MUC5AC‐b allele.Conclusions.Differences in mucin polymorphisms have been demonstrated in other diseases. In otitis media, OME patients are more likely than controls or RecOM to carry the longer MUC5AC‐b allele. MUC5AC is a primary innate defense mechanism for ME epithelium, and alterations in protein structure have the potential to affect that defense and predispose patients to disease. This study demonstrates that the properties of post‐transcriptionally modified MUC5AC deserve further study, and specific pathogen‐host interactions studies should explore the impact of this polymorphism. Laryngoscope, 2010
Electrochemical and surface analytical studies of synergistic effect of phosphonate, Zn2+ and ascorbate in corrosion control of carbon steel
Authors: Rao B. V. Appa , Rao S. Srinivasa 
Published: August 2009

AbstractSynergistic inhibition of corrosion of carbon steel in low chloride environment using ascorbate as a synergist along with 2‐phosphonobutane‐1,2,4‐tricarboxylic acid (PBTC) and Zn2+ is presented. The synergistic effect of ascorbate has been established from the present studies. In the presence of ascorbate, lower concentrations of PBTC and Zn2+ are sufficient in order to obtain good inhibition, thus making this formulation more environmentally friendly. Potentiodynamic polarisation studies inferred that this mixture functions as a mixed inhibitor, predominantly cathodic. Impedance studies revealed that an immersion period of 24 h is necessary for the formation of the protective film, with a very high charge transfer resistance. The film is stable even at 60 °C in the presence of the inhibitor in the corrosive environment. The surface analysis by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) showed the presence of iron, oxygen, phosphorus, carbon and zinc in the protective film. The XPS spectra inferred the presence of oxides/hydroxides of iron(III), Zn(OH)2 and [Zn(II)–PBTC–ascorbate] complex in the surface film. This inference was further supported by the reflection absorption Fourier transform infrared spectrum of the surface film. A plausible mechanism of corrosion inhibition has been proposed.
Influence of microstructure on the corrosion resistance of hyperduplex stainless steel
Authors: Tavares S. S. M. , Pardal J. M. , Ponzio E. , Loureiro A. , de Souza J. A. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractHyperduplex UNS S32707 is a newly developed austenitic–ferritic stainless steel. The steel contains about 27%Cr, 7%Ni, 4.5%Mo, and 0.4%N, which results in a pitting resistance equivalent factor (PRE) equal to 49. In this study, the pitting corrosion resistance of this new grade of stainless steel was investigated by varying the microstructure using different thermal processes. The critical pitting temperature measurement and cyclic polarization tests confirm the high corrosion resistance of the hyperduplex steel in the solution treated condition. However, deleterious phases form easily during thermal processing and cause a drastic decrease in the corrosion resistance.
Trends in long‐term opioid therapy for chronic non‐cancer pain
Authors: Boudreau Denise , Von Korff Michael , Rutter Carolyn M. , Saunders Kathleen , Ray G. Thomas , Sullivan Mark D. , Campbell Cynthia I. , Merrill Joseph O. , Silverberg Michael J. , Banta‐Green Caleb , Weisner Constance 
Published: August 2009

AbstractObjectiveTo report trends and characteristics of long‐term opioid use for non‐cancer pain.MethodsCONSORT (CONsortium to Study Opioid Risks and Trends) includes adult enrollees of two health plans serving over 1 per cent of the US population. Using automated data, we constructed episodes of opioid use between 1997 and 2005. We estimated age–sex standardized rates of opioid use episodes beginning in each year (incident) and on‐going in each year (prevalent), and the per cent change in rates annualized (PCA) over the 9‐year period. Long‐term episodes were defined as > 90 days with 120+ days supply or 10+ opioid prescriptions in a given year.ResultsOver the study period, incident long‐term use increased from 8.5 to 12.1 per 1000 at Group Health (GH) (6.0% PCA), and 6.3 to 8.6 per 1000 at Kaiser Permanente of Northern California (KPNC) (5.5% PCA). Prevalent long‐term use doubled from 23.9 to 46.8 per 1000 at GH (8.5% PCA), and 21.5 to 39.2 per 1000 at KPNC (8.1% PCA). Non‐Schedule II opioids were the most commonly used opioid among patients engaged in long‐term opioid therapy, particularly at KPNC. Long‐term use of Schedule II opioids also increased substantially at both health plans. Among prevalent long‐term users in 2005, 28.6% at GH and 30.2% at KPNC were also regular users of sedative hypnotics.ConclusionLong‐term opioid therapy for non‐cancer pain is increasingly prevalent, but the benefits and risks associated with such therapy are inadequately understood. Concurrent use of opioids and sedative‐hypnotics was unexpectedly common and deserves further study. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
2‐D PAGE and MS analysis of proteins from formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded tissues
Authors: Addis Maria Filippa , Tanca Alessandro , Pagnozzi Daniela , Rocca Stefano , Uzzau Sergio 
Published: August 2009

AbstractIn the past decade, encouraging results have been obtained in extraction and analysis of proteins from formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) tissues. However, 2‐D PAGE protein maps with satisfactory proteomic information and comparability to fresh tissues have never been described to date. In the present study, we report 2‐D PAGE separation and MS identification of full‐length proteins extracted from FFPE skeletal muscle tissue. The 2‐D protein profiles obtained from FFPE tissues could be matched to those achieved from frozen tissues replicates. Up to 250 spots were clearly detected in 2‐D maps of proteins from FFPE tissue following standard mass‐compatible silver staining. Protein spots from both FFPE and frozen tissue 2‐D gels were excised, subjected to in situ hydrolysis, and identified by MS analysis. Matched spots produced matched protein identifications. Moreover, 2‐D protein maps from FFPE tissues were successfully subjected to Western immunoblotting, producing comparable results to fresh‐frozen tissues. In conclusion, this study provides evidence that, when adequately extracted, full‐length proteins from FFPE tissues might be suitable to 2‐D PAGE‐MS analysis, allowing differential proteomic studies on the vast existing archives of healthy and pathological‐fixed tissues.
Organisational theory perspective on process capability measurement scales
Authors: McBride Tom 
Published: August 2009

AbstractCapability and maturity models are widely accepted. Generally, the first three levels of the most capability models have the same general goal, a defined repeatable process, but may differ in their implementation of that goal. In addition, organisations are more likely to involve multiple independent parties in the development or service management processes. Organisation and control theories provide principles that support the first three levels of most capability models. However, different forms of organisational control and coordination require that the evidence used to assess achievement of the different capability levels must broaden from its current focus on activities and tasks to include work products, their characteristics and verification, and skills, competence and training. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Simplified multi‐degree‐of‐freedom model for estimation of seismic response of regular wall‐frame structures
Authors: Kuang J. S. , Huang Kai 
Published: August 2009

AbstractA simplified multi‐degree‐of‐freedom (MDOF) model is developed for estimation of seismic response of tall wall‐frame structures. By using the continuum technique for the structure and adopting the bilinear hysteretic model for material properties, procedure for the development of the simplified MDOF model is derived. The numerical study for a 20‐storey reinforced concrete (RC) wall‐frame structure is conducted to investigate the accuracy of seismic response predicted by the proposed model. Results from the nonlinear response history analyses based on the proposed MDOF model and the detailed structural model with member‐by‐member representation are compared and show very good agreement. The proposed simplified MDOF model is shown to provide a simple, efficient and accurate method for estimation of seismic performance of tall wall‐frame structures. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Three New Coordination Compounds with Push‐Pull Ligand p‐Aminobenzonitrile (4ABN)
Authors: Glees Alexandra , Ruschewitz Uwe 
Published: August 2009

AbstractFrom ethanolic solutions containing p‐aminobenzonitrile (4ABN) and the respective metal salt three new coordination compounds were obtained and their crystal structures were solved and refined from X‐ray single‐crystal diffraction data: {}_\infty^2[Ag(4ABN)4/2]BF4 (P21/n, Z = 4) (1), {}_\infty^1[Cu(4ABN)4/2(H2O)2](NO3)2·2H2O (P\overline{1}, Z = 2) (2) and [Co(4ABN)2(H2O)2Cl2] (P21/n, Z = 2) (3). Compound 1 is a coordination polymer with a distorted tetrahedral AgN4 coordination and layered polymeric {}_\infty^2{[Ag(4ABN)4/2]+} cations, which are held together by van der Waals interactions. It represents the first homoleptic complex of 4ABN. Concerning 2, Jahn–Teller distorted CuN4O2 octahedra are connected to polymeric chain‐like {}_\infty^1{[Cu(4ABN)4/2(H2O)2]2+} cations, which are interconnected by hydrogen bonds including further water molecules and NO3– ions. 3 is a complex with an octahedral CoCl2N2O2 coordination. In the solid‐state structure, they are held together by N–H···Cl hydrogen bonds
Value of prophylactic abdominal drainage in 1269 consecutive cases of elective liver resection
Authors: Kyoden Yusuke , Imamura Hiroshi , Sano Keiji , Beck Yoshifumi , Sugawara Yasuhiko , Kokudo Norihiro , Makuuchi Masatoshi 
Published: August 2009

AbstractBackgroundThe value of prophylactic abdominal drainage in patients undergoing hepatectomy is controversial. We carried out a retrospective study to clarify the value of this procedure.MethodsThe study subjects were 1269 consecutive patients who underwent elective hepatectomy with drain insertion for malignant tumors without associated gastrointestinal procedures or bilio‐enteric anastomosis. Symptomatic abdominal fluid collections were treated by the drain salvage method, percutaneous puncture, and/or re‐operation, in that order of preference.ResultsOne patient died (mortality rate, 0.07%) and 7 patients had postoperative bleeding (0.6%). Bile leakage, found in 111 (8.7%) patients, subsided with retention of the drain in 78 (70%) and use of the drain salvage technique in 8 (7.2%), whereas percutaneous puncture and re‐operation were required in 11 (9.9%) and 14 (12.6%). Symptomatic fluid collection, observed in 65 (5.1%) patients, was treated by the drain salvage technique in 20 (31%) patients, while puncture and re‐operation were required in 25 (38%) and 20 (31%).ConclusionsPlacement of drains was effective in a considerable proportion of patients undergoing hepatectomy, with regard to reducing the frequency of development of subphrenic fluid collections and biliary fistula/biloma formation.
Agency and Choice in Genetic Counseling: Acknowledging Patients’ Concerns
Authors: O'Doherty Kieran 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThis paper investigates to what degree patients can be said to effectively manifest agency during the process of genetic counseling for cancer risk. Rather than talk about agency on an abstract level, the discussion is grounded in examples from actual genetic counseling sessions. Past research in this area recognises three dimensions along which clients’ agency can be assessed: the availability of choice; potential prescriptiveness or framing biases in the presentation of options; and whether particular decisions are embedded within broader moral frameworks (in particular, perceived obligation to kin). In this paper it is argued that in addition to these three dimensions, an investigation of agency needs to explore the degree to which the concerns brought to counseling sessions by patients match up with the choices and management strategies offered by genetic counsellors. An analysis of four excerpts from actual counseling sessions is presented to illustrate the case.
Comparison of Seal Oil to Tuna Oil on Plasma Lipid Levels and Blood Pressure in Hypertriglyceridaemic Subjects
Authors: Meyer Barbara J. , Lane A. E. , Mann N. J. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractAs meat is a rich source of the omega‐3 fatty acid docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) and Australians consume six times more meat than fish, investigation of the potential health benefit of DPA is warranted. The aims were to compare the effects of seal oil supplementation with fish oil, on measures of plasma lipids and blood pressure in hypertriglyceridaemic subjects. Forty‐eight volunteers were recruited from the Wollongong community and were randomly allocated to one of three groups either receiving 1 g/day of long‐chain omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC n‐3 PUFA) using one of three oils: seal oil capsules (340 mg eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), 230 mg DPA, 450 mg DHA), fish oil capsules (210 mg EPA, 30 mg DPA, 810 mg DHA) or placebo capsules (containing sunola oil) for 6 weeks. Plasma triglycerides remained unchanged in the placebo group, whilst reductions of 7 and 14% (P < 0.05) were seen in the fish oil and seal oil groups respectively. Systolic blood pressure improved by 8 and 5 mmHg with seal oil and fish oil respectively (P < 0.05). The mean arterial pressure was significantly lower after seal oil supplementation (P < 0.005) compared with the placebo group. These results indicate that seal oil is as effective as fish oil in lowering plasma triglycerides and blood pressure.
Children’ s radial arm maze performance as a function of age and sex
Authors: Mandolesi L. , Petrosini L. , Menghini D. , Addona F. , Vicari S. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThe present study analyzes the development of the spatial abilities in children aged 36–95 months and the sex‐related differences by means of the free‐choice and forced‐choice paradigms of the eight‐arm radial maze task. Clear age‐related improvements were evidenced. However, a temporal window with an abrupt acceleration of specific spatial competencies acquisition was detected. The females aged 51–58 months started the task performing about 2.5 errors and ended it performing no more than 0.5 errors. The same pattern of performance was exhibited by the males aged 59–66 months. Also in the final span the 4.5‐year‐old females behave as the 6‐year‐old males. The significant correlations between 45° angles and span values in the free‐choice paradigm indicated that all children tended to solve the task by employing low working memory load and by using mainly efficient procedural strategies. Furthermore, children's ability to retain earlier information was influenced by both age and sex factors as indicated by the forced‐choice paradigm findings. The present findings demonstrating the earlier acquisition of spatial competencies of the females in comparison to males, could reflect differences in foraging strategies between sexes, and/or differences in the anatomo‐physiological development of specific brain structures, and/or different modulating effects of sexual hormones.