bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Decision-making in pigeon flocks: a democratic view of leadership
Authors: Jorge Paulo E. , Marques Paulo A. M. 
Published: June 2012

SUMMARYWhen travelling in groups, animals frequently have to make decisions on the direction of travel. These decisions can be based on consensus, when all individuals take part in the decision (i.e. democratic decision; social information), or leadership, when one member or a minority of members make the decision (i.e. despotic decision; personal information). Here we investigated whether decision-making on the navigation of small flocks is based on democratic or despotic decisions. Using individual and flock releases as the experimental approach, we compared the homing performances of homing pigeons that fly singly and in groups of three. Our findings show that although small groups were either governed (i.e. when individuals in the flock had age differences) or not (i.e. when individuals in the flock had the same age) by leaders, with concern to decision-making they were all ruled by democratic decisions. Moreover, the individual homing performances were not associated with leadership. Because true leaders did not assume right away the front position in the flock, we suggest that as in human groups, starting from a central position is more effective as it allows leaders to not only transmit their own information but also to average the tendencies of the other group members. Together, the results highlight the importance of democratic decisions in group decision-making.
Synthesis and Properties of Mono-, Bis-, Tris-, and Tetrakis[1,1,4,4-tetracyano-2-(1-azulenyl)-1,3-butadien-3-yl] Chromophores Connected to a Benzene Ring by Phenylethynyl- and 2-Thienylethynyl Spacers
Authors: Shoji Taku , Maruyama Mitsuhisa , Ito Shunji , Morita Noboru 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
Mono-, bis-, tris-, and tetrakis[(1-azulenylethynyl)phenylethynyl- and (1-azulenylethynyl)-2-thienylethynyl]benzenes have been prepared by Pd-catalyzed alkynylation of iodobenzene derivatives or 2-iodothiophene derivatives substituted by 1-azulenylethynyl group with polyethynylbenzenes under Sonogashira–Hagihara cross-coupling conditions. These compounds reacted with tetracyanoethylene (TCNE) in a formal [2 + 2] cycloaddition–cycloreversion reaction to afford the corresponding 1,1,4,4-tetracyano-2-(5-isopropyl-3-methoxycarbonyl-1-azulenyl)-1,3-butadien-3-yl chromophores in excellent yields. The redox behavior of the novel azulene-substituted tetracyanobutadiene (TCBD) derivatives was examined by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), which revealed their multistep electrochemical reduction properties. Moreover, a significant color change was observed by visible spectroscopy under the electrochemical reduction conditions.
Does lactate measurement performed on admission predict clinical outcome on the intensive care unit? A concise systematic review
Authors: Borthwick Hazel-Ann , Brunt Lorraine K , Mitchem Kelly L , Chaloner Christopher 
Published: June 2012

Background There is a need for practical, efficient and effective prognostic markers for patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) with sepsis, to identify patients at highest risk and guide and monitor treatment. Although many biomarkers and scoring systems have been advocated, none have yet achieved this elusive combination. Most ICUs already use blood lactate concentrations to monitor patients but the evidence base for this application is unclear. Methods A systematic review of the last five years of evidence of effectiveness of lactate measurement in prediction of outcome in ICUs was performed. Results It was found that there is a lack of high-quality evidence, and no specific studies of prognostic accuracy. d- or l-Lactate concentrations measured in plasma, serum, whole blood or colonic washings were raised at admission in almost all patient groups, and were higher in patient groups who had the worst outcomes (in-hospital mortality, sequential organ failure). However, there was significant overlap in individual concentrations measured in those who died within 28 days of admission, or who developed multiple organ failure, and those who did not. For serum l-lactate concentrations, no specific cut-off value capable of predicting in-hospital mortality or sequential organ failure could be recommended. Conclusions The evidence reviewed suggested that whole blood, plasma or serum lactate measurement could not provide specific prognostic information for individual patients. There may be a role for monitoring for normalization of serum d- or l-lactate concentrations during goal-directed therapy in the ICU but further good-quality studies are needed. Measurement of the d-lactate stereoisomer shows promise, such that further studies are warranted.
Pat1 proteins: regulating mRNAs from birth to death?
Authors: Standart Nancy , Marnef Aline 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThe Pat1 protein family has been the subject of several recent extensive investigations of diverse model systems ranging from yeast, flies and worms to man, using a variety of experimental approaches. Although some contradictions remain, the emerging consensus view is that these RNA-binding proteins act in mRNA decay by physically linking deadenylation with decapping and by regulating gene expression as translational repressors. These multiple functions are present in the single invertebrate Pat1 proteins, whereas, in vertebrates, one Pat1 variant represses translation in early development, while a somatic version synthesised in embrogenesis and in adults acts in mRNA decay. At steady state, Pat1 proteins are found enriched in cytoplasmic P(rocessing)-bodies, and related mRNP complexes and granules. Evidence recently obtained from mammalian tissue culture cells shows that Pat1 shuttles in and out of the nucleus, where it localises to nuclear speckles, PML bodies and nucleolar caps, which suggests RNA-related nuclear functions. Less well understood, Pat1 proteins may play additional roles in miRNA silencing and/or biogenesis, as well in the regulation of viral gene expression. Due to the relatively low level of sequence conservation between Pat1 proteins from different species and lacking any discernable motifs, determining their functional domains has proved difficult, as is obtaining a simple unified view of the location of the binding sites of their interacting proteins in all examined species. Questions that remain to be addressed include the following: 1) What are their roles in the nucleus? 2) What is the link, if one exists, between their cytoplasmic and nuclear roles? 3) Do they have specific mRNA targets? 4) Which signalling pathways regulate their P-body localisation in mammalian cells, which may affect quiescent cell survival?
Memory immune response: a major challenge in vaccination
Authors: Prisco Antonella , De Berardinis Piergiuseppe 
Published: June 2012

AbstractA crucial challenge for vaccine development is to design vaccines that induce a long-lasting protective immune response, i.e., immune memory. The persistence of antigen-specific antibody titers over a protective threshold, and the ability to exibit a ‘recall response’ to a subsequent encounter with an antigen have long been the only measurable correlates of vaccine take and immune memory development, suffering from the disadvantage of relying on long-term monitoring of the immune response. In the last few years, advances in the technologies for the identification and characterization of the cell subsets and molecular pathways involved in the immune response to vaccination have allowed innovative approaches to the identification of early correlates of immune memory. In this review, we discuss recent data and hypotheses on early correlates of the development of immune memory, with special emphasis on the gene expression signatures that underlie the self-renewal ability of some lymphocyte subsets, and their similarities with gene expression signatures in stem cells.
Design of a Five-Band Internal Antenna for Handsets
Authors: Zhu Anfu , Li Jianxing , Zhang Anxue , Jiang Yansheng 
Published: June 2012

AbstractA novel compact five-band internal handset antenna covering LTE (746–806 MHz), GSM850 (824–894 MHz), GSM900 (890–960 MHz), DCS (1710–1880 MHz) and PCS (1850–1990 MHz) bands is presented. To enhance the bandwidths of the proposed antenna both at the low frequency band and high frequency band, a rectangular slot with a proper size is removed in the ground plane at an appropriate location. Both the simulated results and measured results show that reasonable radiation patterns and antenna gains for each frequency band are achieved.
Anthraquinone polymer catalysts for alkaline delignification of lignocellulosic matter. Part 3. Delignification of softwood and action on a phenolic β-O-4 lignin model in kraft pulping conditions
Authors: Cazeils Emmanuel , Megiatto Jackson D. , Gardrat Christian , Pichavant Frédérique , Grelier Stéphane , Castellan Alain 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
The delignification action of four new anthraquinone (AQ) polystyrene catalysts – three of them linear (CP-A, CP-B, CP-C) and one cross-linked (CP-3D) – were investigated on softwood (Pinus pinaster) chips under kraft pulping conditions, and their catalytic efficiency gains (EGs) were compared to that of AQ, with EGAQ=100. The catalytic EG of the hydrophobic polymers CP-B and CP-3D was 96%, while the inherent hydrophilic catalyst CP-C showed an EG of 30%. Interpretation: hydrogen sulfide anions presented in the kraft pulp liquor might participate in the delignification mechanisms as redox active mediators in the case of the hydrophobic polymers. Moreover, the latter could be recovered after pulping, and delignification tests with the recovered materials revealed that they preserved their catalytic properties. Mechanistic studies were carried out with a phenolic β-O-4 lignin model compound in the presence or absence of glucose (mimicking the carbohydrate end groups) and/or NaSH. It was shown that the cross-linked CP-3D polymer reacted with the lignin model through electron transfer reactions, a process most likely mediated by glucose and HS- redox active species. The concept of grafting AQ into polymeric substrates is discussed in terms of reusable delignification catalysts for large-scale pulping processes under kraft conditions.
Unique continuation and continuous dependence results for a severely ill-posed integro-differential
parabolic problem
Authors: Lorenzi Alfredo , Messina Francesca 
Published: June 2012

Abstract.
Via Carleman estimates we determine sufficient conditions ensuring uniqueness and continuous dependence results for a severely ill-posed linear integro-differential boundary-value parabolic problem with no initial condition. This latter condition is replaced with an additional boundary information prescribing the temperature on an open subset of the geometric domain .

The integral operators entering the equation are defined by integrals of Volterra type with respect to time.
A review of selected techniques in inverse problem nonparametric probability distribution estimation
Authors: Banks H. Thomas , Kenz Zackary R. , Thompson W. Clayton 
Published: June 2012

Abstract.
Techniques for the nonparametric estimation of probability distributions are reviewed. Methods are divided into two categories for estimation problems: those applied to situations in which individual data is available, and those where only aggregate data is available. For each technique, the general ideas, strengths, and weaknesses of the corresponding methodology are discussed. In addition, the generation of estimates of not only the parameter distributions but also any structural parameters that are constant across the population is outlined. When discussing various techniques, particular consideration is given to the theory behind finite dimensional approximations
(since the space of measures on a viable parameter space is an infinite dimensional space) in the development of computational methodologies. Additional issues, such as consistency of the estimation procedure, are considered when appropriate. Various sample problems on which the methods can be applied are referenced throughout the review.
The effects of cutouts on buckling behavior of composite plates
Authors: Erkliğ Ahmet , Yeter Eyüp 
Published: June 2012

AbstractCutouts such as circular, rectangular, square, elliptical, and triangular shapes are generally used in composite plates as access ports for mechanical and electrical systems, for damage inspection, to serve as doors and windows, and sometimes to reduce the overall weight of the structure. This paper addresses the effects of different cutouts on the buckling behavior of plates made of polymer matrix composites. To study the effects of cutouts on buckling, loaded edges are taken as fixed and unloaded edges are taken as free. Finite element analysis is also performed to predict the effects of different geometrical cutouts, orientations, and position of cutouts on the buckling behavior. The results show that fiber orientation angle and cutout sizes are the most important parameters on the buckling loads. For all types of cutouts the buckling loads decrease dramatically by increasing the fiber orientation angle. It is observed that minimum buckling load is reached when 45° fiber angle is used, and after this angle critical buckling load begins to increase. Also, it is concluded that while fiber orientation angle is 0°, elliptical cutout has the highest buckling load and while fiber orientation angle is 45°, circular cutout has the highest buckling load.
Random frequency of radiation induced aberrations in individual chromosomes of lymphocytes of α -thalassemia variant patients
Authors: Tarang Alireza , Mozdarani Hossein 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
To evaluate the effects of ionizing radiation on chromosomal aberration in lymphocytes of α-thalassemia variants compared to normal controls, venous blood samples were obtained from 10 healthy volunteers and 30 α-thalassemia patients. Different types of α-thalassemia were diagnosed by multiplex polymerase chain reaction. Blood samples were divided into two parts, the first exposed to 3 Gy gamma rays generated from a 60Co source and the other without any irradiation. The blood samples were used for preparation of metaphase cells according to standard methods. Results showed that the frequency of spontaneous aberration (about 0.012 per cell) was similar in all study groups. Irradiated samples showed significantly higher frequency of aberrations (about 0.6 per cell) compared to non-irradiated samples in all groups but similar for control and α-thalassemia variants. The frequency of dicentric chromosomes was significantly higher than other aberrations. In normal individuals in all of the chromosomes except in chromosome 1, a random distribution of break points proportional to their length based on their DNA content was observed. In α-thalassemia variant individuals in all of the chromosomes, a random distribution of break points proportional to their length based on their DNA content was observed.
Significant clinical risks and the benefits of liver biopsies in Srinagarind Hospital, Khon Kaen University, Thailand: Lessons learned from the past to the present
Authors: Wongsaensook Arthit , Sukeepaisarnjaroen Wattana , Sukeepaisarnjaroen Wisut , Kularbkaew Churairat 
Published: June 2012

AbstractAim:To evaluate risks and benefits of percutaneous liver biopsies in Srinagarind Hospital, Khon Kaen, Thailand.Methods:We retrospectively reviewed all patients who had performed liver biopsies between January 2005 and September 2009 from the data of the Srinagarind Memorial Building, Khon Kaen University, Thailand.Results:A total of 1038 liver biopsies were reviewed. The 927 liver biopsies performed were blind (89.3%), 110 were ultrasound guided (10.6%) and one was both (0.1%). The essential biopsies were conducted in cases of chronic hepatitis B or C (68.9%), chronic hepatitis (22.9%) and liver mass (5%). The liver biopsies established definite diagnosis 99.5% of the time. The most common complication of liver biopsies was pain (4.8%). There were no reported cases of biopsy-related mortality.Conclusion:Liver biopsies performed by trained physicians are safe, rarely have complications, and are highly useful. The fibrotic staging and abnormal liver function tests are common indications. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis is the common finding for chronic hepatitis.
A Prospective Analysis of the Influence of Older Age on Physician and Patient Decision-Making When Considering Enrollment in Breast Cancer Clinical Trials (SWOG S0316)
Authors: Javid Sara H. , Unger Joseph M. , Gralow Julie R. , Moinpour Carol M. , Wozniak Antoinette J. , Goodwin J. Wendall , Lara Primo N. , Williams Pamela A. , Hutchins Laura F. , Gotay Carolyn C. , Albain Kathy S. 
Published: June 2012

Abstract

Learning Objectives
After completing this course, the reader will be able to: Cite reasons given by patients older than 65 years for their decisions to participate or not to participate in clinical trials.Cite reasons given by physicians for their decisions not to enroll patients older than 65 years in clinical trials or discuss enrollment with these patients.
CME This article is available for continuing medical education credit at CME.TheOncologist.com

Purpose.
Patients older than 65 years are underrepresented in clinical trials. We conducted a prospective study (SWOG S0316) to determine physician- and patient-perceived barriers to breast cancer clinical trial enrollment for older patients.

Methods.
Eight geographically diverse SWOG institutions participated. The study assessed patients' and physicians' decisions to enroll in or decline clinical treatment trials, including demographics, trial availability, and eligibility. Patient and physician questionnaires elicited concerns related to treatment, medical status, age, family, and financial or transportation concerns.

Results.
A total of 1,079 patients were registered and eligible and 909 (84%) returned for follow-up. The major reason for nonaccrual was either trial unavailability or ineligibility (60%). Older patients were less likely to be eligible for trials (65% for age ≥65 years vs. 78% for age &lt;65 years). If eligible, trial participation rates did not differ significantly by age (34% for age ≥65 years vs. 40% for age &lt;65 years). Patients ≥65 years more often were concerned about side effects, had friends opposed to participation, or believed that participation would not benefit other generations. When trials were available and patients were eligible, physicians discussed trial participation with 76% of patients &lt;65 years versus 58% of patients ≥65 years of age. For patients ≥65 years, 11% of physicians indicated age as a reason they did not enroll a patient in a clinical trial.

Conclusion.
Trial unavailability or patient ineligibility were the major reasons for lack of enrollment in breast cancer clinical trials for patients of all ages in this prospective study. Older patients were less likely to be eligible for trials, but if eligible they participated at similar rates to younger patients.
Review and Uses of Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy for Oligometastases
Authors: Alongi Filippo , Arcangeli Stefano , Filippi Andrea Riccardo , Ricardi Umberto , Scorsetti Marta 
Published: June 2012

Abstract

Learning Objectives
After completing this course, the reader will be able to: Assess stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) as an emerging modality in the treatment of oligometastatic patients.Discuss data on safety and efficacy of SBRT in the oligometastatic setting.Evaluate SBRT as a competitive option in patients with a low burden of disease in the metastatic setting.
CME This article is available for continuing medical education credit at CME.TheOncologist.com
In patients with proven distant metastases from solid tumors, it has been a notion that the condition is incurable, warranting palliative care only. The term “oligometastases” was coined to refer to isolated sites of metastasis, whereby the entire burden of disease can be recognized as a finite number of discrete lesions that can be potentially cured with local therapies. Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is a novel treatment modality in radiation oncology that delivers a very high dose of radiation to the tumor target with high precision using single or a small number of fractions. SBRT is the result of technological advances in patient and tumor immobilization, image guidance, and treatment planning and delivery. A number of studies, both retrospective and prospective, showed promising results in terms of local tumor control and, in a limited subset of patients, of survival. This article reviews the radiobiologic, technical, and clinical aspects of SBRT for various anatomical sites.
Assessing the Relationship Between Work–Family Conflict and Smoking
Authors: Nelson Candace C. , Li Yi , Sorensen Glorian , Berkman Lisa F. 
Published: June 2012

Objectives. We examined the relationship between smoking and work–family conflict among a sample of New England long-term-care facility workers. Methods. To collect data, we conducted in-person, structured interviews with workers in 4 extended-care facilities. Results. There was a strong association between smoking likelihood and work–family conflict. Workers who experienced both stress at home from work issues (i.e., work-to-home conflict) and stress at work from personal issues (i.e., home-to-work conflict) had 3.1 times higher odds of smoking than those who did not experience these types of conflict. Workers who experienced home-to-work conflict had an odds of 2.3 compared with those who did not experience this type of conflict, and workers who experienced work-to-home conflict had an odds of 1.6 compared with workers who did not experience this type of conflict. Conclusions. The results of this study indicate that there is a robust relationship between work–family conflict and smoking, but that this relationship is dependent upon the total amount of conflict experienced and the direction of the conflict.
Paid Sick Leave and Nonfatal Occupational Injuries
Authors: Asfaw Abay , Pana-Cryan Regina , Rosa Roger 
Published: June 2012

Objectives. We examined the association between US workers’ access to paid sick leave and the incidence of nonfatal occupational injuries from the employer’s perspective. We also examined this association in different industries and occupations.Methods. We developed a theoretical framework to examine the business value of offering paid sick leave. Data from the National Health Interview Survey were used to test the hypothesis that offering paid sick leave is associated with a reduced incidence of occupational injuries. We used data on approximately 38 000 working adults to estimate a multivariate model.Results. With all other variables held constant, workers with access to paid sick leave were 28% (95% confidence interval = 0.52, 0.99) less likely than workers without access to paid sick leave to be injured. The association between the availability of paid sick leave and the incidence of occupational injuries varied across sectors and occupations, with the greatest differences occurring in high-risk sectors and occupations.Conclusions. Our findings suggest that, similar to other investments in worker safety and health, introducing or expanding paid sick leave programs might help businesses reduce the incidence of nonfatal occupational injuries, particularly in high-risk sectors and occupations.