bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Differences in fruit and vegetable intake and their determinants among 11-year-old schoolchildren between 2003 and 2009
Authors: Fischer Claudia , Brug Johannes , Tak Nannah I , Yngve Agneta , te Velde Saskia J 
Published: December 2011

Abstract

Background
Fruit and vegetable (FV) intake in children in the Netherlands is much lower than recommended. Recurrent appraisal of intake levels is important for detecting changes in intake over time and to inform future interventions and policies. The aim of the present study was to investigate differences in fruit and vegetable intake, and whether these could be explained by differences in potential determinants of FV intake in 11-year-old Dutch schoolchildren, by comparing two school samples assessed in 2003 and 2009.

Methods
For 1105 children of the Pro Children study in 2003 and 577 children of the Pro Greens study in 2009 complete data on intake and behavioural determinants were available. The self-administered questionnaire included questions on children's ethnicity, usual fruit and vegetable intake, mother's educational level, and important potential determinants of fruit and vegetable intake.
Multiple regression analysis was applied to test for differences in intake and determinants between study samples. Mediation analyses were used to investigate whether the potential mediators explained the differences in intake between the two samples.

Results
In 2009, more children complied with the World Health Organization recommendation of 400 g fruit and vegetables per day (17.0%) than in 2003 (11.8%, p = 0.004). Fruit consumption was significantly higher in the sample of 2009 than in the sample of 2003 (difference = 23.8 (95%CI: 8.1; 39.5) grams/day). This difference was mainly explained by a difference in the parental demand regarding their child's intake (23.6%), followed by the child's knowledge of the fruit recommendation (14.2%) and parental facilitation of consumption (18.5%). Vegetable intake was lower in the 2009 sample than in the 2003 sample (12.3 (95%CI -21.0; -3.6). This difference could not be explained by the assessed mediators.

Conclusions
The findings indicate that fruit intake among 11-year-olds improved somewhat between 2003 and 2009. Vegetable intake, however, appears to have declined somewhat between 2003 and 2009. Since a better knowledge of the recommendation, parental demand and facilitation explained most of the observed fruit consumption difference, future interventions may specifically address these potential mediators. Further, the provision of vegetables in the school setting should be considered in order to increase children's vegetable intake.
Stability criteria for linear Hamiltonian dynamic systems on time scales
Authors: He Xiaofei , Tang Xianhua , Zhang Qi-Ming 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
In this article, we establish some stability criteria for the polar linear Hamiltonian dynamic system on time scales

x

Δ

(

t

)

=
α

(

t

)

x

(

σ

(

t

)

)

+
β

(

t

)

y

(

t

)

,

y

Δ

(

t

)

=
-
γ

(

t

)

x

(

σ

(

t

)

)

-
α

(

t

)

y

(

t

)

,

t
∈
T

by using Floquet theory and Lyapunov-type inequalities.

2000 Mathematics Subject Classification: 39A10.
Modularity analysis based on predicted protein-protein interactions provides new insights into pathogenicity and cellular process of Escherichia coli O157:H7
Authors: Wang Xia , Yue Junjie , Ren Xianwen , Wang Yuelan , Tan Mingfeng , LI Beiping , Liang Long 
Published: December 2011

Abstract

Background
With the development of experimental techniques and bioinformatics, the quantity of data available from protein-protein interactions (PPIs) is increasing exponentially. Functional modules can be identified from protein interaction networks. It follows that the investigation of functional modules will generate a better understanding of cellular organization, processes, and functions. However, experimental PPI data are still limited, and no modularity analysis of PPIs in pathogens has been published to date.

Results
In this study, we predict and analyze the functional modules of E. coli O157:H7 systemically by integrating several bioinformatics methods. After evaluation, most of the predicted modules are found to be biologically significant and functionally homogeneous. Six pathogenicity-related modules were discovered and analyzed, including novel modules. These modules provided new information on the pathogenicity of O157:H7. The modularity of cellular function and cooperativity between modules are also discussed. Moreover, modularity analysis of O157:H7 can provide possible candidates for biological pathway extension and clues for discovering new pathways of cross-talk.

Conclusions
This article provides the first modularity analysis of a pathogen and sheds new light on the study of pathogens and cellular processes. Our study also provides a strategy for applying modularity analysis to any sequenced organism.
Successful Treatment of Novel H1N1 Influenza related Fulminant Myocarditis with Extracorporeal Life Support
Authors: Mohite Prashant Nanasaheb , Popov Aron Frederik , Bartsch Armin , Zych Bartlomiej , Dhar Dhruva , Moza Ajay , Krueger Heike , Simon André Ruediger 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
The prevalence of myocardial involvement in influenza infection ranges from 0% to 12%. The 2009 pH1N1 influenza virus, formerly known as swine flu, first appeared in Mexico and the United States of America in March and April 2009 and has swept the globe with unprecedented speed. We report a case of fulminant myocarditis associated with this virus treated successfully using extra-corporal membrane oxygenator.
Quality of life measures in Italian children with atopic dermatitis and their families
Authors: Monti Fiorella , Agostini Francesca , Gobbi Francesca , Neri Erica , Schianchi Sandra , Arcangeli Fabio 
Published: December 2011

Abstract

Background
The impact of atopic dermatitis (AD) on children's quality of life (QoL) in US and European countries is relatively well known, though rarely evaluated in the Italian population. Moreover, the association between child age and QoL has not been enough investigated, even though few studies detected a worse QoL in youngest AD children. The aim of the study was to evaluate the QoL in an Italian sample of atopic children and their families, also exploring a possible association with child age.

Methods
60 AD children aged between 1-12 years and their mothers completed specific QoL questionnaires (IDQoL/CDLQI, DFI) and a clinician completed a measure of AD severity (SCORAD).

Results
AD severity (Objective SCORAD) significantly correlated with QoL measures. Severe AD children showed higher IDQoL/CDLQI and DFI scores compared to mild and moderate AD groups (P = 0.006 and P < 0.0005, respectively), but only DFI scores differed in these last two conditions (P = 0.014). DFI scores negatively correlated with children's age (P = 0.046), but did not differ when considering child age ranges. Multiple linear regression analyses revealed a significant association between Objective SCORAD and QoL measures.

Conclusions
A strong association between severe AD and poor QoL, both in children and mothers, was found in the Italian sample, in line with the international literature. Family's QoL scores were sensitively related to AD severity, more than the child's QoL, emphasising that the disease has a deep impact on the family. A significant association between age and QoL was only partially found and needs further investigation.
Correlation of antinuclear antibody and anti-double-stranded DNA antibody with clinical response to infliximab in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a retrospective clinical study
Authors: Yukawa Naoichiro , Fujii Takao , Kondo-Ishikawa Seiko , Yoshifuji Hajime , Kawabata Daisuke , Nojima Takaki , Ohmura Koichiro , Usui Takashi , Mimori Tsuneyo 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
Introduction
The induction of antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) or anti-double-stranded (ds) -DNA antibodies (Abs) after infliximab (IFX) therapy in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a well-known phenomenon, but the correlation of such Abs with the clinical response to IFX has not yet been determined. The aims of this retrospective observational study were to examine the prevalence of positive ANA and anti-ds-DNA Abs before and after IFX therapy in patients with RA and to investigate whether an increased titer of such Abs is associated with the clinical efficacy of IFX.

Methods
One hundred eleven RA patients who had received IFX were studied. ANA (indirect immunofluorescence with HEp-2 cells) and anti-ds-DNA Abs (Farr assay) results were examined before and after IFX therapy.

Results
The overall clinical response assessed by EULAR response criteria was as follows: good response in 55%, including remission in 38%; moderate response in 18%; and no response (NOR) in 27%. The positivity of ANA (≥ 1:160) and anti-ds-DNA Abs significantly increased from 25% to 40% (P = 0.03) and from 3% to 26% (P < 0.001) after IFX, respectively. EULAR response differed significantly according to the ANA titer before IFX (P = 0.001), and the efficacy of IFX became worse as the ANA titer before starting IFX increased. Furthermore, the differences in the clinical response of the ANA titer before IFX ≤ 1:80 and ≥ 1:160 were significant (good, moderate, and no response were 66%, 9%, and 25% in ≤ 1:80 group versus 26%, 33%, 41% in ≥ 1:160 group, respectively; P < 0.001). In 13 patients whose ANA had increased after IFX, 10 showed NOR, only one showed a good response, and none reached remission. These clinical responses were significantly different from ANA no-change patients. In 21 patients with positive anti-ds-DNA Abs after IFX, 16 showed NOR, only two showed a good response, and none reached remission.

Conclusions
The present study suggests that the ANA titer before starting IFX predicts the clinical response to IFX. The increased titers of ANA or anti-ds-DNA Abs after IFX may be useful markers of NOR.
Epidemiologic study of clinically amyopathic dermatomyositis and anti-melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 antibodies in central Japan
Authors: Muro Yoshinao , Sugiura Kazumitsu , Hoshino Kei , Akiyama Masashi , Tamakoshi Koji 
Published: December 2011

Abstract

Introduction

Several reports have found the onset or activity of inflammatory myopathies to show spatial clustering and seasonal association. We recently detected autoantibodies against melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA-5) in more than 20% of patients with dermatomyositis. Anti-MDA-5 antibodies were associated with the presence of rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease in clinically amyopathic dermatomyositis (CADM). The present study aims to assess the growing prevalence of CADM and the geographical incidence of anti-MDA-5-positive patients.

Methods

We reviewed medical charts and examined the presence of anti-MDA-5 antibodies in 95 patients, including 36 CADM patients. Sera were obtained from 1994 through 2011. Statistical analyses were performed to assess whether CADM development and the presence of anti-MDA-5 antibodies were associated with various parameters, including age at disease onset, season of onset, annual positivity, and population of resident city.

Results

Tertiles based on the year when the sera were collected showed increasing tendencies of CADM and anti-MDA-5-positive patients among all of the dermatomyositis patients. From 1994 to 2010, the relative prevalence of CADM and anti-MDA-5 antibody-positive patients significantly increased. Interestingly, the presence of anti-MDA-5 antibodies in 26 patients was inversely associated with the population of their city of residence.

Conclusions

This is the first study to examine the distribution of anti-MDA-5-positive dermatomyositis phenotypes in Japan. Regional differences in the incidences of these phenotypes would suggest that environmental factors contribute to the production of antibodies against MDA-5, which triggers innate antiviral responses.
Morphology of γ′ Precipitates in a First Stage Low Pressure Turbine Blade of a Ni-Based Superalloy after Service and after Following Aging
Authors: Miura Nobuhiro , Kondo Yoshihiro 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
To estimate the temperature distribution, stress distribution, and stress direction in a blade in service, the morphology of γ′ precipitates in Ni-based superalloy serviced in the first stage low pressure turbine (1st LPT) blade of a jet engine was investigated before and after aging. Using a field emission scanning electron microscope, microstructures were observed in forty portions of the blade. Most of the γ′ precipitates remained cuboidal in the serviced blade. Many secondary γ′ precipitates were observed in the γ matrix at the root part. In contrast, there were no secondary γ′ precipitates at the leading edge of the tip part. After simple aging, low-completion rafted γ/γ′ structures appeared on the suction side of the 70 mm part, while in other portions, coarsening of the γ′ precipitates was observed. Therefore, the leading edge of the 1st LPT blade tip was exposed to the highest temperatures in service. However, the stresses were extremely low in all portions of the blade.
Impact of a Transcutaneous Bilirubinometry Program on Resource Utilization and Severe Hyperbilirubinemia
Authors: Wainer Stephen , Parmar Seema M. , Allegro Donna , Rabi Yacov , Lyon Martha E. 
Published: December 2011

Objectives:
Our goal was to assess the impact of programmatic and coordinated use of transcutaneous bilirubinometry (TcB) on the incidence of severe neonatal hyperbilirubinemia and measures of laboratory, hospital, and nursing resource utilization.

Methods:
We compared the neonatal hyperbilirubinemia-related outcomes of 14 796 prospectively enrolled healthy infants ≥35 weeks gestation offered routine TcB measurements in both hospital and community settings by using locally validated nomograms relative to a historical cohort of 14 112 infants assessed by visual inspection alone.

Results:
There was a 54.9% reduction (odds ratio [OR]: 2.219 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.543–3.193]; P &lt; .0001) in the incidence of severe total serum bilirubin values (≥342 µmol/L; ≥20 mg/dL) after implementation of routine TcB measurements. TcB implementation was associated with reductions in the overall incidence of total serum bilirubin draws (134.4 vs 103.6 draws per 1000 live births, OR: 1.332 [95% CI: 1.226–1.446]; P &lt; .0001) and overall phototherapy rate (5.27% vs 4.30%, OR: 1.241 [95% CI: 1.122–1.374]; P &lt; .0001), a reduced age at readmission for phototherapy (104.3 ± 52.1 vs 88.9 ± 70.5 hours, P &lt; .005), and duration of phototherapy readmission (24.8 ± 13.6 vs 23.2 ± 9.8 hours, P &lt; .05). There were earlier (P &lt; .01) and more frequent contacts with public health nurses (1.33 vs 1.66, P &lt; .01) after introduction of the TcB program.

Conclusions:
Integration of routine hospital and community TcB screening within a comprehensive public health nurse newborn follow-up program is associated with significant improvements in resource utilization and patient safety.
Heating Affects Structure, Enterocyte Adsorption and Signalling, As Well as Immunogenicity of the Peanut Allergen Ara h 2
Authors: Starkl Philipp , Krishnamurthy Durga , Szalai Krisztina , Felix Ferdinand , Lukschal Anna , Oberthuer Dominik , A. Sampson Hugh , Swoboda Ines , Betzel Christian , Untersmayr Eva , Jensen-Jarolim Erika 
Published: December 2011

Previous studies have indicated that specific molecular properties of proteins may determine their allergenicity.
Allergen interaction with epithelia as the first contact site could be decisive for a resulting immune response. We
investigate here for the major peanut allergen Ara h 2 whether thermal processing results in structural changes which may
impact the protein's molecular interactions with enterocytes, subsequent cellular signalling response, and immunogenicity.
Ara h 2 was heat processed and analyzed in terms of patient IgE binding, structural alterations, interaction with human
enterocytes and associated signalling as well as immunogenicity in a food allergy mouse model.
Heating of Ara h 2 led to significantly enhanced binding to Caco-2/TC7 human intestinal epithelial cells. Structural
analyses indicated that heating caused persistent structural changes and led to the formation of Ara h 2 oligomers in
solution. Heated protein exhibited a significantly higher immunogenic potential in vivo as determined by IgG and IgE
serum antibody levels as well as IL-2 and IL-6 release by splenocytes. In human Caco-2/TC7 cells, Ara h 2 incubation led
to a response in immune- and stress signalling related pathway components at the RNA level, whereas heated allergen
induced a stress-response only.
We suggest from this peanut allergen example that food processing may change the molecular immunogenicity and
modulate the interaction capacity of food allergens with the intestinal epithelium. Increased binding behaviour to
enterocytes and initiation of signalling pathways could trigger the epimmunome and influence the sensitization capacity of
food proteins.
The Continuing Problem of Special Districts in American Government
Authors: Killian Larita 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACT
Due to fiscal constraints and demands for increased accountability, scholars and public officials are reviewing the structure and reporting practices of local governments. These efforts are often incomplete, however, because they bypass special districts, which now comprise over 40 percent of all local governments. The proliferation of special districts has the potential to increase government costs, redirect the allocation of scarce resources, remove debt and expenditure practices from the public eye, and reduce democratic controls over elected officials. This paper highlights some of the public interest concerns related to these entities to inform future, localized research.
For decades, scholars have approached special districts from two opposing theoretical perspectives: institutional reform and public choice. Literature from these opposing perspectives is used to analyze special districts along three dimensions: efficiency and economy of operations, policy alignment and allocation of resources, and democratic accountability. This paper uses the U.S. Census Bureau definition of special districts, though alternative definitions are discussed. Efforts by four states (Florida, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and New York) to improve local government, and their varying approaches to special districts, are reviewed, leading to the conclusion that the complex issues related to special districts must be resolved within state contexts.
Associations Among Visceral Fat, All-Cause Mortality, and Obesity-Related Mortality in Japanese Americans
Authors: McNeely Marguerite J. , Shofer Jane B. , Leonetti Donna L. , Fujimoto Wilfred Y. , Boyko Edward J. 
Published: December 2011

OBJECTIVE
The study objective was to examine the associations among visceral fat (VF), all-cause mortality, and obesity-related mortality.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
A total of 733 Japanese Americans were followed for 16.9 years. Hazard ratios (HRs) per interquartile range increase in VF were calculated using time-dependent Cox proportional hazard models censored at age 82 years, with age as the time axis adjusted for sex and smoking.

RESULTS
Higher VF was associated with all-cause mortality (HR 1.39 [95% CI 1.11–1.75] 107 deaths) and obesity-related mortality (1.39 [1.04–1.85], 68 deaths from cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or obesity-related cancer). After further adjustment for waist circumference, VF remained significantly associated with all-cause mortality (1.41 [1.04–1.92]) but not with obesity-related mortality. The associations between mortality and VF were not independent of BMI.

CONCLUSIONS
VF was associated with all-cause mortality and obesity-related mortality in Japanese Americans. VF did not significantly improve mortality risk assessment beyond that of BMI.
Influence of acceptor functionality on charge transfer interactions in mixtures of poly(9-vinylcarbazole) with nitroaromatic compounds
Authors: Grigoras Anca , Barboiu Virgil 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
Charge transfer interactions in mixtures of poly(9-vinylcarbazole) with three nitro compounds (4,4′dinitrodibenzyl, ethyl 3,5-dinitrobenzoate and 2,2′,4,4′-tetranitrodibenzyl) were examined. GPC shows an increase of apparent polymer weight average molecular weight (MW) in mixtures compared with pure PVK. Electron acceptors show upfield 1H-NMR shifts for all mixtures. The equilibrium association constants (k) calculated from the Benesi-Hildebrand equation are 0.511, 1.371, and 1.868 L mol−1 for PVK blends with DNDB, DNBE and TNDB, respectively. Shifts of (−NO2) stretch vibrations in mixtures support charge transfer complex formation between PVK chains and electron acceptors The ability to accept electrons decreases: TNDB&gt;DNBE&gt;DNDB.
Numerical schemes for multivalued backward stochastic differential systems
Authors: Maticiuc Lucian , Rotenstein Eduard 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
We define approximation schemes for generalized backward stochastic differential systems, considered in the Markovian framework. More precisely, we propose a mixed approximation scheme for the following backward stochastic variational inequality:
$$dY_t + F(t,X_t ,Y_t ,Z_t )dt \in \partial \phi (Y_t )dt + Z_t dW_t ,$$
where ∂φ is the subdifferential operator of a convex lower semicontinuous function φ and (X
t)t∈[0;T] is the unique solution of a forward stochastic differential equation. We use an Euler type scheme for the system of decoupled forward-backward variational inequality in conjunction with Yosida approximation techniques.
On the Three-Dimensional Homogenous SO(2)-Isotropic Riemannian Manifolds
Authors: Piu P. , Profir M. 
Published: December 2011

On the Three-Dimensional Homogenous SO(2)-Isotropic Riemannian Manifolds
In this paper we consider some properties of the three-dimensional homogenous SO(2)-isotropic Riemannian manifolds. In particular, we determine the geodesics, the totally geodesic surfaces, the totally umbilical surfaces and the geodesics of the rotational surfaces.
Vertical Chern Type Classes on Complex Finsler Bundles
Authors: Ida Cristian 
Published: December 2011

Vertical Chern Type Classes on Complex Finsler BundlesIn the present paper, we define vertical Chern type classes on complex Finsler bundles, as an extension of thev-cohomology groups theory on complex Finsler manifolds. These classes are introduced in a classical way by using closed differential forms with respect to the conjugated vertical differential in terms of the vertical curvature form of Chern-Finsler linear connection. Also, some invariance properties of these classes are studied.
Identifications dans l'exil : les réfugiés du camp de Maheba (Zambie)
Authors: Agier Michel 
Published: December 2011

Résumé Les guerres génèrent les espaces aménagés qui leur conviennent: camps, refuges humanitaires, centres de transit, zones de sécurité. Ce sont des ébauches d’agglomérations, parfois de villes, toujours maintenues dans l’inachèvement, mais installées souvent dans la longue durée. Parallèlement, la priorité au « retour » des réfugiés, comme droit, ou à leur renvoi « chez eux », comme obligation, est présentée comme seule solution à long terme pour la réintégration des réfugiés. La mise en débat de la conception originelle de l’identité, sous-jacente à toutes ces prises de position, part du cas des réfugiés angolais sur un site du HCR en Zambie. Comprendre l’incertitude et la disparité des réponses des réfugiés face au retour après l’accord de paix d’avril 2002 en Angola, nécessite une enquête sur l’identification dans les espaces de l’exil. Celle-ci fait apparaître l’existence d’un ordre social dans les camps, ordre dont la formation dépend tout à la fois de l’état de guerre, de l’action humanitaire, et des relations sociales qui se nouent entre tous les acteurs en présence sur cet espace confiné mais ancien et vivant.