bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
SemiParametric Analysis of Competing Risks Data
Authors: Sundaram Rajeshwari , Balakrishnan N.K. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractCompeting risks data are typically encountered in biomedical/epidemiological studies. Examples of such data can be found in studying labor in women as labor can be either spontaneous or due to medical intervention (example: delivery by cesarean) or due to membrane rupture leading to labor. Typically in competing risks framework, each individual is exposed to K distinct types of risks and the eventual failure can be attributed to precisely one of the risks. As is usual in survival data, these competing risks data are further subjected to censoring. Two quantities of considerable interest include, the cause‐specific hazard and the corresponding cumulative incidence function for a specific cause. In this article, we will review various modeling approaches for assessing the effects of covariates through modeling cause‐specific hazard. We will also discuss various approaches for constructing confidence intervals as well as confidence bands for the cause‐specific cumulative incidence function of subjects with given values of the covariates.
Sample Size Determination for Clinical Trials
Authors: Tang Man‐Lai 
Published: March 2010

AbstractIn this article, we will present some useful sample size formulas that guarantee to achieve a pre‐specified power level of a test at a chosen nominal level or control a pre‐specified confidence width of a confidence interval estimator at a chosen coverage level (wherever available) for some popular topics in general clinical trials. Topics include: (a) one‐sample problem for mean and proportion; (b) two‐sample problem for comparing means and proportions; (c) multiple‐sample problem for comparing means and proportions; (d) multiple‐arm dose response trials for trend; (e) multiple regression analysis; and (f) multiple logistic regression analysis.
In Situ Damage Detection With Acoustic Emission Analysis During Cyclic Loading of Wire Reinforced EN AW‐6082
Authors: Weidenmann Kay André , Kerscher Eberhard , Merzkirch Matthias 
Published: March 2010

AbstractIn the field of lightweight construction, hybrid structures such as reinforced metal matrix composites are highly qualified materials. The direct composite extrusion process allows for continuous manufacturing of wire reinforced aluminum matrix profiles. The aim is to increase the stiffness and specific strength in a way that the composite material shows better mechanical properties than the single matrix material. To determine and locate damage evolution during cyclic loading of spring steel reinforced EN AW‐6082 matrix the acoustic emission analysis is used. Furthermore it allows for getting more information about the damage mechanisms during fatigue of the matrix and the final failure of the reinforcing element. The current work also includes the determination of damage evolution using strain measuring methods.
Conductive Nanostructures of MMX Chains
Authors: Guijarro Alejandro , Castillo Oscar , Welte Lorena , Calzolari Arrigo , Miguel Pablo J. Sanz , Gómez‐García Carlos J. , Olea David , di Felice Rosa , Gómez‐Herrero Julio , Zamora Felix 
Published: March 2010

AbstractCrystals of [Pt2(n‐pentylCS2)4I] show a transition from semiconductor to metallic with the increase of the temperature (conductivity is 0.3–1.4 S · cm−1 at room temperature) and a second metallic–metallic transition at 330 K, inferred by electrical conductivity measurements. X‐ray diffraction studies carried out at different temperatures (100, 298, and 350 K) confirm the presence of three different phases. The valence‐ordering of these phases is analyzed using structural, magnetic, and electrical data. Density functional theory calculations allow a further analysis of the band structure derived for each phase. Nanostructures adsorbed on an insulating surface show electrical conductivity. These results suggest that MMX‐polymer‐based nanowires could be suitable for device applications.
Aligned, Ultralong Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes: From Synthesis, Sorting, to Electronic Devices
Authors: Liu Zhongfan , Jiao Liying , Yao Yagang , Xian Xiaojun , Zhang Jin 
Published: March 2010

AbstractAligned, ultralong single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) represent attractive building blocks for nanoelectronics. The structural uniformity along their tube axis and well‐ordered two‐dimensional architectures on wafer surfaces may provide a straightforward platform for fabricating high‐performance SWNT‐based integrated circuits. On the way towards future nanoelectronic devices, many challenges for such a specific system also exist. This Review summarizes the recent advances in the synthesis, identification and sorting, transfer printing and manipulation, device fabrication and integration of aligned, ultralong SWNTs in detail together with discussion on their major challenges and opportunities for their practical application.
A Gaussian quadrature method for solving batch crystallization models
Authors: Qamar Shamsul , Mukhtar Safyan , Ali Qasim , Seidel‐Morgenstern Andreas 
Published: March 2010

AbstractThe quadrature method of moments (QMOM) has been recently introduced for solving population balance models. In this article, an alternative approach of QMOM is proposed for solving batch crystallization models describing crystals nucleation, size‐dependent growth, aggregation, breakage, and dissolution of small nuclei below certain critical size. In this technique, orthogonal polynomials, obtained from the lower order moments, are used to find the quadrature abscissas (points) and weights. Several test problems with different combinations of processes are considered in this manuscript. The numerical results are compared with analytical solutions and with the finite‐volume scheme results. Excellent agreements were observed on the moment calculations in all test cases. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2011
Calculation of multiplicity of steady states in a catalyst pellet by homotopic continuation method
Authors: Giunta Pablo , Amadeo Norma , Laborde Miguel , Bergamini María 
Published: March 2010

AbstractMany exothermic reactions, such as the oxidation of CO in a catalyst pellet may present multiplicity of steady states. Experimental results suggest this behavior in a copper ceria catalyst, and this in turn would indicate that the kinetics should be nonmonotonic with respect to reactants' compositions. The model for the reaction is described by a two‐point boundary value problem that is hard to solve with direct methods, even when seeking a single solution. The aim of this work is to implement a homotopic method to find all the steady states of this kind of problems. The search for solutions is driven by a pseudo arclength continuation. Homotopic curves that passes through all possible solutions are obtained. Also, a study of the dependence of the initial point upon the curve is performed. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J,2011
Heat exposure in the Canadian workplace
Authors: Jay Ollie , Kenny Glen P. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractExposure to excessive heat is a physical hazard that threatens Canadian workers. As patterns of global climate change suggest an increased frequency of heat waves, the potential impact of these extreme climate events on the health and well‐being of the Canadian workforce is a new and growing challenge. Increasingly, industries rely on available technology and information to ensure the safety of their workers. Current Canadian labor codes in all provinces employ the guidelines recommended by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) that are Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) based upon Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT). The TLVs are set so that core body temperature of the workers supposedly does not exceed 38.0°C. Legislation in most Canadian provinces also requires employers to install engineering and administrative controls to reduce the heat stress risk of their working environment should it exceed the levels permissible under the WBGT system. There are however severe limitations using the WGBT system because it only directly evaluates the environmental parameters and merely incorporates personal factors such as clothing insulation and metabolic heat production through simple correction factors for broadly generalized groups. An improved awareness of the strengths and limitations of TLVs and the WGBT index can minimize preventable measurement errors and improve their utilization in workplaces. Work is on‐going, particularly in the European Union to develop an improved individualized heat stress risk assessment tool. More work is required to improve the predictive capacity of these indices. Am. J. Ind. Med. 53:842–853, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cancer morbidity among Danish male urban bus drivers: A historical cohort study
Authors: Petersen Anne , Hansen Johnni , Olsen Jørgen H. , Netterstrøm Bo 
Published: March 2010

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate whether urban bus drivers are at increased risk for cancer.MethodsUrban bus drivers in a cohort established in 1978 in the three largest cities of Denmark were followed‐up in the Danish Cancer Registry until the end of 2003, and relative risks for cancers were estimated.ResultsOf 2,037 men included 70% reported in 1978 that they smoked. The standardized incidence ratio (SIR) for cancer in comparison with that of other male residents of the three cities was 1.09 [1.0–1.2]. The excess was due mainly to increased risks for cancers of the bladder (SIR, 1.6; 1.2–2.0) and lung (1.2; 1.0–1.4). In an analysis with internal comparisons and adjustment for smoking, we found no significant associations between duration of employment and increased risks for cancers at these two sites.ConclusionsIn this long‐term follow‐up study we found little evidence of a causal association between employment as an urban bus driver in Denmark and subsequent cancer. Am. J. Ind. Med. 53:757–761, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Perception, experience, and response to genetic discrimination in Huntington disease: The international RESPOND‐HD study
Authors: Erwin Cheryl , Williams Janet K. , Juhl Andrew R. , Mengeling Michelle , Mills James A. , Bombard Yvonne , Hayden Michael R. , Quaid Kimberly , Shoulson Ira , Taylor Sandra , Paulsen Jane S. ,   the I‐RESPOND‐HD Investigators of the Huntington Study Group
Published: March 2010

AbstractGenetic discrimination—defined as the denial of rights, privileges, or opportunities or other adverse treatment based solely on genetic information (including family history)—is an important concern to patients, healthcare professionals, lawmakers, and family members at risk for carrying a deleterious gene. Data from the United States, Canada, and Australia were collected from 433 individuals at risk for Huntington disease (HD) who have tested either positive or negative for the gene that causes HD and family members of affected individuals who have a 50% risk for developing the disorder but remain untested. Across all three countries, a total of 46.2% of respondents report genetic discrimination or stigma based on either their family history of HD or genetic testing for the HD gene mutation. We report on the overall incidence of discrimination and stigma in the domains of insurance (25.9%), employment (6.5%), relationships (32.9%), and other transactions (4.6%) in the United States, Canada, and Australia combined. The incidence of self‐reported discrimination is less than the overall worry about the risk of discrimination, which is more prevalent in each domain. Despite a relatively low rate of perceived genetic discrimination in the areas of health insurance and employment, compared to the perception of discrimination and stigma in personal relationships, the cumulative burden of genetic discrimination across all domains of experience represents a challenge to those at risk for HD. The effect of this cumulative burden on daily life decisions remains unknown. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Attenuation of pain and inflammation in adjuvant‐induced arthritis by the proteasome inhibitor MG132
Authors: Ahmed Aisha S. , Li Jian , Ahmed Mahmood , Hua Long , Yakovleva Tatiana , Ossipov Michael H. , Bakalkin Georgy , Stark André 
Published: March 2010

AbstractObjectiveIn rheumatoid arthritis (RA), pain and joint destruction are initiated and propagated by the production of proinflammatory mediators. Synthesis of these mediators is regulated by the transcription factor NF‐κB, which is controlled by the ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS). The present study explored the effects of the proteasome inhibitor MG132 on inflammation, pain, joint destruction, and expression of sensory neuropeptides as markers of neuronal response in a rat model of arthritis.MethodsArthritis was induced in rats by injection of heat‐killed Mycobacterium butyricum. Arthritis severity was scored, and nociception was evaluated by mechanical pressure applied to the hind paw. Joint destruction was assessed by radiologic and histologic analyses. NF‐κB DNA‐binding activity was analyzed by electromobility shift assay, and changes in the expression of the p50 NF‐κB subunit and the proinflammatory neuropeptides substance P (SP) and calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) were detected by immunohistochemistry.ResultsArthritic rats treated with MG132 demonstrated a marked reduction in inflammation, pain, and joint destruction. The elevated DNA‐binding activity of the NF‐κB/p50 homodimer and p50, as well as the neuronal expression of SP and CGRP, observed in the ankle joints of arthritic rats were normalized after treatment with MG132.ConclusionIn arthritic rats, inhibition of proteasome reduced the severity of arthritis and reversed the pain behavior associated with joint inflammation. These effects may be mediated through the inhibition of NF‐κB activation and may possibly involve the peripheral nervous system. New generations of nontoxic proteasome inhibitors may represent a novel pharmacotherapy for RA.
Reward processing in autism
Authors: Scott‐Van Zeeland Ashley A. , Dapretto Mirella , Ghahremani Dara G. , Poldrack Russell A. , Bookheimer Susan Y. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractThe social motivation hypothesis of autism posits that infants with autism do not experience social stimuli as rewarding, thereby leading to a cascade of potentially negative consequences for later development. While possible downstream effects of this hypothesis such as altered face and voice processing have been examined, there has not been a direct investigation of social reward processing in autism. Here we use functional magnetic resonance imaging to examine social and monetary rewarded implicit learning in children with and without autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Sixteen males with ASD and sixteen age‐ and IQ‐matched typically developing (TD) males were scanned while performing two versions of a rewarded implicit learning task. In addition to examining responses to reward, we investigated the neural circuitry supporting rewarded learning and the relationship between these factors and social development. We found diminished neural responses to both social and monetary rewards in ASD, with a pronounced reduction in response to social rewards (SR). Children with ASD also demonstrated a further deficit in frontostriatal response during social, but not monetary, rewarded learning. Moreover, we show a relationship between ventral striatum activity and social reciprocity in TD children. Together, these data support the hypothesis that children with ASD have diminished neural responses to SR, and that this deficit relates to social learning impairments.
Effects of Ginkgo biloba extract on the embryo‐fetal development in Wistar rats
Authors: Fernandes Eduardo Siqueira , Pinto Rafael Moraes , de Paula Reis João Evangelista , de Oliveira Guerra Martha , Peters Vera Maria 
Published: March 2010

AbstractBACKGROUND: Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) is an herbal medicine used for treating neurodegenerative diseases, cerebrovascular insufficiency, peripheral arterial occlusive disease, and also vestibular disturbance. Some components of GBE have presented estrogenic effects and, in a previous study, high dosages of GBE caused intra‐uterine growth retardation in fetuses of Wistar rats treated during the fetogenesis period. METHODS: Pregnant Wistar rats were treated, through gavage, with different dosages of aqueous GBE (3.5, 7.0, and 14.0 mg/Kg/day), during the tubal transit and implantation period. Rats were killed on the 15th day of pregnancy and the following parameters were evaluated: clinical symptoms of maternal toxicity; maternal body weight; feed and water intake; maternal liver, kidney, and ovary weights; number of corpora lutea; implants per group ratio; pre‐ and post‐implantation loss per group ratio; live fetuses mean; dead fetuses percentage; fetus and placenta weight per offspring ratio; and fetal external malformation. RESULTS: No significant alteration was found for both the maternal and embryonic parameters evaluated. CONCLUSIONS: The GBE treatment in pregnant Wistar rats, during the tubal transit and implantation period, caused no toxic effect on the maternal organism and did not induce embryonic death, growth retardation, and/or fetal malformations. Birth Defects Res (Part B) 89:133–138, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prenatal developmental toxicity of decabromodiphenyl ethane in the rat and rabbit
Authors: Hardy Marcia L. , Mercieca Michael D. , Rodwell Dean E. , Stedeford Todd 
Published: March 2010

AbstractBACKGROUND: The potential embryotoxic and teratogenic effects of decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPEthane; CASRN 84852–53–9) were evaluated in prenatal developmental studies using rats and rabbits and performed in accordance with international guidelines and Good Laboratory Practice standards. Preliminary dose‐range‐finding studies were conducted, which indicated doses up to 1,250 mg/kg‐day were well tolerated by both rats and rabbits. METHODS: For the developmental studies, animals were administered DBDPEthane via gavage at dosage levels of 0, 125, 400, or 1,250 mg/kg‐day from gestation day (GD) 6 through 15 for rats and GDs 6 through 18 for rabbits. All female rats and rabbits were sacrificed on GD 20 or GD 29, respectively, and subjected to cesarean section. Fetuses were individually weighed, sexed, and examined for external, visceral and skeletal abnormalities. RESULTS: No treatment‐related mortality, abortions, or clinical signs of toxicity were observed during the study. Body weights, body weight gain, and food consumption were not affected by treatment. No significant internal abnormalities were observed in either species on necropsy. Cesarean section parameters were comparable between control and treated groups. No treatment‐induced malformations or developmental variations occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Based on these results, no evidence of maternal toxicity, developmental toxicity, or teratogenicity was observed in rats or rabbits treated with DBDPEthane at dosage levels up to 1,250 mg/kg‐day. Birth Defects Res (Part B) 89:139–146, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Antihypertensive medication use during pregnancy and the risk of major congenital malformations or small‐for‐gestational‐age newborns
Authors: Nakhai‐Pour H. R. , Rey E. , Bérard A. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractBACKGROUND: In spite of the widespread use of antihypertensives during pregnancy, data on their risks and benefits for the newborn are limited. We investigated the risk of major congenital malformations or small‐for‐gestational‐age newborns (SGA) in relation to gestational use of antihypertensives. METHODS: Within the Quebec Pregnancy Registry, we conducted two case‐control studies. First, cases were defined as major congenital malformations diagnosed during the first year of life and controls were selected from the same cohort; index date was date of delivery. Gestational exposure was defined as filling a prescription for an antihypertensive during the 1st trimester of pregnancy. Next, cases (SGA) were defined as newborns with a birth weight <10th percentile for that gestational age and gender; controls were the newborns with a birth weight ≥10 percentile. Gestational exposure was defined as filling a prescription for an antihypertensive during the 2nd or 3rd trimester. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). RESULTS: We found that overall antihypertensives use during the 2nd or 3rd trimesters of pregnancy was associated with a higher risk of SGA (OR 1.53, 95% CI 1.17–1.99). Moreover, selective β‐blocker (OR 6.00, 95% CI 1.06–33.87), α β blocker (OR 2.26, 95% CI 1.04–4.88), or centrally‐acting adrenergic agents use (OR 1.70, 95% CI 1.00–2.89) was associated with a higher risk of SGA compared to non‐use. CONCLUSION: Gestational use of antihypertensives, especially β‐blocker, α β blocker, or centrally‐acting adrenergic agents, may increase the risk of SGA. Birth Defects Res (Part B) 89:147–154, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Bayesian Semiparametric Frailty Selection in Multivariate Event Time Data
Authors: Cai Bo 
Published: March 2010

AbstractBiomedical studies often collect multivariate event time data from multiple clusters (either subjects or groups) within each of which event times for individuals are correlated and the correlation may vary in different classes. In such survival analyses, heterogeneity among clusters for shared and specific classes can be accommodated by incorporating parametric frailty terms into the model. In this article, we propose a Bayesian approach to relax the parametric distribution assumption for shared and specific‐class frailties by using a Dirichlet process prior while also allowing for the uncertainty of heterogeneity for different classes. Multiple cluster‐specific frailty selections rely on variable selection‐type mixture priors by applying mixtures of point masses at zero and inverse gamma distributions to the variance of log frailties. This selection allows frailties with zero variance to effectively drop out of the model. A reparameterization of log‐frailty terms is performed to reduce the potential bias of fixed effects due to variation of the random distribution and dependence among the parameters resulting in easy interpretation and faster Markov chain Monte Carlo convergence. Simulated data examples and an application to a lung cancer clinical trial are used for illustration.
Human laryngeal ganglia contain both sympathetic and parasympathetic cell types
Authors: Ibanez Marta , Valderrama‐Canales Francisco J. , Maranillo Eva , Vazquez Teresa , Pascual‐Font Arán , McHanwell Stephen , Sanudo Jose 
Published: March 2010

AbstractThe presence of ganglia associated with the laryngeal nerves is well documented. In man, these ganglia have been less well studied than in other species and, in particular, the cell types within these ganglia are less well characterized. Using a panel of antibodies to a variety of markers found in the paraganglion cells of other species, we were able to show the existence of at least two populations of cells within human laryngeal paraganglia. One population contained chromogranin and tyrosine hydroxylase representing a neurosecretory population possibly secreting dopamine. A second population of choline acetyltransferase positive cells would appear to have a putative parasympathetic function. Further work is needed to characterize these cell populations more fully before it will be possible to assign functions to these cell types but our results are consistent with the postulated functions of these ganglia as chemoreceptors, neurosecretory cells, and regulators of laryngeal mucus secretion. Clin. Anat. 23:673–682, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.