bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Regional groundwater flow and interactions with deep fluids in western Apennine: the case of Narni‐Amelia chain (Central Italy)
Authors: FRONDINI F. , CARDELLINI C. , CALIRO S. , CHIODINI G. , MORGANTINI N. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThe elemental fluxes and heat flow associated with large aquifer systems can be significant both at local and at regional scales. In fact, large amounts of heat transported by regional groundwater flow can affect the subsurface thermal regime, and the amount of matter discharged towards the surface by large spring systems can be significant relative to the elemental fluxes of surface waters. The Narni‐Amelia regional aquifer system (Central Italy) discharges more than 13 m3 sec−1 of groundwater characterised by a slight thermal anomaly, high salinity and high pCO2. During circulation in the regional aquifer, groundwater reacts with the host rocks (dolostones, limestones and evaporites) and mixes with deep CO2‐rich fluids of mantle origin. These processes transfer large amounts of dissolved substances, in particular carbon dioxide, and a considerable amount of heat towards the surface. Because practically all the water circulating in the Narni‐Amelia system is discharged by few large springs (Stifone‐Montoro), the mass and energy balance of these springs can give a good estimation of the mass and heat transported from the entire system towards the surface. By means of a detailed mass and balance of the aquifer and considering the soil CO2 fluxes measured from the main gas emission of the region, we computed a total CO2 discharge of about 7.8 × 109 mol a−1 for the whole Narni‐Amelia system. Finally, considering the enthalpy difference between infiltrating water and water discharged by the springs, we computed an advective heat transfer related to groundwater flow of 410 ± 50 MW.
TRM: A Powerful Two‐Stage Machine Learning Approach for Identifying SNP‐SNP Interactions
Authors: Lin Hui‐Yi , Ann Chen Y. , Tsai Ya‐Yu , Qu Xiaotao , Tseng Tung‐Sung , Park Jong Y. 
Published: December 2011

SummaryStudies have shown that interactions of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) may play an important role in understanding the causes of complex disease. We have proposed an integrated machine learning method that combines two machine‐learning methods—Random Forests (RF) and Multivariate Adaptive Regression Splines (MARS)—to identify a subset of important SNPs and detect interaction patterns more effectively and efficiently. In this two‐stage RF‐MARS (TRM) approach, RF is first applied to detect a predictive subset of SNPs, and then MARS is used to identify the interaction patterns. We evaluated the TRM performances in four models. RF variable selection was based on out‐of‐bag classification error rate (OOB) and variable important spectrum (IS). Our results support that RFOOB had better performance than MARS and RFIS in detecting important variables. This study demonstrates that TRMOOB, which is RFOOB plus MARS, has combined the strengths of RF and MARS in identifying SNP‐SNP interactions in a scenario of 100 candidate SNPs. TRMOOB had greater true positive rate and lower false positive rate compared with MARS, particularly for searching interactions with a strong association with the outcome. Therefore, the use of TRMOOB is favored for exploring SNP‐SNP interactions in a large‐scale genetic variation study.
Aquatic Leisure satisfaction and engagement in Neuropalliative Disability Management
Authors: Fenech Anne 
Published: December 2011

Scand J Caring Sci; 2012; 26; 519–527Aquatic Leisure satisfaction and engagement in Neuropalliative Disability ManagementThis article describes a single‐case design study and uses an occupational science focus to explore the effects of ‘Aquability’ as perceived by participants with neuropalliative conditions. Data collection tools include the Individual Child Engagement Record and the adapted Leisure Satisfaction Scale – short form by 14 participants (who had Barthel scores averaging 7/100). The time‐sampled observations of engagement showed a significant difference between the scores for the control condition and the ‘Aquability’ sessions. The participants reported being in control, learning about themselves or others and feeling healthier after a session. They reported experiencing a sense of achievement and novelty, which was interesting and enjoyable. ‘Aquability’ appears to be a satisfying use of free time for participants with neuropalliative conditions.
Effect of endogen‐exogenous melatonin and erythropoietin on dinitrobenzene sulfonic acid–induced colitis
Authors: Tasdemir Seda , Parlakpinar Hakan , Vardi Nigar , Kaya Emin , Acet Ahmet 
Published: December 2011

AbstractInflammatory bowel disease has been linked to elevated T cells. Excessive production of reactive oxygen species and apoptosis are known to be accompanied by intestinal inflammation. This study was designed to investigate the effects of melatonin (MEL) and erythropoietin (EPO), which is a known anti‐inflammatory and antiapoptotic agent, in dinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (DNBS)–induced colitis in pinealectomized (Px) rats. In microscopically results, epithelial and goblet cell loss, absence of crypts, and increased colonic caspase‐3 activity were observed in the DNBS group. Also, in flow cytometric analysis, the percentage of CD4+ T cells was highest in the DNBS group. Treatment with MEL or EPO had a curative effect on DNBS‐induced colitis. The MEL + EPO groups showed significantly greater improvement when compared with the other treatment groups. Our results indicate that the combination of EPO and MEL may exert more beneficial effects than either agent used alone.
Common variants in chromosome 4q25 are associated with myopia in Chinese adults
Authors: Gao Yang , Wang Panfeng , Li Shiqiang , Xiao Xueshan , Jia Xiaoyun , Guo Xiangming , Zhang Qingjiong 
Published: December 2011

Citation information: Gao Y, Wang P, Li S, Xiao X, Jia X, Guo X & Zhang Q. Common variants in chromosome 4q25 are associated with myopia in Chinese adults. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt 2012, 32, 68‐73. doi: 10.1111/j.1475‐1313.2011.00885.xAbstractPurpose:  A genome‐wide association study (GWAS) of high myopia found that five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 4q25 were associated with high myopia. The original study suggested replication studies were needed to validate these results. The aim of our study was to examine if these SNPs are associated with myopia in a different set of samples.Methods:  Genomic DNA was collected from 2307 unrelated individuals, including 1052 university students without myopia and 1255 university students with myopia (615 students with moderate myopia and 640 students with high myopia). Four of the five reported SNPs at 4q25, rs2218817, rs10034228, rs1585471 and rs6837348, were genotyped using SNaPshot. The genotype and allele frequencies of the SNPs between myopias and controls were compared by chi‐squared test.Results:  Genotype and allele frequencies of the four SNPs showed significant differences between the myopia and control groups (rs2218817: genotype p = 0.009, OR = 1.18; rs10034228: genotype p = 0.009, OR = 1.18; rs1585471: genotype p = 0.007, OR = 1.19 and rs6837348: genotype p = 0.012, OR = 1.18).Conclusions:  Our results support the association between the four SNPs and myopia, suggesting a myopia predisposing locus at 4q25 that deserves further study.
Prevalence of myopia among Hong Kong Chinese schoolchildren: changes over two decades
Authors: Lam Carly Siu‐Yin , Lam Chin‐Hang , Cheng Sam Chi‐Kwan , Chan Lily Yee‐Lai 
Published: December 2011

Citation information: Lam CS‐Y, Lam C‐H, Cheng SC‐K & Chan LY‐L. Prevalence of myopia among Hong Kong Chinese schoolchildren: changes over two decades. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt 2012, 32, 17‐24. doi: 10.1111/j.1475‐1313.2011.00886.xAbstractPurpose:  Studies have documented an increasing prevalence of myopia among urbanized Asian countries over recent decades. In the early 1990s, the reported prevalence rate was 25% and 64% for 6 and 12 year old children respectively. This cross‐sectional study aims to determine the current prevalence of myopia amongst Hong Kong Chinese schoolchildren and whether there has been any increase over the last two decades.Methods:  Data from 2651 children aged 6–12 (mean age: 8.92 ± 1.77, 53% boys) who participated in vision screening during 2005–2010 were analyzed. Visual parameters including visual acuity (in logMAR) and binocular status under the participants’ habitual correction were assessed. Refractive errors were examined using non‐cycloplegic auto‐refraction and axial lengths were measured by partial coherence interferometry.Results:  The mean spherical equivalent refraction for this population was −1.02 ± 1.70D, ranging from +4.75 to −10.00D. Prevalence of myopia (more than −0.50D) was 18.3% for the 6‐year‐old group and 61.5% for the 12‐year‐old group. Average myopia magnitude was −0.06 ± 1.03D at age 6 and −1.67 ± 1.99D at age 12. Prevalence of high myopia of more than −6.00D was 1.8%, with an increase from 0.7% at the age of 6 to 3.8% at the age of 12.Conclusions:  The prevalence of myopia among the Chinese schoolchildren population in Hong Kong as observed in this cross‐sectional study are similar to our previously reported findings from almost two decades ago. There is no evidence that prevalence of myopia is increasing with time over the last two decades. However, the prevalence and degree of myopia in Chinese children is high as compared with other ethnic groups such as those reported among Caucasians.
Gender Politics and Conservatism: The View from the British Conservative Party Grassroots
Authors: Webb Paul , Childs Sarah 
Published: December 2011

AbstractCan conservatives be feminists? This article examines the issue by exploring the case of the British Conservative Party, drawing on a new survey of party members. Under David Cameron's leadership, reforms have been made to the party's parliamentary selection procedures and distinct women's policies developed, thus addressing both the descriptive and substantive representation of women. We examine party members' attitudes towards three types of gender issue: basic orientations towards gender roles and relations; specific policy measures relevant to the substantive representation of women; and the descriptive representation of women. Detailed empirical analysis reveals that there is significant support for progressive liberal feminist positions on each of these dimensions in the party, and that sex, age and basic ideological dispositions drive such attitudes to varying degrees. Even so, support for a liberal feminist position on the descriptive representation of women – that is, the aspect of gender politics where the leadership has been most active – remains on the whole quite limited.
Biting for attention: A case of dental discomfort manifesting in behavioural problems
Authors: INABA Akimichi , YOUNG Ciara , SHIELDS Deirdre 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThere is a dearth of literature describing behaviour that expresses discomfort caused by poor dentition in patients with dementia. In this paper, we report on a patient whose behaviour only abstrusely pointed to his teeth as the source of discomfort. Although changes to his medication over a 2‐year period had little effect, eventual extraction of his caries brought about an almost immediate resolution of all antisocial behaviour. Clinicians must be mindful that poor dental care is easily meliorated but remains endemic in patients suffering from dementia.
Processing and Properties of Textured Potassium Strontium Niobate (KSr2Nb5O15) Ceramic Fibers – Texture Development
Authors: Alkoy Sedat , Dursun Sinan 
Published: December 2011

Highly [001] textured KSr2Nb5O15 (KSN) ceramic fibers were fabricated by a combination of novel alginate gelation method and templated grain growth using acicular KSr2Nb5O15 template particles. The needle‐like KSN template particles were prepared by molten salt synthesis method with salt/powder ratio of 2 giving the highest aspect ratio. Fibers were extruded into CaCl2 salt solutions from alginate‐based slurries without or with 10 wt% KSN template particles using a nozzle with 2 mm diameter and 80 mm length. Varying sintering temperature from 1300°C to 1450°C and time from 2 to 6 h were found to increase the texture. A maximum degree of orientation, ƒ(00l), of 0.95 was obtained, as measured by Lotgering factor, and a grain orientation distribution, r, of 0.28 was obtained as measured by rocking curve analysis.
PEG matrix enables cell‐mediated local BMP‐2 gene delivery and increased bone formation in a porcine critical size defect model of craniofacial bone regeneration
Authors: Wehrhan Falk , Amann Kerstin , Molenberg Aart , Lutz Rainer , Neukam Friedrich W. , Schlegel Karl A. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractPurposeThis study addressed the suitability of a polyethylene glycol (PEG) matrix as scaffold for cell‐mediated local BMP‐2 gene transfer in a calvarial critical size defect (CSD) model.Materials and methodsPEG matrix (degradation time 10 days) and PEG membrane (degradation time 120 days) were used in the pig calvarial model. Cylindrical (1 × 1 cm) CSD (9 per animal; 20 animals) were filled with: (i) HA/TCP, covered by PEG membrane (group 1); (ii) HA/TCP, mixed with PEG matrix (group 2); and (iii) HA/TCP mixed with BMP‐2 transfected osteoblasts and PEG matrix (group 3). BMP‐2/4 gene transfer: liposomal in vitro transfection of BMP‐2/V5‐tag fusion‐protein. Quantitative histomorphometry (toluidine blue staining) after 2, 4 and 12 weeks assessed bone formation. Semiquantitative immunohistochemistry estimated the expression of BMP‐2 and V5‐tag.ResultsGroup 3 showed significantly higher new bone formation than groups 1, 2 at 4 (P < 0.05) and 12 (P < 0.02) weeks. BMP‐2‐V5‐tag was detected for 4 weeks. BMP‐2 expression in group 3 was higher compared to all other groups after 2 and 4 (P < 0.02) weeks.ConclusionsThe PEG matrix serves as scaffold for cell‐mediated BMP‐2 gene delivery in guided bone regeneration facilitating cell survival and protein synthesis for at least 4 weeks. Local BMP‐2 gene delivery by PEG matrix‐embedded cells leads to increased bone formation during critical size defect regeneration.
Biomechanical evaluation of macro and micro designed screw‐type implants: an insertion torque and removal torque study in rabbits
Authors: Chowdhary Ramesh , Jimbo Ryo , Thomsen Christian , Carlsson Lennart , Wennerberg Ann 
Published: December 2011

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the combined effect of macro and pitch shortened threads on primary and secondary stability during healing, but before dynamic loading.Materials and methodsTwo sets of turned implants with different macro geometry were prepared. The test group possessed pitch shortened threads in between the large threads and the control group did not have thread alterations. The two implant groups were placed in both femur and tibiae of 10 lop‐eared rabbits, and at the time of implant insertion, insertion torques were recorded. After 4 weeks, all implants were subjected to removal torque tests.ResultsThe insertion torque values for the control and test groups for the tibia were 15.7 and 20.6 Ncm, respectively, and for the femur, 11.8, and 12.8 Ncm respectively. The removal torque values for the control and test groups in the tibia were 7.9 and 9.1 Ncm, respectively, and for the femur, 7.9 and 7.7 Ncm respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between the control and test groups.ConclusionUnder limited dynamic load, the addition of pitch shortened threads did not significantly improve either the primary or the secondary stability of the implants in bone.
Impact of dietary vitamin D on osseointegration in the ovariectomized rat
Authors: Dvorak Gabriella , Fügl Alexander , Watzek Georg , Tangl Stefan , Pokorny Petra , Gruber Reinhard 
Published: December 2011

AbstractAimVitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in the population and associated with impaired peri‐implant bone regeneration. Yet, there is a gap in understanding the impact of vitamin D supplementation on the process of osseointegration. In this study, the effect of vitamin D supplementation on peri‐implant bone regeneration was investigated.MethodsFifty ovariectomized Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into three groups. The depletion group was fed a vitamin D‐free diet for 8 weeks. The repletion group received vitamin D‐free diet for 6 weeks, before animals were switched to standard diet containing 2400 IU/kg vitamin D. The control group was fed the standard diet. Two titanium mini‐implants were placed in the tibia. All groups remained on their previous diet until sacrifice. Blood sample testing and histomorphometric analysis were performed.ResultsVitamin D depletion caused a significant reduction in 25‐hydroxvitamin D in rat serum that returned to control levels in the repletion group. This vitamin deficiency was associated with a decrease in bone‐to‐implant contact in the cortical area, which was leveled to controls in the repletion group. No significant changes by vitamin D depletion were noticed in the medullar compartment. Moreover, also the peri‐implant bone area and the mineral apposition rate remained unchanged upon vitamin D depletion.ConclusionThese results indicate that vitamin D deficiency has a negative impact on cortical peri‐implant bone formation in ovariectomized rats, which can be compensated by vitamin D supplementation. This study provides first insight into the potential beneficial effect of vitamin D supplementation in implant dentistry.
Overweight and obesity predict time to periodontal disease progression in men
Authors: Gorman Andrea , Kaye Elizabeth Krall , Apovian Caroline , Fung Teresa T. , Nunn Martha , Garcia Raul I. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractAimsTo examine whether overweight and obesity indicators – body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and WC‐to‐height ratio – predict progression of periodontal disease in men.Material and MethodsParticipants were 1038 medically healthy, non‐Hispanic, white males in the VA Dental Longitudinal Study who were monitored with triennial oral and medical examinations between 1969 and 1996. Periodontal disease progression in an individual was defined as having two or more teeth advance to levels of alveolar bone loss ≥40%, probing pocket depth ≥5 mm, or clinical attachment loss ≥5 mm after baseline. Extended Cox regression analyses estimated hazards of experiencing periodontal disease progression events due to overweight/obesity status, controlling for age, smoking, education, diabetes, recent periodontal treatment, recent prophylaxis, and number of filled/decayed surfaces.ResultsBody mass index and WC‐to‐height ratio were significantly associated with hazards of experiencing periodontal disease progression events regardless of periodontal disease indicator. Adjusted hazard ratios for periodontal disease progression were 41–72% higher in obese men (BMI ≥30 kg/m2) relative to men with both normal weight and WC‐to‐height ratio (≤50%).ConclusionBoth overall obesity and central adiposity are associated with an increased hazards of periodontal disease progression events in men.
Extracellular deoxyribonuclease production by periodontal bacteria
Authors: Palmer L. J. , Chapple I. L. C. , Wright H. J. , Roberts A. , Cooper P. R. 
Published: December 2011

Palmer LJ, Chapple ILC, Wright HJ, Roberts A, Cooper PR. Extracellular deoxyribonuclease production by periodontal bacteria. J Periodont Res 2012; 47: 439–445. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/SBackground and Objective:  Whilst certain bacteria have long been known to secrete extracellular deoxyribonuclease (DNase), the purpose in microbial physiology was unclear. Recently, however, this enzyme has been demonstrated to confer enhanced virulence, enabling bacteria to evade the host’s immune defence of extruded DNA/chromatin filaments, termed neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). As NETs have recently been identified in infected periodontal tissue, the aim of this study was to screen periodontal bacteria for extracellular DNase activity.Material and Methods:  To determine whether DNase activity was membrane bound or secreted, 34 periodontal bacteria were cultured in broth and on agar plates. Pelleted bacteria and supernatants from broth cultures were analysed for their ability to degrade DNA, with relative activity levels determined using an agarose gel electrophoresis assay. Following culture on DNA‐supplemented agar, expression was determined by the presence of a zone of hydrolysis and DNase activity related to colony size.Results:  Twenty‐seven bacteria, including red and orange complex members Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Parvimonas micra, Prevotella intermedia, Streptococcus constellatus, Campylobacter rectus and Prevotella nigrescens, were observed to express extracellular DNase activity. Differences in DNase activity were noted, however, when bacteria were assayed in different culture states. Analysis of the activity of secreted DNase from bacterial broth cultures confirmed their ability to degrade NETs.Conclusion:  The present study demonstrates, for the first time, that DNase activity is a relatively common property of bacteria associated with advanced periodontal disease. Further work is required to determine the importance of this bacterial DNase activity in the pathogenesis of periodontitis.
Redesigning the ICU Nursing Discharge Process: A Quality Improvement Study
Authors: Chaboyer Wendy , Lin Frances , Foster Michelle , Retallick Lorraine , Panuwatwanich Kriengsak , Richards Brent 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACTPurpose: To evaluate the impact of a redesigned intensive care unit (ICU) nursing discharge process on ICU discharge delay, hospital mortality, and ICU readmission within 72 hours.Methods: A quality improvement study using a time series design and statistical process control analysis was conducted in one Australian general ICU. The primary outcome measure was hours of discharge delay per patient discharged alive per month, measured for 15 months prior to, and for 12 months after the redesigned process was implemented. The redesign process included appointing a change agent to facilitate process improvement, developing a patient handover sheet, requesting ward staff to nominate an estimated transfer time, and designing a daily ICU discharge alert sheet that included an expected date of discharge.Results: A total of 1,787 ICU discharges were included in this study, 1,001 in the 15 months before and 786 in the 12 months after the implementation of the new discharge processes. There was no difference in in‐hospital mortality after discharge from ICU or ICU readmission within 72 hours during the study period. However, process improvement was demonstrated by a reduction in the average patient discharge delay time of 3.2 hours (from 4.6 hour baseline to 1.0 hours post‐intervention).Conclusions: Involving both ward and ICU staff in the redesign process may have contributed to a shared situational awareness of the problems, which led to more timely and effective ICU discharge processes. The use of a change agent, whose ongoing role involved follow‐up of patients discharged from ICU, may have helped to embed the new process into practice.