bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MetaMerge: scaling up genome-scale metabolic reconstructions with application to Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Chindelevitch Leonid , Stanley Sarah , Hung Deborah , Regev Aviv , Berger Bonnie 
Published: January 2012

AbstractReconstructed models of metabolic networks are widely used for studying metabolism in various organisms. Many different reconstructions of the same organism often exist concurrently, forcing researchers to choose one of them at the exclusion of the others. We describe MetaMerge, an algorithm for semi-automatically reconciling a pair of existing metabolic network reconstructions into a single metabolic network model. We use MetaMerge to combine two published metabolic networks for Mycobacterium tuberculosis into a single network, which allows many reactions that could not be active in the individual models to become active, and predicts essential genes with a higher positive predictive value.
Recurrence and Survival After Random Assignment to Laparoscopy Versus Laparotomy for Comprehensive Surgical Staging of Uterine Cancer: Gynecologic Oncology Group LAP2 Study
Authors: Walker Joan L. , Piedmonte Marion R. , Spirtos Nick M. , Eisenkop Scott M. , Schlaerth John B. , Mannel Robert S. , Barakat Richard , Pearl Michael L. , Sharma Sudarshan K. 
Published: January 2012

PurposeThe primary objective was to establish noninferiority of laparoscopy compared with laparotomy for recurrence after surgical staging of uterine cancer.Patients and MethodsPatients with clinical stages I to IIA disease were randomly allocated (two to one) to laparoscopy (n = 1,696) versus laparotomy (n = 920) for hysterectomy, salpingo-oophorectomy, pelvic cytology, and pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy. The primary study end point was noninferiority of recurrence-free interval defined as no more than a 40% increase in the risk of recurrence with laparoscopy compared with laparotomy.ResultsWith a median follow-up time of 59 months for 2,181 patients still alive, there were 309 recurrences (210 laparoscopy; 99 laparotomy) and 350 deaths (229 laparoscopy; 121 laparotomy). The estimated hazard ratio for laparoscopy relative to laparotomy was 1.14 (90% lower bound, 0.92; 95% upper bound, 1.46), falling short of the protocol-specified definition of noninferiority. However, the actual recurrence rates were substantially lower than anticipated, resulting in an estimated 3-year recurrence rate of 11.4% with laparoscopy and 10.2% with laparotomy, or a difference of 1.14% (90% lower bound, −1.28; 95% upper bound, 4.0). The estimated 5-year overall survival was almost identical in both arms at 89.8%.ConclusionThis study previously reported that laparoscopic surgical management of uterine cancer is superior for short-term safety and length-of-stay end points. The potential for increased risk of cancer recurrence with laparoscopy versus laparotomy was quantified and found to be small, providing accurate information for decision making for women with uterine cancer.
Use of Levonorgestrel Emergency Contraception In Utah: Is It More than “Plan B”?
Authors: Melton Lindsay , Stanford Joseph B. , Dewitt M. Jann 
Published: January 2012

CONTEXT:

It is important to understand why some women use levonorgestrel emergency contraceptive pills repeatedly, because the method is not intended for repeated use, and current evidence suggests that it is approximately 77% effective at preventing pregnancy.
METHODS:

An anonymous patient survey of 1,040 women aged 18–29 purchasing levonorgestrel at Planned Parenthood clinics in Utah was conducted during a 4–6‐week period in 2007. Chi‐square tests and analyses of variance were used to examine associations between selected characteristics and level of levonorgestrel use. Logistic regression was used to assess characteristics independently associated with repeated use.
RESULTS:

Twenty‐nine percent of participants had used levonorgestrel more than twice in the prior year. Fifty‐eight percent believed that levonorgestrel is at least 90% effective in protecting against pregnancy; 16% believed that it is 100% effective. In univariate analyses, lifetime number of partners, currently having multiple partners, substance use at last intercourse and perceived effectiveness of levonorgestrel were positively associated with repeated levonorgestrel use in the previous year. The measure most strongly associated with repeated levonorgestrel use in multivariate analyses was perceived effectiveness: Women who believed that the method is 90–99% or 100% effective in preventing pregnancy had greater odds of repeated use than those who believed it is 75–89% effective (odds ratios, 1.8 each).
CONCLUSION:

Women who repeatedly use levonorgestrel may have an inflated perception of its effectiveness. Future research, including qualitative research, may help clarify factors that lead to inflated perceptions of effectiveness.
Similar Intracellular Ca2+Requirements for Inactivation and Facilitation of Voltage-Gated Ca2+Channels in a Glutamatergic Mammalian Nerve Terminal
Authors: Lin Kun-Han , Erazo-Fischer Emilio , Taschenberger Holger 
Published: January 2012

Voltage-gated Ca2+channels (VGCCs) of the P/Q-type, which are expressed at a majority of mammalian nerve terminals, show two types of Ca2+-dependent feedback regulation—inactivation (CDI) and facilitation (CDF). Because of the nonlinear relationship between Ca2+influx and transmitter release, CDI and CDF are powerful regulators of synaptic strength. To what extent VGCCs inactivate or facilitate during spike trains depends on the dynamics of free Ca2+([Ca2+]i) and the Ca2+sensitivity of CDI and CDF, which has not been determined in nerve terminals. In this report, we took advantage of the large size of a rat auditory glutamatergic synapse—the calyx of Held—and combined voltage-clamp recordings of presynaptic Ca2+currents (ICa(V)) with UV-light flash-induced Ca2+uncaging and presynaptic Ca2+imaging to study the Ca2+requirements for CDI and CDF.We find that nearly half of the presynaptic VGCCs inactivate during 100 ms voltage steps and require several seconds to recover. This inactivation is caused neither by depletion of Ca2+ions from the synaptic cleft nor by metabotropic feedback inhibition, because it is resistant to blockade of metabotropic and ionotropic glutamate receptors. Facilitation ofICa(V)induced by repetitive depolarizations or preconditioning voltage steps decays within tens of milliseconds. Since Ca2+buffers only weakly affect CDI and CDF, we conclude that the Ca2+sensors are closely associated with the channel. CDI and CDF can be induced by intracellular photo release of Ca2+resulting in [Ca2+]ielevations in the low micromolar range, implying a surprisingly high affinity of the Ca2+sensors.
A novel biamperometric methodology for thorium determination by EDTA complexometric titration
Authors: Jayachandran Kavitha , Gamare J. S. , Nair P. R. , Xavier Mary , Aggarwal Suresh K. 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
A biamperometric methodology is described for the determination of thorium by EDTA complexometric titration, based on the observed electrochemical behaviour of EDTA when the applied potential was ≥200 mV between the twin Pt electrodes. Studies carried out showed that a pH range of 2.4–2.7 was optimum for the determination. Accuracy and precision of the method were evaluated using different amounts of thorium ranging from 50 μg to 5 mg. Studies on the interference of uranium were carried out with different amounts of uranium ranging from 20 to 80% using the presently developed approach of biamperometry as well as the conventional indicator method. The method was employed for the determination of Th in (Th,U)O2 samples containing different amounts of Th and U.
Carpooling and Booster Seats: A National Survey of Parents
Authors: Macy Michelle L. , Clark Sarah J. , Freed Gary L. , Butchart Amy T. , Singer Dianne C. , Sasson Comilla , Meurer William J. , Davis Matthew M. 
Published: January 2012

OBJECTIVE:
Booster seat use among school-aged children has been consistently lower than national goals. In this study, we sought to explore associations between parental experiences with booster seats and carpooling.

METHODS:
We conducted a cross-sectional Web-based survey of a nationally representative panel of US parents in January 2010. As part of a larger survey, parents of 4- to 8-year-old children responded to 12 questions related to booster seats and carpooling.

RESULTS:
Of 1612 parents responding to the full survey (response rate = 71%), 706 had a 4- to 8-year-old child and 681 met inclusion rules. Most parents (76%) reported their child used a safety seat when riding in the family car. Of children reported to use seat belts, 74% did so in accordance with their state law. Parent report of child safety seat use was associated with younger child age and with the presence of state booster seat laws. Sixty-four percent of parents carpool. Among parents who carpool and whose children use a child safety seat: 79% indicated they would always ask another driver to use a booster seat for their child and 55% reported they always have their child use their booster seat when driving friends who do not have boosters.

CONCLUSIONS:
Carpooling is a common driving situation during which booster seat use is inconsistent. Social norms and self-efficacy are associated with booster seat use. Clinicians who care for children should increase efforts to convey the importance of using the size-appropriate restraint for every child on every trip.
Synthesis and Characterization of Ni/Mg/Al Mixed Oxides Obtained by Co-precipitation
Authors: Martínez-Lozano G. , Kryshtab T. , Garduño M. Hesiquio , Kryvko A. 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACTNi/Mg/Al mixed oxides were obtained from hydrotalcite-like precursors by thermal decomposition at 400º, 600º and 800ºC using co-precipitation method at pH 7. The mixed oxides were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) techniques. XRD analysis revealed the formation of NixMg1-xO (x = 0 - 1), α-Al2O3 and traces of MgAl2O4 (NiAl2O4) phases. The diffraction peak positions for MgO or NiO oxides were shifted towards 2θ values higher than simulated for pure bulk oxides that can be attributed to the possible presence of lattice vacancies or surface compressive stress. The evaluated grain size by XRD technique was about 8 -10 nm. It was also detected the presence of microstrains that can be associated with the presence of extended defects in the grains. SEM observations showed that the particles of oxides are formed as agglomerates with the particle sizes of 50 nm up to 200 nm. EDS detected the presence of Mg2+, Ni2+, and Al3+ cations and oxygen in all particles independently on their size. The obtained results revealed the presence of mixture of Ni/Mg/Al oxides in each particle obtained. The oxides calcined at temperatures of 400º and 600ºC were unstable and under air storage they revert to the precursor. The incorporation of Ni2+ in Mg-Al mixed oxides leads to stability of the compounds calcined at 800ºC.
Halide Ion Effect in Shape Transformation from Silver Triangular Nanoprisms to Silver Nanodisks
Authors: López Israel A. , Gómez Idalia 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACTSilver triangular nanoprisms (TNP’s) were transformed into silver nanodisks (NDK’s) by addition of halide ion solution (chloride, bromide and iodide). The shape transformation of the TNP’s is due to the selective etching effect of halide ions at their vertices. TNP’s were synthesized via a photoinduced growth process, and then different concentrations of potassium halide solutions were added into the TNP’s colloids under vigorous stirring. Images of the obtained nanoparticles were recorded by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The shifts of the in-plane dipole plasmon resonance band allow us to identify the differences among the three halides. These differences might be due to the distinct sizes of halides, and the solubility product constant values of each silver halide. We found that the etching ability of the halides, at a concentration of 1.0 mM, to truncate the vertices of TNP’s is in the order of Br- > Cl- > I-. In contrast, at a concentration of 0.01 mM, the order of the etching ability is Br- > I- > Cl-.
Integrating Carbon Nanotubes into Microfluidic Chips for Separating Biochemical Compounds
Authors: Chen Miaoxiang , Mogensen Klaus B. , Boggild Peter , Kutter Jörg P. 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACTWe present a new type of device to separate biochemical compounds wherein carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are integrated as chromatographic stationary phase. The CNTs were directly grown on the bottom of microfluidic channels on Si/SiO2 substrate by chemical vapor deposition (CVD). Acetylene was used as carbon source and Ni was employed as catalyst. For electrokinetic separations, higher electrical field strength is usually required; therefore, the CNTs were constructed in pillar-array-form by patterning Ni catalyst layer. Electrical field strength of 2.0 kV/cm has been realized, which is more than one order of magnitude higher than the one reported so far. The microfluidic chips integrated with CNTs were successfully used to separate a compound containing two Coumarin dyes, 240 mM C460 and 270 mM C480.
Three-Dimensional EBSD Analysis of YSZ, NiO-YSZ and Ni-Alloy
Authors: Saraf Laxmikant V. 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACTIn this report, a method is discussed to perform successive milling on yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ), NiO-YSZ and Ni-alloy at the intervals of 85 nm 50 nm and 100 nm, respectively using a focused ion beam (FIB) followed by electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) analysis on each slice. The EBSD data is then reconstructed to generate 3D volume. The 3D-EBSD band quality data is superimposed on inverse pole figure (IPF) grain orientation analysis to get a correlation with quality of band indexing. For the NiO-YSZ case, grain orientations and band quality factors were matched for grains ∼250 nm diameters producing a high resolution 3D-EBSD data. For this case, a pore space in 3D volume was visible due to nanocrystalline NiO-YSZ grain network. The advantages of 3D EBSD are discussed in the context of its applications to SOFC research community.
Relationship between the Perception of Hypernasality and Social Judgments in School-Aged Children
Authors: Watterson Thomas , Mancini Mariacecilia , Brancamp Tami U. , Lewis Kerry E. 
Published: January 2012

Purpose This study investigated both the ability of children to rate nasality and the relationship of those ratings to expert ratings and social acceptance judgments. Method A total of 10 speech samples were judged for nasality by 44 children ranging in age from 8 to 11 and by an expert judge. Listeners rated nasality on a 3-point response scale. The peer listeners also made five social acceptance ratings about each speaker. Results Kappas for interrater reliability were moderate to substantial. There was no difference between peer ratings and expert ratings. As ratings of nasality increased, social acceptance ratings became more negative. Conclusion Professionals who evaluate and treat children with cleft palate should consider the negative social consequences of even mild hypernasality.
Active Specific Immunotherapy Targeting the Wilms' Tumor Protein 1 (WT1) for Patients with Hematological Malignancies and Solid Tumors: Lessons from Early Clinical Trials
Authors: Van Driessche Ann , Berneman Zwi N. , Van Tendeloo Viggo F. I. 
Published: January 2012

Abstract

Learning Objectives
After completing this course, the reader will be able to: Explain the role of the Wilm's tumor protein 1 (WT1) as a tumor antigen in peptide- and dendritic cell-based cancer immunotherapy trials.Describe the immune responses elicited by WT1-based cancer vaccines and their potential for creating clinical responses in a majority of evaluable cancer patients
This article is available for continuing medical education credit at CME.TheOncologist.com
There is a growing body of evidence that Wilms' tumor protein 1 (WT1) is a promising tumor antigen for the development of a novel class of universal cancer vaccines. Recently, in a National Cancer Institute prioritization project, WT1 was ranked first in a list of 75 cancer antigens. In this light, we exhaustively reviewed all published cancer vaccine trials reporting on WT1-targeted active specific immunotherapy in patients with hematological malignancies and solid tumors. In all clinical trials, vaccine-induced immunological responses could be detected. Importantly, objective clinical responses (including stable disease) were observed in 46% and 64% of evaluable vaccinated patients with solid tumors and hematological malignancies, respectively. Immunogenicity of WT1-based cancer vaccines was demonstrated by the detection of a specific immunological response in 35% and 68% of evaluable patients with solid tumors and hematological malignancies, respectively. In order to become part of the armamentarium of the modern oncologist, it will be important to design WT1-based immunotherapies applicable to a large patient population, to standardize vaccination protocols enabling systematic review, and to further optimize the immunostimulatory capacity of the vaccine components. Moreover, improved immunomonitoring tools that reveal clinically relevant T-cell responses will further shape the ideal WT1 immunotherapy strategy. In conclusion, the clinical results obtained so far in WT1-targeted cancer vaccine trials reveal an untapped potential for inducing cancer immunity with minimal side effects and hold promise for a new adjuvant treatment against residual disease and against cancer relapse.
A foundation tree at the precipice:Tsuga canadensishealth after the arrival ofAdelges tsugaein central New England
Authors: Orwig David A. , Thompson Jonathan R. , Povak Nicholas A. , Manner Megan , Niebyl Donald , Foster David R. 
Published: January 2012

Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) plays a unique role in Eastern forests, producing distinctive biogeochemical, habitat, and microclimatic conditions and yet has begun a potentially irreversible decline due to the invasive hemlock woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae; HWA) that causes foliar damage, crown loss, and mortality of host trees. Understanding the regional, landscape, site, and stand factors influencing HWA spread and impact is critical for predicting future landscape dynamics and directing effective management. Using aerial photographs, we documented hemlock distribution throughout central Massachusetts and subsampled 123 stands to examine the spatial pattern of HWA and its impact on tree vigor and mortality since its arrival in 1989. In the study region, over 86,000 ha of hemlock forest were mapped in 5,127 stands. White pine (Pinus strobus), red oak (Quercus rubra), red maple (Acer rubrum), and black birch (Betula lenta) were common overstory associates. Hemlock abundance increased from south to north, commonly on western and northwestern slopes. Average stand size was 55 ha, overstory basal area ranged from 23 to 55 m2ha−1and overstory stem densities averaged 993 ha−1.By 2004, 40% of sampled stands were infested, but most stands remained in good health overall; only 8 stands contained high HWA densities and only two had lost >50% overstory hemlock. Out of fifteen stand and landscape predictor variables examined, only latitude and winter climate variables were related to HWA density. Cold temperatures appear to be slowing the spread and impact of HWA at its northern extent as HWA infestation intensity and hemlock mortality and vigor were significantly correlated with average minimum winter temperature. Contrary to predictions, there was no regional increase in hemlock harvesting. The results suggest that regional HWA‐hemlock dynamics are currently being shaped more by climate than by a combination of landscape and social factors. The persistence and migration of HWA continues to pose a significant threat regionally, especially in the northern portion of the study area, where hemlock dominates many forests.
Suicide Risk and Precipitating Circumstances Among Young, Middle-Aged, and Older Male Veterans
Authors: Kaplan Mark S. , McFarland Bentson H. , Huguet Nathalie , Valenstein Marcia 
Published: January 2012

Objectives. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the risk of suicide among veteran men relative to nonveteran men by age and to examine the prevalence of suicide circumstances among male veterans in different age groups (18–34, 35–44, 45–64, and ≥ 65 years). Methods. Data from the National Violent Death Reporting System (2003–2008) were used to calculate age-specific suicide rates for veterans (n = 8440) and nonveterans (n = 21 668) and to calculate the age-stratified mortality ratio for veterans. Multiple logistic regression was used to compare health status, stressful life events preceding suicide, and means of death among young, middle-aged, and older veterans. Results. Veterans were at higher risk for suicide compared with nonveterans in all age groups except the oldest. Mental health, substance abuse, and financial and relationship problems were more common in younger than in older veteran suicide decedents, whereas health problems were more prevalent in the older veterans. Most male veterans used firearms for suicide, and nearly all elderly veterans did so. Conclusions. Our study highlighted heightened risk of suicide in male veterans compared with nonveterans. Within the veteran population, suicide might be influenced by different precipitating factors at various stages of life.
Suicide Incidence and Risk Factors in an Active Duty US Military Population
Authors: Hyman Jeffrey , Ireland Robert , Frost Lucinda , Cottrell Linda 
Published: January 2012

Objectives. The goal of this study was to investigate and identify risk factors for suicide among all active duty members of the US military during 2005 or 2007. Methods. The study used a cross-sectional design and included the entire active duty military population. Study sample sizes were 2 064 183 for 2005 and 1 981 810 for 2007. Logistic regression models were used. Results. Suicide rates for all services increased during this period. Mental health diagnoses, mental health visits, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), sleep prescriptions, reduction in rank, enlisted rank, and separation or divorce were associated with suicides. Deployments to Operation Enduring Freedom or Operation Iraqi Freedom were also associated with elevated odds ratios for all services in the 2007 population and for the Army in 2005. Conclusions. Additional research needs to address the increasing rates of suicide in active duty personnel. This should include careful evaluation of suicide prevention programs and the possible increase in risk associated with SSRIs and other mental health drugs, as well as the possible impact of shorter deployments, age, mental health diagnoses, and relationship problems.