bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Oxygen K near‐edge spectra of amorphous silicon suboxides
Authors: WALLIS D. J. , GASKELL P. H. , BRYDSON R. 
Published: August 2011

SUMMARYChemical disorder in silicon suboxides has been modelled by constructing several small atomic clusters which were used as input for multiple scattering calculations of the energy‐loss near‐edge structure at the oxygen K‐edge. A redistribution of intensity at the O K‐edge is observed as the number of second neighbour oxygen atoms is reduced. Since photoelectrons scattered by second neighbours of oxygen (at least) contribute to the spectra, O K‐edge data provide valuable structural information, additional to that obtained from the Si L23‐edge, which appears to be restricted to the local coordination shell. Comparison with the experimental O K‐edge for a‐SiOx (O < × < 2), prepared by oxidation of amorphous Si, suggests that the material consists of an intimate mixture of a wide range of Si sites with varying proportions of oxygen and silicon in the first neighbour shell.
Maternal ethnicity and pre‐eclampsia in New York City, 1995–2003
Authors: Gong Jian , Savitz David A. , Stein Cheryl R. , Engel Stephanie M. 
Published: August 2011

SummaryGong J, Savitz DA, Stein CR, Engel SM. Maternal ethnicity and pre‐eclampsia in New York City, 1995–2003. Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology 2012; 26: 45–52.Studies on ethnic differences in the risk of pre‐eclampsia are limited. We linked birth records for 902 460 singleton births for the period 1995–2003 in New York City with hospital discharge data to evaluate the association between ethnicity and the risk of pre‐eclampsia and compare risks between US‐born and foreign‐born women. Logistic regression models adjusted for maternal age, maternal education, parity, self‐reported pre‐pregnancy maternal weight, smoking during pregnancy and year of delivery were used to compare each ethnic group with non‐Hispanic White women. The prevalence of pre‐eclampsia in this study population was 3.2%. Among the major ethnic groups considered in our study, East Asian women had the lowest risk of pre‐eclampsia (1.4%) and Mexican women had the highest risk (5.0%). Compared with non‐Hispanic White women, there was a slightly decreased risk for East Asian women (adjusted OR = 0.8, [95% CI 0.7, 0.8]), similar risk for North African women (adjusted OR = 1.1, [95% CI 0.9, 1.3]), and increased risk for all other major ethnic groups (adjusted ORs: 1.3, 2.9), with the highest risk for Mexican women (adjusted OR = 2.9, [95% CI 2.7, 3.1]). No difference in risks was observed for US‐ vs. foreign‐born women with the exception that foreign‐born South‐East Asian and Pacific Islanders had an increased risk of pre‐eclampsia (adjusted OR = 1.8, [95% CI 1.0, 3.1]) relative to those born in the US. We concluded that there was ethnic heterogeneity in the development of pre‐eclampsia among women in New York City and that Asian subgroups should be examined separately in future studies on ethnicity. Our results should contribute to screening for pre‐eclampsia taking ethnic variation into account, and may help to suggest leads for the study of the aetiology of the condition.
Accuracy of pastoralists’ memory‐based kinship assignment of Ankole cattle: a microsatellite DNA analysis
Authors: Kugonza D.R. , Kiwuwa G.H. , Mpairwe D. , Jianlin H. , Nabasirye M. , Okeyo A.M. , Hanotte O. 
Published: August 2011

SummaryThis study aimed to estimate the level of relatedness within Ankole cattle herds using autosomal microsatellite markers and to assess the accuracy of relationship assignment based on farmers’ memory. Eight cattle populations (four from each of two counties in Mbarara district in Uganda) were studied. Cattle in each population shared varying degrees of relatedness (first‐, second‐ and third‐degree relatives and unrelated individuals). Only memory‐based kinship assignments which farmers knew with some confidence were tested in this experiment. DNA isolated from the blood of a subsample of 304 animals was analysed using 19 microsatellite markers. Average within population relatedness coefficients ranged from 0.010 ± 0.005 (Nshaara) to 0.067 ± 0.004 (Tayebwa). An exclusion probability of 99.9% was observed for both sire–offspring and dam–offspring relationships using the entire panel of 19 markers. Confidence from likelihood tests performed on 292 dyads showed that first‐degree relatives were more easily correctly assigned by farmers than second‐degree ones (p < 0.01), which were also easier to assign than third‐degree relatives (p < 0.01). Accuracy of kinship assignment by the farmers was 91.9% ± 5.0 for dam–offspring dyads, 85.5% ± 3.4 for sire–offspring dyads, 75.6% ± 12.3 for half‐sib and 60.0% ± 5.0 for grand dam–grand offspring dyads. Herd size, number of dyads assigned and length of time spent by the herder with their cattle population did not correlate with error in memorizing relationships. However, herd size strongly correlated with number of dyads assigned by the herder (r = 0.967, p < 0.001). Overall, we conclude that memorized records of pastoralists can be used to trace relationships and for pedigree reconstruction within Ankole cattle populations, but with the awareness that herd size constrains the number of kinship assignments remembered by the farmer.
A critical realist approach to knowledge: implications for evidence‐based practice in and beyond nursing
Authors: Nairn Stuart 
Published: August 2011

NAIRN S. Nursing Inquiry 2012; 19: 6–17 A critical realist approach to knowledge: implications for evidence‐based practice in and beyond nursingThis paper will identify some of the key conceptual tools of a critical realist approach to knowledge. I will then apply these principles to some of the competing epistemologies that are prevalent within nursing. There are broadly two approaches which are sometimes distinct from each other and sometimes inter‐related. On one side, there is the view that all healthcare interventions should be judged on the principles of randomised controlled trials and the other is a preoccupation with language in which healthcare interventions are subjected to a discursive interrogation. These debates are configured through the idea of a hierarchy of knowledge that is accorded uncritical acceptance by some and virulent distaste by others. I will argue that the notion of hierarchy is problematic and is largely argued for in unproductive epistemological terms. What is required is a shift towards a theory that emphasises the contextual nature of the ways that knowledge is produced and disseminated. In other words, there is no single hierarchy of knowledge, but there are multiple hierarchies of knowledge.
Effect of disability level on response to pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: KOZU RYO , JENKINS SUE , SENJYU HIDEAKI 
Published: August 2011

ABSTRACTBackground and objective:  It is unclear whether the severity of functional limitation resulting from IPF affects the response to pulmonary rehabilitation. The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of rehabilitation in patients with IPF, who were grouped according to the Medical Research Council (MRC) dyspnoea scale.Methods:  Sixty‐five subjects (46, 71% men) with stable IPF were enrolled in an 8‐week pulmonary rehabilitation programme. Subjects with MRC dyspnoea grades 2, 3 and 4 undertook a supervised outpatient programme, whereas subjects with MRC dyspnoea grade 5 participated in an unsupervised, home‐based programme, with review every 2 weeks. The outcome measures included functional exercise capacity (6MWD), health status (Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 (SF‐36)) and dyspnoea (transition dyspnoea index), which were measured at baseline and immediately after the programme. Hospitalizations for respiratory exacerbations were compared for the 12 months preceding and following the programme.Results:  The number of subjects with MRC dyspnoea grades 2, 3, 4 and 5 were 16 (25%), 17 (26%), 17 (26%) and 15 (23%), respectively. There were differences between these groups in the magnitude of change in 6MWD, SF‐36 and transition dyspnoea index (all P < 0.05). Specifically, subjects with MRC dyspnoea grade 2 or 3 demonstrated clinically and statistically significant improvements in 6MWD and SF‐36 following rehabilitation (all P < 0.05). In contrast, for all measures, subjects with MRC dyspnoea grade 4 or 5 showed little or no improvement, or deteriorated following rehabilitation. Hospitalizations were reduced following rehabilitation only in subjects with MRC dyspnoea grade 2, 3 or 4 (P < 0.05).Conclusions:  The response to pulmonary rehabilitation in subjects with IPF varies depending on the MRC grade of dyspnoea, with little benefit being observed in subjects with severe functional limitation.
Global histone H3 lysine 27 (H3K27) methylation levels and their prognostic relevance in renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Rogenhofer Sebastian , Kahl Philip , Mertens Claudia , Hauser Stefan , Hartmann Wolfgang , Büttner Reinhard , Müller Stefan C. , von Ruecker Alexander , Ellinger Jörg 
Published: August 2011

What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add?Epigenetic alterations are important during carcinogenesis, and earlier studies suggested that global histone modification levels are predictive for patients’ outcome in various tumor entities.We demonstrate that H3K27me1 and H3K27me3 are markers of progression‐free survival in patients with renal cell carcinoma.OBJECTIVE• To evaluate if histone H3 lysine 27 (H3K27) methylation plays a role in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) tissue and whether its expression is a predictor of cancer recurrence in RCC.MATERIALS AND METHODS• A tissue microarray (TMA) with 193 RCC specimens (comprising 142 clear‐cell, 31 papillary, 10 chromophobe and 10 sarcomatoid RCC), 10 oncocytoma tissue specimens and a TMA with 30 benign renal tissue samples were stained with antibodies against H3K27‐monomethyl (H3K27me1), H3K27‐dimethyl (H3K27me2) and H3K27‐trimethyl (H3K27me3).• Sections were scored according to staining intensity and the proportion of epithelial cells showing nuclear staining.• H3K27 methylation levels were correlated with established clinical‐pathological variables (tumour‐node‐metastasis [TNM] stage, Fuhrman grade) and progression‐free/cancer‐specific survival.RESULTS• H3K27me1/‐me2/‐me3 staining was significantly more intense in papillary RCC then in clear‐cell RCC.• H3K27me3 levels were higher in oncocytoma than in RCC.• H3K27me1/‐me2/‐me3 methylation levels were inversely correlated with Fuhrman grading and pT‐stage.• Global H3K27me1/‐me2/‐me3 methylation levels were always higher in benign renal tissue than in RCC with tumour relapse (H3K27me1 P < 0.001, H3K27me2 P= 0.032, H3K27me3 P= 0.004).• Progression‐free survival was shorter in patients with lower levels of H3K27me1 and H3K27me3 in the univariate analysis. The newly created H3K27me score (combining the staining levels of the single modifications) was a significant and independent predictor of RCC progression‐free survival.CONCLUSION• The present study on H3K27‐methylation supports the hypothesis that global histone modifications are potential markers of cancer prognosis in RCC. One reason could be that decreased H3K27 indicates transcriptional activation and therefore predicts cancer activation.
Survival after radical cystectomy of non‐bilharzial squamous cell carcinoma vs urothelial carcinoma: a competing‐risks analysis
Authors: Abdollah Firas , Sun Maxine , Jeldres Claudio , Schmitges Jan , Thuret Rodolphe , Djahangirian Orchidee , Tian Zhe , Shariat Shahrokh F. , Perrotte Paul , Montorsi Francesco , Karakiewicz Pierre I. 
Published: August 2011

Study Type – Therapy (case series)Level of Evidence 4What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?To date, there is controversy about the impact of histological subtype of bladder cancer (nonbilharzial squanous cell carcinoma vs. urothelial carcinoma) on cancer control outcomes.Our study shows that the histological subtype may have an impact on the stage of bladder cancer at presentation. However, after adjusting to stage, the histological subtype has no impact on cancer control outcomes.OBJECTIVES
To test the effect of histological subtype (NBSCC vs UC) on cancer‐specific mortality (CSM), after adjusting for other‐cause mortality (OCM).
In Western countries, non‐bilharzial squamous cell carcinoma (NBSCC) is the second most common histological subtype in bladder cancer (BCa) after urothelial carcinoma (UC).
PATIENTS AND METHODS
We identified 12 311 patients who were treated with radical cystectomy (RC) between 1988 and 2006, within 17 Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) registries.
Univariable and multivariable competing‐risks analyses tested the relationship between histological subtype and CSM, after accounting for OCM.
Covariates consisted of age, sex, year of surgery, race, pathological T and N stages, as well as tumour grade.
RESULTS
Histological subtype was NBSCC in 614 (5%) patients vs UC in 11 697 (95%) patients.
At RC, the rate of non‐organ confined (NOC) BCa was higher in NBSCC patients than in their UC counterparts (71.7% vs 52.2%; P < 0.001).
After adjustment for OCM, The 5‐year cumulative CSM rates were 25.0% vs 19.8% (P= 0.2) for patients with NBSCC vs UC organ confined (OC) BCa, respectively. The same rates were 46.3% vs 49.3% in patients with NOC BCa (P= 0.1).
In multivariable competing‐risks analyses, histological subtype (NBSCC vs UC) failed to achieve independent predictor status of CSM in patients with OC (hazard ratio, 1.2; P= 0.06) or NOC BCa (hazard ratio, 1.1; P= 0.1).
CONCLUSIONS
At RC, the rate of NOC BCa is higher in NBSCC patients than in their UC counterparts.
Despite a more advanced stage at surgery, NBSCC histological subtype is not associated with a less favourable CSM than UC histological subtype, after accounting for OCM and the extent of the disease (OC vs NOC).
Reflections on the Architecture of the EU after the Treaty of Lisbon: The European Judicial Approach to Fundamental Rights
Authors: Morano‐Foadi Sonia , Andreadakis Stelios 
Published: August 2011

AbstractThis paper, based on an overarching project, focuses on the role of the Court of Justice of the EU (CJEU) (also known as the Luxembourg Court) in shaping legal integration in Europe. The entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty, the new legally binding nature of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights and the future EU's accession to the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (ECHR) bring significant changes to the fundamental rights discourse within the European Union. These developments allow the enhancement of human rights protection within the EU. Based on empirical data collected through interviews with the Court of Justice's judges and Advocates General and recent case‐law, the paper offers original insights into the post‐Lisbon era of regional integration and reflects on the impact of the Charter on the CJEU jurisprudence.
Magic and Divination in the Medieval Islamic Middle East
Authors: Francis Edgar W. 
Published: August 2011

AbstractFor over a hundred years, Western historians have been investigating magic and divination in the Middle East. The earliest scholarship on these topics was written at a time when the scholars in other fields presented magic either as inaccurate science or misplaced, antisocial religion. Even though such approaches have been harshly criticized in history and the other social sciences, historians of the Middle East have ignored these debates and have either persisted in using outdated frameworks or have simply ignored questions of how to define and locate magic and divination altogether. As a result, the study of magic as practiced in the Muslim world validated a certain view of the ‘Orient’ as inherently backward and inferior to the Occident. At the same time, many scholars have also conflated the study of contemporary observed practice with medieval primary sources. This is changing. At the same time that there has been a growing interest in the history of magic and divination in all societies, historians of Middle Eastern magic and divination have started to realize that, far from being some sort of primitive aberration, magic is and has been a very common part of life in all societies.
Postoperative anemia does not impede functional outcome and quality of life early after hip and knee arthroplasties
Authors: Vuille‐Lessard Élise , Boudreault Daniel , Girard François , Ruel Monique , Chagnon Miguel , Hardy Jean‐François 
Published: August 2011

BACKGROUND: Clinicians have adopted a restrictive transfusion threshold (75‐80 g/L) after major orthopedic surgery. Anemia may be associated with a decrease in postoperative vigor. We hypothesize that, in these patients, a threshold hemoglobin (Hb) concentration exists below which functional recovery and quality of life (QoL) become difficult.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A prospective, observational cohort study in 305 patients 60 years or older undergoing a total hip or knee arthroplasty was conducted. Major outcome variables were distance walked in 6 minutes (6MWT), score on the Borg Scale for perception of effort, maximal dominant hand strength, and Short Form 36 (SF‐36) QoL assessment in the preoperative and early postoperative periods. Patients were categorized according to their Hb level the day of the postoperative 6MWT (≤80, 81‐90, 91‐100, and >100 g/L).RESULTS: There was no difference between Hb groups in the decrease of the distance walked preoperatively versus postoperatively. For both moments of observation, the 6MWT was not significantly different between Hb groups (p = 0.190). Similar results were found with perception of effort, maximal dominant hand strength, and SF‐36 QoL assessment scores. In a regression model, the decrease in Hb concentration could explain only 1.9% of the total variation observed in the 6MWT (p = 0.008).CONCLUSION: Moderate anemia is not associated with an impaired functional recovery or QoL in the immediate postoperative period after major arthroplasties. Further studies will be required to determine the long‐term consequences of a restrictive transfusion strategy in these patients.
Blood screening nucleic acid amplification tests for human immunodeficiency virus Type 1 may require two different amplification targets
Authors: Chudy Michael , Weber‐Schehl Marijke , Pichl Lutz , Jork Christine , Kress Julia , Heiden Margarethe , Funk Markus B. , Nübling C. Micha 
Published: August 2011

BACKGROUND: Five cases of human immunodeficiency virus Type 1 (HIV‐1) RNA–positive blood donations are described that escaped detection by three different CE‐marked nucleic acid amplification technique (NAT) screening assays. These events were associated with two HIV‐1 transmissions to recipients of blood components. The implicated NAT assays are monotarget assays and amplify in different viral genome regions (group‐specific antigen or long terminal repeat). Investigations into the cause of the false‐negative test results were initiated.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Plasma specimens of the five NAT false‐negative cases were comparatively investigated in 12 CE‐marked HIV‐1 NAT systems of differing design. The relative amplification efficiency for the HIV‐1 variant was determined for each assay. Sequencing of the variants in the region targeted by each false‐negative NAT assay allowed comparison with the respective primers and probes.RESULTS: Some of the NAT assays designed in a similar way to false‐negative monotarget NATs also revealed deficiencies in detecting the viral variants. In each case sequencing of the assay target region in the variants demonstrated mismatches with primers and probes used by the assays. Some dual‐target assays showed decreased amplification efficiency, but not false‐negative results.CONCLUSION: HIV is characterized by its rapid evolution of new viral variants. The evolution of new sequences is unpredictable; NAT screening assays with a single target region appear to be more vulnerable to sequence variations than dual‐target assays. Based on this experience with false‐negative tests results by monotarget NAT assays, the Paul‐Ehrlich‐Institut is considering requesting dual‐target NAT assays for HIV‐1 blood donation screening in Germany.
Rate Sensitive Indentation Response of a Coarse‐Grained Magnesium Aluminate Spinel
Authors: Haney Edward J. , Subhash Ghatu 
Published: August 2011

The effect of loading rate on indentation hardness, brittleness, and fracture modes during static and dynamic Vickers indentation of a transparent coarse grain (250 μm average grain size) polycrystalline magnesium aluminate spinel was investigated. Static hardness was measured using a conventional Vickers tester while the dynamic hardness was measured using a custom test fixture based on split Hopkinson pressure bar technique with the capability to produce single indentations at strain rates of roughly 103 s−1. Static and dynamic hardness values as well as characteristic fracture response are compared at a range of indentation loads. It was found that Vickers micro hardness increased by an average of 5% over the entire load range, while the calculated brittleness factor increased when subjected to dynamic indentation loads. Static and dynamic indentations were found to produce radial and lateral cracks with evidence of spall appearing only during dynamic loading. Dynamic indentations also revealed an increased level of transgranular cracking, whereas intergranular cracking was more dominant during static indentations. Indentation cracks generated due to static indentations placed in the vicinity of a grain boundary deflected along a grain boundary, whereas these cracks cut across the grain boundary into the neighboring grain during dynamic indentations. Static and dynamic indentations that were placed directly on grain boundaries generated intergranular (grain boundary) cracks that were on average 18% longer than accompanying intragranular cracks. The implications of these fracture modes on dynamic impact response of polycrystalline spinel are discussed.
Optimization of Bioglass® Scaffold Fabrication Process
Authors: Chen Qizhi , Mohn Dirk , Stark Wendelin J. 
Published: August 2011

The production of mechanically reliable scaffolds from bioceramics for use in bone tissue engineering remains challenging. This paper describes the establishment of optimal processing parameters of Bioglass® scaffolds using the replication/slurry‐dip‐coating technique, based on theoretical design and experimental investigation. The foams fabricated under the optimized conditions, i.e., 5–20 μm particles and sintering at 1000°C–1100°C for 1–2 h, showed reproducible mechanical properties that could be predicted by Gibson and Ashby's theory. Excessively small (nano‐sized) or overly large (>30 μm) particles both resulted in poor quality scaffolds with unsatisfactory mechanical performance, due to a high population of microcracks in struts and poor fusion between particles during sintering, respectively. In conclusion, a mechanically reliable scaffold can be achieved using Bioglass® and the replication/slurry‐dip‐coating technique, provided that the particle size of the Bioglass powder is within the range of 5–20 μm and an appropriate sintering program (1000°C–1100°C, 1–2 h) is used.