bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ex vivo assessment of mouse cervical remodeling through pregnancy via 23Na MRS
Authors: Xu Xiang , Akgul Yucel , Mahendroo Mala , Jerschow Alexej 
Published: April 2010

AbstractPreterm birth occurs in 12.5% of births in the United States and can lead to risk of infant death or to lifelong serious health complications. A greater understanding by which the two main processes, uterine contraction and cervical remodeling are regulated is required to reduce rates of preterm birth. The cervix must undergo extensive remodeling through pregnancy in preparation for parturition, the process of labor and delivery of young. One key aspect of this dynamic process is a change in the composition and abundance of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and proteoglycans within the extracellular matrix, which influences the loss of tensile strength or stiffness of the cervix during labor. 23Na NMR spectroscopy has previously been validated as a method to quantify GAGs in tissues. In the current study, the Na+ concentration was measured at several time points through pregnancy in mouse cervices using 23Na NMR spectroscopy. The Na+ concentration increased progressively during pregnancy and peaked one day before birth followed by a rapid decline after birth. The same trend was seen in GAGs as measured by a biochemical assay using independent cervix samples over the course of pregnancy. We suggest that monitoring the Na+ concentration via 23Na NMR spectroscopy can serve as an informative physiological marker in evaluating the stages of cervical remodeling ex vivo and warrants further investigation to determine its utility as a diagnostic tool for the identification of women at risk for impending preterm birth. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Methods to apply probabilistic bias analysis to summary estimates of association
Authors: Lash Timothy L. , Schmidt Morten , Jensen Annette Østergaard , Engebjerg Malene Cramer 
Published: April 2010

AbstractPurposeBias analysis methods are developed for application to 2 × 2 tables, which may be crude or stratified data. Methods for application to associations adjusted for multiple covariates, such as associations from regression modeling, are rarely seen. We have developed probabilistic methods to evaluate bias from disease misclassification or an unmeasured confounder that can be applied to adjusted estimates of association.MethodsRather than applying bias correction methods that rearrange data within 2 × 2 tables, we have applied them to bias factors directly. We illustrate the methods by application to two pharmacoepidemiology problems.ResultsIn example one, the adjusted odds ratio associating glucocorticoid use with the rate of basal cell carcinoma was 1.15 (95%CI 1.07, 1.25). With bias analysis to account for differential disease misclassification, the median odds ratio was 1.32 and the 95% simulation limits were 1.16 and 1.56. In example two, the adjusted odds ratio associating concomitant use of clopidogrel and proton pump inhibitors with recurrent myocardial infarction was 1.21 (95%CI 0.90, 1.61). With bias analysis to account for confounding by smoking, which was unmeasured, the median odds ratio was 1.15 with 95% simulation interval 0.85 to 1.55.ConclusionMethods to apply probabilistic bias analysis to adjusted estimates of association can be implemented if a bias factor can be calculated directly from the bias model. This strategy requires that the bias is independent of confounding by measured variables, or requires that the dependence be incorporated into the bias model, as illustrated in an extension of the second example. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Strain‐hardening modulus of cross‐linked glassy poly(methyl methacrylate)
Authors: Wendlandt Michael , Tervoort Theo A. , Suter Ulrich W. 
Published: April 2010

AbstractThe strain hardening modulus, defined as the slope of the increasing stress with strain during large strain uniaxial plastic deformation, was extracted from a recently proposed constitutive model for the finite nonlinear viscoelastic deformation of polymer glasses, and compared to previously published experimental compressive true stress versus true strain data of glassy crosslinked poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). The model, which treats strain hardening predominantly as a viscous process, with only a minor elastic contribution, agrees well with the experimentally observed dependence of the strain hardening modulus on strain rate and crosslink density in PMMA, and, in addition, predicts the well‐known decrease of the strain hardening modulus in polymer glasses with temperature. General scaling aspects of continuum modeling of strain hardening behavior in polymer materials are also presented. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 48: 1464–1472, 2010
Is psychological distress in men recently diagnosed with testicular cancer associated with their neuropsychological test performance?
Authors: Skaali Tone , Fosså Sophie D. , Andersson Stein , Langberg Carl W. , Lehne Gustav , Dahl Alv A. 
Published: April 2010

AbstractObjective: To study the level of cancer‐related distress (CRD) and variables associated with CRD in recently diagnosed testicular cancer patients (TCPs), and to explore associations between distress levels and neuropsychological test performance at the same time‐point. Methods: As part of a prospective study of their psychological and cognitive functioning, 135 TCPs completed the Impact of Event Scale (IES) as a measure of CRD at a median of 37 days after diagnosis. They also completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS). Among 135 TCPs, 131 were interviewed and 129 were also tested with a neuropsychological battery. All investigations were done after orchidectomy but before any additional treatment. The associations between neuropsychological test‐scores and IES, HADS and PANAS were examined. Results: Twenty‐four percent (95%CI 17%–31%) of the TCPs reported clinically significant CRD (IES‐total score>26). No demographic or cancer‐related variables were associated with the CRD‐level. In univariate analyses, previous mental problems, sleeping problems, a higher level of neuroticism, daily smoking and hazardous alcohol‐use were significantly associated with the CRD‐level. In multivariate analysis neuroticism, smoking and alcohol‐use remained significantly associated with CRD. Four out of 18 neuropsychological test‐scores were significantly associated with at least one distress‐measure. Increasing distress‐levels were associated with decreasing test performance on some measures of attention, working memory and executive functions. Conclusions: In newly diagnosed TCPs, the scores on neuropsychological tests should be considered in relation to co‐existing mental distress. Future studies should consider adjustment for this on relevant tests. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identifying barriers to treatment adherence and related attitudinal patterns in adolescents with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Dziuban Eric J. , Saab‐Abazeed Lisa , Chaudhry Sarah R. , Streetman Daniel S. , Nasr Samya Z. 
Published: April 2010

AbstractIntroductionThe treatment of cystic fibrosis (CF) is directed toward correction of organ dysfunction and relief of symptoms resulting from the disease. Lack of adherence to daily treatment regimens may have substantial short‐term and long‐term effects on patients with CF. In this study, we attempted to identify barriers to treatment adherence which could be predicted by objective measures and explore ways to improve adherence in adolescents with CF.MethodsA questionnaire was given to patients 12.0–20.9 years of age, designed with focus on specific barriers to adhering to treatment plan and related attitudinal patterns. Observational and analytical results were collected.ResultsWe obtained questionnaires and objective health data for 60 respondents. The most commonly identified barriers to adherence were forgetting or losing medications (32/60) and being too busy (23/60). Attitudinal patterns that played a significant role for nonadherence included unintentional forgetting (40/60), feeling that following CF treatments resulted in less freedom in their lives (30/60), and believing it is acceptable to miss a treatment every few days (18/60) or to miss treatments when busy (18/60).DiscussionThere were a few statistically significant differences of adherence patterns between demographic subgroups in our study. Males were more likely to agree that it is acceptable to miss doses if they are made up with extra doses later (24% vs. 3%, P = 0.04). Patients who perceived themselves to be less healthy agreed more to statements of limited freedom, nonsympathetic medical providers, and difficulty adhering during times of decreased symptoms. This highlights an unexpected risk: as CF progresses and patients perceive themselves to be less healthy, they may become less likely to be adherent during the periods they are feeling the best, while at the same time becoming less likely to perceive empathy from their physicians.ConclusionsSurvey results describe a variety of beliefs and attitudinal patterns which contribute to nonadherence in CF treatment, especially relating to time management. While patients largely understood the importance of treatments to their health, predictors of risky behaviors could lead to targeted interventions by CF centers to address these challenges and improve adherence. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2010; 45:450–458. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A Bayesian model for the joint optimization of quality and maintenance decisions
Authors: Nenes George , Panagiotidou Sofia 
Published: April 2010

AbstractWe develop a model for the economic design of a Bayesian control chart for monitoring a process mean. The process may randomly suffer failures that result in a non‐operating state, and thus call for an immediate corrective maintenance action, as well as assignable causes that shift the process mean to an undesirable level. Quality shifts, apart from poorer quality outcome and higher operational cost, also result in higher failure rate. Consequently, their removal, besides improving the outcome quality and reducing the quality‐related cost, is also a preventive maintenance action since it reduces the probability of a failure. The proposed Bayesian model allows the determination of the design parameters that minimize the total expected quality and maintenance cost per time unit. The effectiveness of the proposed model is evaluated through the comparison of its expected cost against the optimum expected cost of the simpler variable‐parameter Shewhart chart. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Paradoxes of design: energy and water consumption and the aestheticization of Norwegian bathrooms 1990–2008
Authors: Berker Thomas , Gansmo Helen Jøsok 
Published: April 2010

AbstractIn this article we explore the widely held assumption that aestheticized consumption is bound to escalate. In our study of 20 years of representations of bathrooms in Norway's most popular interior design magazineBonytt, we found support for the hypothesis that since the early 1990s new uses of bathrooms as sites for the construction and expression of identity and social aspirations have become more salient. We also have reason to believe that these new uses may be related to increased energy and water consumption. However, we also encountered aspects that indicate a more contingent and paradoxical relation. First,Bonyttcalls explicitly forreflexiveconsumerism, enabling readers to deliberate the degree of aestheticization of their bathrooms. Second, while mostly showing large bathrooms, ‘aesthetic fixes’ are proposed byBonytt, which let small bathrooms appear larger – without increased energy consumption for space heating. Third, aesthetics is used to propagate new, energy saving technologies (e.g. LEDs). And fourth, water and energy wasting practices shown in newerBonyttissues (e.g. large shower heads) have largely replaced wasteful practices present in older issues (e.g. whirlpools). Thus, at least in these cases the shifts in fashions promoted byBonyttmay only be surface phenomena, which leave more fundamental trends untouched. These four observations are examples of how a productive relation between design and sustainability can be achieved. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
DNA damage and effects on glutathione‐S‐transferase activity induced by atrazine exposure in zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Authors: Zhu Lusheng , Dong Xiaoli , Xie Hui , Wang Jun , Wang Jinhua , Su Jun , Yu Changwei 
Published: April 2010

AbstractThis study was undertaken to investigate the protective effect of atrazine (2‐chloro‐4‐(ethylamino)‐6‐(isopropylamino)‐S‐triazine) on the activity of glutathione‐S‐transferase (GST) and DNA damage in males and females of adult zebrafish (Danio rerio). Zebrafish were exposed to control and three treatments (0.01, 0.1, and 1 mg/L) of atrazine for 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 days. The results indicated that, for males, the GST activity at lower atrazine concentrations (0.01 and 0.1 mg/L) was markedly higher than that of the controls throughout the duration of the experiment while there was a significant inhibition of the GST activity at 1 mg/L atrazine at days 5 and 20. For females, a significant increase was detected at 0.1 mg/L on the days 5 and 15 and at 0.01 mg/L on day 20. The DNA damage in zebrafish was evaluated using the comet assay; the olive tail moments obtained for hepatopancreas were enhanced after treatment with different concentrations of atrazine on days 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25. The DNA damage increased with increasing atrazine concentrations, indicating that genotoxicity of atrazine and significant differences was found compared to the controls. In conclusion, these findings provide further evidence of the effects of atrazine on aquatic ecosystems. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2010.
Current husbandry of red pandas (Ailurus fulgens) in zoos
Authors: Eriksson P. , Zidar J. , White D. , Westander J. , Andersson M. 
Published: April 2010

AbstractThe endangered red panda (Ailurus fulgens) is held in zoos worldwide. The aim of this study was to examine how red pandas are kept and managed in captivity and to compare it with the management guidelines. Sixty‐nine zoos, mainly from Europe but also from North America and Australia/New Zealand, responded to our survey. The results revealed that in general zoos follow the management guidelines for most of the investigated issues. The average enclosure is almost four times larger than the minimum size recommended by the management guidelines, although seven zoos have smaller enclosures. About half the zoos do not follow the guidelines concerning visitor access and number of nest boxes. Other issues that may compromise animal welfare include proximity of neighboring carnivore species and placement of nest boxes. Zoo Biol 29:732–740, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dispersal and habitat cuing of Eurasian red squirrels in fragmented habitats
Authors: Wauters Lucas Armand , Verbeylen Goedele , Preatoni Damiano , Martinoli Adriano , Matthysen Erik 
Published: April 2010

AbstractAnimal dispersal and subsequent settlement is a key process in the life history of many organisms, when individuals use demographic and environmental cues to target post‐dispersal habitats where fitness will be highest. To investigate the hypothesis that environmental disturbance (habitat fragmentation) may alter these cues, we compared dispersal patterns of 60 red squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris) in three study sites that differ in habitat composition and fragmentation. We determined dispersal distances, pre‐ and post‐dispersal habitat types and survival using a combination of capture–mark–recapture, radio‐tracking and genetic parentage assignment. Most (75%) squirrels emigrated from the natal home range with mean dispersal distance of 1,014 ± 925 m (range 51–4,118 m). There were no sex‐related differences in dispersal patterns and no differences in average dispersal distance, and the proportion of dispersers did not differ between sites. In one of the sites, dispersers settled in patches where density was lower than in the natal patch. In the least fragmented site, 90% of animals settled in the natal habitat type (habitat cuing) against 44–54% in the more strongly fragmented sites. Overall, more squirrels settled in the natal habitat type than expected based on habitat availability, but this was mainly due to individuals remaining within the natal wood. In the highly fragmented landscape, habitat cuing among emigrants did not occur more frequently than expected. We concluded that increased habitat fragmentation seemed to reduce reliable cues for habitat choice, but that dispersing squirrels settled in patches with lower densities of same‐sex animals than at the natal home range or patch, independent of degree of fragmentation.
Relationship between cardiovascular function and fetal growth restriction in women with pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Jia Rui‐zhe , Liu Xiao‐mei , Wang Xin , Wu Hai‐qing 
Published: April 2010

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between cardiovascular function in women with pre‐eclampsia and fetal growth restriction (FGR) using impedance cardiography.MethodThis retrospective study was performed with 639 participants allocated to one of 4 groups, a pre‐eclampsia (PE) with FGR group, a PE without FGR group, a pregnancy‐induced hypertension (PIH) without FGR group, and normal pregnancy (NP) group. Hemodynamic monitoring was performed noninvasively using impedance cardiography.ResultsMean arterial pressure and peripheral resistance were significantly higher, and cardiac output and maternal systolic function were significantly lower, in the 2 PE groups than in the PIH and NP groups, and these differences were the greatest between the NP and the PE with FGR groups.ConclusionImpedance cardiography allowed to observe a gradual increase in peripheral resistance and cardiac output from the NP group to the PIH, the PE without FGR, and the PE with FGR groups. The most reduced systolic function and cardiac output and the most increased peripheral resistance was observed in the PE with FGR group.
Evaluation of cervical screening results in a population at normal risk
Authors: Karabulut Aysun , Alan Tülay , Ali Ekiz Mustafa , İritaş Ayşe , Kesen Zehra , Yahşi Seyfettin 
Published: April 2010

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the frequency of dysplasia and other cervical conditions in a population at normal risk, and compare demographic characteristics of the women with normal and abnormal results.MethodsCharacteristics such as gravidity, parity, age at marriage, and smoking status were obtained from a questionnaire completed from January 2004 through July 2005 at Denizli State Hospital, Denizli, Turkey, by the 19 639 participants before they were screened. The results were analyzed.ResultsThe dysplasias detected in 107 smears (0.54%) included ASCUS (0.31%), LSIL (0.15%), and HSIL (0.07%); there were also 1 case of AGUS and 1 of squamous cell carcinoma. Age, age at marriage, number of pregnancies, number of deliveries, and smoking habit were similar for participants with and without dysplasia (P > 0.05). Bacterial vaginosis was seen in 1633 smears (8.3%), candidiasis in 1346 (6.9%), Actinomyces sp. in 648 (3.3%), and Trichomonas vaginalis in 143 (0.7%).ConclusionCytologic abnormalities in a cervical smear can point to precancerous or cancerous processes or to other conditions. The prevalence of dysplasia was lower for our participants than in Western populations, which could be explained by a conservative lifestyle and a lower prevalence of HPV in Turkey.
Treatment for Progressive Impairments of Language
Authors: Henry Maya 
Published: April 2010

Abstract
Primary progressive aphasia (PPA) is a relatively new diagnostic entity, for which few behavioral treatments have been investigated. Recent work has helped to clarify the nature of distinct PPA variants, including a nonfluent variant (NFV-PPA), a logopenic variant (LV-PPA), and a semantic variant (SV-PPA). This paper reviews treatment research to date in each subtype of PPA, including restitutive, augmentative, and functional approaches. The evidence suggests that restitutive behavioral treatment can result in improved or stabilized language performance within treated domains. Specifically, sentence production and lexical retrieval have been addressed in NFV-PPA, whereas lexical retrieval has been the primary object of treatment in LV and SV-PPA. Use of augmentative communication techniques, as well as implementation of functional communication approaches, also may result in improved communication skills in individuals with PPA. The ideal treatment approach may be one that combines restitutive, augmentative, and functional approaches to treatment, in order to maximize residual cognitive-linguistic skills in patients. Additional research is warranted to determine which modes of treatment are most beneficial in each type of PPA at various stages of severity.
A Genetic Framework for Grain Size and Shape Variation in Wheat
Authors: Gegas Vasilis C. , Nazari Aida , Griffiths Simon , Simmonds James , Fish Lesley , Orford Simon , Sayers Liz , Doonan John H. , Snape John W. 
Published: April 2010

AbstractGrain morphology in wheat (Triticum aestivum) has been selected and manipulated even in very early agrarian societies and remains a major breeding target. We undertook a large-scale quantitative analysis to determine the genetic basis of the phenotypic diversity in wheat grain morphology. A high-throughput method was used to capture grain size and shape variation in multiple mapping populations, elite varieties, and a broad collection of ancestral wheat species. This analysis reveals that grain size and shape are largely independent traits in both primitive wheat and in modern varieties. This phenotypic structure was retained across the mapping populations studied, suggesting that these traits are under the control of a limited number of discrete genetic components. We identified the underlying genes as quantitative trait loci that are distinct for grain size and shape and are largely shared between the different mapping populations. Moreover, our results show a significant reduction of phenotypic variation in grain shape in the modern germplasm pool compared with the ancestral wheat species, probably as a result of a relatively recent bottleneck. Therefore, this study provides the genetic underpinnings of an emerging phenotypic model where wheat domestication has transformed a long thin primitive grain to a wider and shorter modern grain.