bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Low amplitude, low frequency elastic measurements using Dynamic Mechanical Analyzer (DMA) spectroscopy
Authors: Salje Ekhard K. H. , Schranz Wilfried 
Published: November 2010

Abstract
The applications of DMA methods for the investigation of the dynamical mechanical properties of materials are reviewed. Experimental details of this method are described including the combination of DMA with X-ray rocking curve measurements to investigate the details of the domain patterns. Emphasis is given to the effect of phase transitions, in particular in ferroelastic and co-elastic systems where the ‘easy’ movement of domain boundaries, twin walls and other interfaces lead to super-elastic softening of the material. Thermodynamic constraints, such as in the adiabatic-isothermal crossover are discussed.
Smooth, ballistic propagation of domain walls are contrasted with the jerky behaviour of interfaces when phase transitions of first order are investigated. It is shown that for the ballistic behaviour, momentum driven wall movements are common and that their representation in Cole-Cole plots leads to depressed semi-circles, similar to methods used in dielectric spectroscopy. In jerky elastic responses the energy dissipation follows power law dependences. Domain wall pinning and domain wall freezing is discussed in some detail.
Nascent zeolite frameworks grown from amorphous gels – identification and prospects for crystal engineering
Authors: Dorset Douglas L. 
Published: November 2010

Abstract
From the standpoint of designing microporous frameworks with desired pore diameter and dimensionality, and, especially, the optimization of crystal habit, the crystal engineering of new zeolites must be based on concepts/procedures different from those appropriate for the design of organic crystals. This is because the structure building units proposed by Barrer and co-workers are probably not instrumental for framework construction, thus eliminating the important ‘synthon’ approach used for the construction of innovative organic solids. With some variant of the Flanigen model for crystal growth via one SiO2 unit at a time, the best approach to zeolite crytal growth engineering appears to occur indirectly via structure directing agents that can also be modified to influence the emergent crystal habit. Prospects for identifying frameworks emerging from synthesis gels are also discussed in this review, revealing that the use of radial distribution functions is less informative than for the analysis of silicate glasses.
Synthesis, crystal structure, electrical and thermal transport properties of the skutterudite-derivative RhGe1.5–x
Se1.5+x
Authors: Liang Ying , Schnelle Walter , Oeschler Niels , Budnyk Serhij , Grin Yuri 
Published: November 2010

Abstract
The skutterudite-derivative phase RhGe1.5-x
Se1.5+x
has been synthesized and structurally characterized by metallography and powder X-ray diffraction data. At x = 0, RhGe1.5Se1.5 displays trigonal sym metry, space group R-3, with unit cell parameters a = 12.0601(8) Å, c = 14.826(1) Å, V = 1867.5(4) Å3, and Z = 24. The crystal structure can be viewed as a modification of the cubic structure of the skutterudite CoAs3, where Ge and Se anions order in layers perpendicular to the [111] direction of the cubic skutterudite unit cell. Electrical resistivity, Seebeck coefficient and thermal conductivity of the phase RhGe1.5–x
Se1.5+x
( p-type semiconductor) have been investigated for different x values in the temperature range from 3 to 640 K.
β-cell function and metabolic control in latent autoimmune diabetes in adults with early insulin versus conventional treatment: a 3-year follow-up
Authors: Thunander Maria , Thorgeirsson Hlin , Törn Carina , Petersson Christer , Landin-Olsson Mona 
Published: November 2010

ObjectivesThe optimal treatment of latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA) is not established. We explored whether early insulin treatment, which has shown beneficial effects in rodents and in human pilot studies, would result in better preservation of β-cell function or metabolic control, compared with conventional treatment.Subjects and methodsGlucagon-stimulated C-peptide and HbAlc were evaluated at baseline and after 12, 24 and 36 months in 37 patients recently diagnosed with diabetes, aged ≥30 years, non-insulin-requiring and GADAb and/or ICA positive. Twenty patients received early insulin and 17 received conventional treatment (diet±oral hypoglycaemic agents (OHA), metformin, some and/or sulfonylurea) and insulin when necessary.ResultsLevel of metabolic control, HbAlc, was preserved in the early insulin treated, while it significantly deteriorated in the conventionally treated. There was no significant difference between the groups in C-peptide after 12, 24 or 36 months, or in the decline of C-peptide. Only baseline C-peptide predicted a C-peptide of ≥0.5 nmol/l at 36 months. Gender, body mass index, antibody titres or HbAlc did not influence the levels of C-peptide or HbAlc at baseline or end-of-study, or the decline in C-peptide. Among the diet±OHA-treated, 5/17 (30%) developed insulin dependency during the follow-up. No major hypoglycaemic events occurred.ConclusionsEarly insulin treatment in LADA leads to better preservation of metabolic control and was safe. Superior preservation of C-peptide could not be significantly demonstrated. Only baseline level of C-peptide significantly influenced C-peptide level after 3 years. Further studies exploring the best treatment in LADA are warranted.
Pleasing the Masses: Messages for Daily Life Management in African American Women's Popular Media Sources
Authors: Black Angela Rose , Peacock Nadine 
Published: November 2010

Objectives. Using African American women's insights on their own health experiences, we explored how their daily life management was linked to the “strong Black woman” (SBW) script, and the health implications of that script. Methods. Using the search term “strong Black woman,” we identified 20 articles from African American women's magazines and 10 blog sites linked to the SBW script and analyzed their content. We created thematic categories (role management, coping, and self-care) and extracted issues relevant to African American women's health. Results. Adherence to the SBW script was linked to women's daily life management and health experiences. Themes such as self-sacrificial role management (“please the masses”), emotional suppression (“game face”), and postponement of self-care (“last on the list”) incited internal distress and evinced negative health consequences. Conclusions. Scientists, activists, and health care professionals would be aided in forming initiatives aimed at reducing health disparities among African American women by heeding the insights on their health experiences that they express in popular media sources.
A Qualitative Assessment of Community-Based Breast Health Navigation Services for Southeast Asian Women in Southern California: Recommendations for Developing a Navigator Training Curriculum
Authors: Nguyen Tu-Uyen N. , Tran Jacqueline H. , Kagawa-Singer Marjorie , Foo Mary Anne 
Published: November 2010

Objectives. We identified key elements required for a training curriculum for Southeast Asian community-based health navigators (CBHNs), who help low-income, immigrant Cambodian, Laotian, Thai, and Vietnamese women negotiate cultural and systemic barriers to breast cancer screening and care in the United States. Methods. We gathered the perspectives of 3 groups: CBHNs, community members, and their providers. We conducted 16 focus groups with 110 women representing different stages of the cancer care continuum and in-depth interviews with 15 providers and 10 navigators to identify the essential roles, skills, and interpersonal qualities that characterize successful CBHNs. Results. The most important areas identified for training CBHNs were information (e.g., knowing pertinent medical information and how to navigate resources), logistics (transportation, interpretation), and affective interpersonal skills (understanding the language and cultural beliefs of patients, communicating with providers, establishing trust). Conclusions. CBHNs serve a crucial role in building trust and making screening practices culturally meaningful, accessible, usable, and acceptable. Future research should focus on developing training curricula, policies, resources, and funding to better maximize the expertise and services that CBHNs provide and to expand our findings to other underserved communities.
Blood Lead Levels of Refugee Children Resettled in Massachusetts, 2000 to 2007
Authors: Eisenberg Katherine W. , van Wijngaarden Edwin , Fisher Susan G. , Korfmacher Katrina S. , Campbell James R. , Fernandez I. Diana , Cochran Jennifer , Geltman Paul L. 
Published: November 2010

Objectives. We described elevated blood lead level (BLL; ≥ 10 μg/dL) prevalence among newly arrived refugee children in Massachusetts. We also investigated the incidence of BLL increases and BLLs newly elevated to 20 μg/dL or higher in the year following initial testing, along with associated factors. Methods. We merged data from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health's Refugee and Immigrant Health Program and the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program on 1148 refugee children younger than 7 years who arrived in Massachusetts from 2000 to 2007. Results. Elevated BLL prevalence was 16% among newly arrived refugee children. The rate ratio for BLL elevation to 20 μg/dL or higher after arrival was 12.3 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 6.2, 24.5) compared with children in communities the state defines as high-risk for childhood lead exposure. Residence in a census tract with older housing (median year built before 1950) was associated with a higher rate of BLL increases after resettlement (hazard ratio = 1.7; 95% CI = 1.2, 2.3). Conclusions. Refugee children are at high risk of lead exposure before and after resettlement in Massachusetts. A national surveillance system of refugee children's BLLs following resettlement would allow more in-depth analysis.
HIV Risk Among Young African American Men Who Have Sex With Men: A Case–Control Study in Mississippi
Authors: Oster Alexandra M. , Dorell Christina G. , Mena Leandro A. , Thomas Peter E. , Toledo Carlos A. , Heffelfinger James D. 
Published: November 2010

Objectives. We conducted a case–control study in the Jackson, Mississippi, area to identify factors associated with HIV infection among young African American men who have sex with men (MSM). Methods. During February to April 2008, we used surveillance records to identify young (16–25 years old) African American MSM diagnosed with HIV between 2006 and 2008 (case participants) and recruited young African American MSM who did not have HIV (controls). Logistic regression analysis was used to assess factors associated with HIV infection. Results. In a multivariable analysis of 25 case participants and 85 controls, having older male partners (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 5.5; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.8, 17.3), engaging in unprotected anal intercourse with casual male partners (adjusted OR = 6.3; 95% CI = 1.8, 22.3), and being likely to give in to a partner who wanted to have unprotected sex (adjusted OR = 5.0; 95% CI = 1.2, 20.6) were associated with HIV infection. Conclusions. Given the high prevalence of risk behaviors among the young African American MSM in our study, HIV prevention efforts must begin before or during early adolescence and need to focus on improving negotiation and communication regarding sex.
An Examination of Periodontal Treatment, Dental Care, and Pregnancy Outcomes in an Insured Population in the United States
Authors: Albert David A. , Begg Melissa D. , Andrews Howard F. , Williams Sharifa Z. , Ward Angela , Lee Conicella Mary , Rauh Virginia , Thomson Janet L. , Papapanou Panos N. 
Published: November 2010

Objectives. We examined whether periodontal treatment or other dental care is associated with adverse birth outcomes within a medical and dental insurance database.Methods. In a retrospective cohort study, we examined the records of 23 441 women enrolled in a national insurance plan who delivered live births from singleton pregnancies in the United States between January 1, 2003, and September 30, 2006, for adverse birth outcomes on the basis of dental treatment received. We compared rates of low birthweight and preterm birth among 5 groups, specifying the relative timing and type of dental treatment received. We used logistic regression analysis to compare outcome rates across treatment groups while adjusting for duration of continuous dental coverage, maternal age, pregnancy complications, neighborhood-level income, and race/ethnicity.Results. Analyses showed that women who received preventive dental care had better birth outcomes than did those who received no treatment (P < .001). We observed no evidence of increased odds of adverse birth outcomes from dental or periodontal treatment.Conclusions. For women with medical and dental insurance, preventive care is associated with a lower incidence of adverse birth outcomes.
The Neighborhood Food Environment and Adult Weight Status: Estimates From Longitudinal Data
Authors: Gibson Diane M. 
Published: November 2010

Objectives. I used longitudinal data to consider the relationship between the neighborhood food environment and adult weight status. Methods. I combined individual-level data on adults from the 1998 through 2004 survey years of the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979 with zip code–level data on the neighborhood food environment. I estimated ordinary least squares models of obesity, body mass index (BMI), and change in BMI. Results. For residents of urban areas, the neighborhood density of small grocery stores was positively and significantly related to obesity and BMI. For individuals who moved from a rural area to an urban area over a 2-year period, changes in neighborhood supermarket density, small grocery store density, and full-service restaurant density were significantly related to the change in BMI over that period. Conclusions. Residents of urban neighborhoods with a higher concentration of small grocery stores may be more likely to patronize these stores and consume more calories because small grocery stores tend to offer more unhealthy food options than healthy food options. Moving to an urban area may expose movers to a wider variety of food options that may influence calorie consumption.
Timing of First Dental Visits for Newly Medicaid-Enrolled Children With an Intellectual or Developmental Disability in Iowa, 2005–2007
Authors: Chi Donald L. , Momany Elizabeth T. , Jones Michael P. , Damiano Peter C. 
Published: November 2010

Objectives. We evaluated the relationship between having an intellectual or developmental disability (IDD) and the timing of the first dental visit for children who were newly enrolled in Medicaid in Iowa. Methods. We identified children aged 3 to 8 years with and without IDD who were newly enrolled in the Iowa Medicaid program in 2005 (N = 5391). We gathered data on presence of IDD, health status, age at baseline, gender, length of Medicaid enrollment, medical care visits, household Medicaid enrollment, urbanization, residence in a federally designated Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA), and time of first dental visit through 2007. Results. About 32% of children had a first dental visit within 6 months of enrollment; this proportion increased to 49%, 64%, and 74% by years 1, 2, and 3, respectively. In the unadjusted models, there was no significant difference between children with and without IDD in time to first dental visit (P = .22). After adjusting for model covariates, however, children with IDD were 31% more likely to have a delayed first dental visit (P = .04). Conclusions. Newly Medicaid-enrolled children aged 3 to 8 years with IDD in Iowa were significantly more likely to have a later first dental visit. Future interventions should focus on ensuring timely access to first dental visits for all Medicaid-enrolled children, with an emphasis on those with IDD.
Single Time Point Immune Function Assay (ImmuKnowTM) Testing Does Not Aid in the Prediction of Future Opportunistic Infections or Acute Rejection
Authors: Huskey Janna , Gralla Jane , Wiseman Alexander C. 
Published: November 2010

SummaryBackground and objectivesCurrent assays and tests that are used to determine the degree of immunosuppression in renal transplant recipients are suboptimal. The ImmuKnowTMassay (CylexTM), a measure of intracellular CD4+ T cell ATP release proposed as a means to quantify cell-mediated immunity in transplant recipients, could be considered as a potential tool to identify patients at risk for opportunistic infections (OI) or acute rejection (AR).Design, setting, participants, & measurementsWe retrospectively analyzed 1330 ImmuKnow assay values in 583 renal transplant recipients at a single center from 2004 to 2009 and correlated these values with episodes of OI and AR in the subsequent 90 days. Assay values were compared with a control population matched for age, gender, and time post-transplantation.ResultsIn patients with OI (n= 94), there were no differences in prior mean assay values compared with matched controls (386versus417 ng/ml,P= 0.24). In 47 patients with AR, again no differences were detected in prior assay results (390versus432 ng/ml,P= 0.25) when compared with controls. “Low” values (≤225 ng/ml) lacked sensitivity and specificity as a predictive test for subsequent OI, as did “strong” (≥525 ng/ml) values as a predictive test for subsequent AR.ConclusionsOur results fail to show an association between single time point ImmuKnow assay values and the subsequent development of an adverse event in the subsequent 90 days. The optimal use of the ImmuKnow assay in kidney transplantation has yet to be determined.
Nonlinear Relationship between Mycophenolate Mofetil Dose and Mycophenolic Acid Exposure
Authors: de Winter Brenda C.M. , Mathot Ron A.A. , Sombogaard Ferdi , Vulto Arnold G. , van Gelder Teun 
Published: November 2010

Summary

Background and objectives
Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) is an immunosuppressive drug used in renal transplant patients. Upon oral administration it is hydrolyzed to the active agent mycophenolic acid (MPA). In renal transplant recipients, MMF therapy is optimal when the area under the curve of MPA is 30 to 60 mg·h/L. When MMF doses are adjusted, a linear relationship between dose and MPA exposure is assumed. In this study, the linearity of MMF pharmacokinetics was investigated.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
MPA concentration-time profiles from renal transplant recipients cotreated with cyclosporine (n = 140) or tacrolimus (n = 101) were analyzed retrospectively using nonlinear mixed-effects modeling. The correlation between the MMF dose and the pharmacokinetics parameters was evaluated.

Results
In the developed population pharmacokinetics model MPA clearance and the central volume of distribution were correlated with cyclosporine coadministration and time posttransplantation. The pharmacokinetics of MPA were not linear. Bioavailability decreased with increasing MMF doses. Compared with an MMF dose of 1000 mg (=100%), relative bioavailability was 123%, 111%, 94%, and 90% in patients receiving MMF doses of 250, 500, 1500, and 2000 mg in combination with cyclosporine (P < 0.001); respective values in tacrolimus-cotreated patients were 176%, 133%, 85%, and 76% (P < 0.001). Because of the decreasing relative bioavailability, MPA exposure will increase less than proportionally with increasing MMF doses.

Conclusions
MMF exhibits nonlinear pharmacokinetics. This should be taken into account when performing therapeutic drug monitoring.
Determinants and Prognostic Significance of Electrocardiographic Left Ventricular Hypertrophy Criteria in Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Agarwal Rajiv , Light Robert P. 
Published: November 2010

Summary

Background and objectives
The diagnosis of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) has prognostic value in the general population. However, among those with chronic kidney disease (CKD), the determinants of electrocardiographic (EKG) LVH and its prognostic value are not clear.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
A cross-sectional study was performed among 387 consenting consecutive patients from a veterans hospital with a longitudinal follow-up.

Results
The overall prevalence of EKG-LVH by the Sokolow–Lyon criteria was 8% and by the Cornell voltage-duration product was 11%. Compared with non-CKD controls, CKD patients had unadjusted odds ratio (OR) for LVH by Cornell criteria of 2.52 (95% CI 1.18 to 5.42). Significance was lost after adjustment. The unadjusted OR for LVH by Sokolow–Lyon criteria was 2.24 (95% CI 0.95 to 5.33). This OR remained statistically insignificant after multivariate adjustment. Anemia, proteinuria, and 24-hour ambulatory systolic BP were associated with EKG-LVH regardless of diagnostic criteria. After a 7.5-year median follow-up, the hazard ratio for all-cause mortality was not associated with EKG-LVH diagnosed by the Sokolow–Lyon criteria; however, multivariable adjustments made EKG-LVH significant. A statistically significant relationship was seen between mortality and Cornell criteria; however, multivariable adjustments made EKG-LVH nonsignificant.

Conclusions
The Sokolow–Lyon and Cornell EKG-LVH criteria cannot be used interchangeably to diagnose LVH or determine prognosis. Among those with CKD, ambulatory systolic BP predicts all-cause mortality. Moreover, the duration and severity of BP elevation presumably reflected in EKG-LVH diagnosed by Sokolow–Lyon criteria is also of prognostic significance; the Cornell criteria do not carry independent prognostic information.
Supervised Exercises Compared With Radial Extracorporeal Shock-Wave Therapy for Subacromial Shoulder Pain: 1-Year Results of a Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Engebretsen Kaia , Grotle Margreth , Bautz-Holter Erik , Ekeberg Ole Marius , Juel Niels Gunnar , Brox Jens Ivar 
Published: November 2010

BackgroundEvidence from a recent randomized controlled trial indicated that supervised exercises (SE) were more effective than radial extracorporeal shock-wave therapy (rESWT) for the treatment of subacromial shoulder pain in the short to medium term. Little knowledge exists about the long-term results of rESWT for subacromial pain.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the results of rESWT and SE provided to patients with subacromial shoulder pain after 1 year.DesignThis was a single-blind randomized controlled trial.SettingThe study was conducted in the outpatient clinic of the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department at Oslo University Hospital, Ullevaal, Norway.PatientsOne hundred four patients with subacromial shoulder pain lasting at least 3 months participated. Patients were randomly assigned to either an rESWT group (n=52) or an SE group (n=52).InterventionThe rESWT intervention consisted of one session weekly for 4 to 6 weeks. The SE intervention consisted of two 45-minute sessions per week for up to 12 weeks.MeasurementsThe primary outcome measure was the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index. Secondary outcome measures were questions regarding pain and function and work status.ResultsAfter 1 year, an intention-to-treat analysis showed no significant differences between the 2 groups for the primary outcome measure (−7.6 points, 95% confidence interval=−16.6 to 0.5) and pain, function, and medication use. Twenty-nine participants (60%) in the SE group versus 24 participants (52%) in the rESWT group were categorized as clinically improved. Thirty-eight participants in the SE group were at work compared with 30 participants in the rESWT group (odds ratio=1.1, 95% confidence interval=1.0 to 1.2). Fewer patients in the SE group had received additional treatments between 18 weeks and 1 year.LimitationsThe lack of a placebo control group, the lack of a cost-benefit analysis, and the small sample size were limitations of the study.ConclusionNo significant difference was found between the SE and rESWT groups at the 1-year follow-up. More participants in the SE group had returned to work.