bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genomewide association study for onset age in Parkinson disease
Authors: Latourelle Jeanne C , Pankratz Nathan , Dumitriu Alexandra , Wilk Jemma B , Goldwurm Stefano , Pezzoli Gianni , Mariani Claudio B , DeStefano Anita L , Halter Cheryl , Gusella James F , Nichols William C , Myers Richard H , Foroud Tatiana ,   the PSG -PROGENI and GenePD Investigators, Coordinators and Molecular Genetic Laboratories
Published: September 2009

Abstract

Background
Age at onset in Parkinson disease (PD) is a highly heritable quantitative trait for which a significant genetic influence is supported by multiple segregation analyses. Because genes associated with onset age may represent invaluable therapeutic targets to delay the disease, we sought to identify such genetic modifiers using a genomewide association study in familial PD. There have been previous genomewide association studies (GWAS) to identify genes influencing PD susceptibility, but this is the first to identify genes contributing to the variation in onset age.

Methods
Initial analyses were performed using genotypes generated with the Illumina HumanCNV370Duo array in a sample of 857 unrelated, familial PD cases. Subsequently, a meta-analysis of imputed SNPs was performed combining the familial PD data with that from a previous GWAS of 440 idiopathic PD cases. The SNPs from the meta-analysis with the lowest p-values and consistency in the direction of effect for onset age were then genotyped in a replication sample of 747 idiopathic PD cases from the Parkinson Institute Biobank of Milan, Italy.

Results
Meta-analysis across the three studies detected consistent association (p < 1 × 10-5) with five SNPs, none of which reached genomewide significance. On chromosome 11, the SNP with the lowest p-value (rs10767971; p = 5.4 × 10-7) lies between the genes QSER1 and PRRG4. Near the PARK3 linkage region on chromosome 2p13, association was observed with a SNP (rs7577851; p = 8.7 × 10-6) which lies in an intron of the AAK1 gene. This gene is closely related to GAK, identified as a possible PD susceptibility gene in the GWAS of the familial PD cases.

Conclusion
Taken together, these results suggest an influence of genes involved in endocytosis and lysosomal sorting in PD pathogenesis.
Augmentation of tibial plateau fractures with Trabecular Metal™: a biomechanical study
Authors: Benoit Benoit , Fouad Zhim , Laflamme George-Henri , Rouleau Dominique , Laflamme G Yves 
Published: September 2009

AbstractBackgroundRestoration and maintenance of the plateau surface are the key points in the treatment of tibial plateau fractures. Any deformity of the articular surface jeopardizes the future of the knee by causing osteoarthritis and axis deviation. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of Trabecular Metal (porous tantalum metal) on stability and strength of fracture repair in the central depression tibial plateau fracture.MethodSix matched pairs of fresh frozen human cadaveric tibias were fractured and randomly assigned to be treated with either the standard of treatment (impacted cancellous bone graft stabilized by two 4.5 mm screws under the comminuted articular surface) or the experimental method (the same screws supporting a 2 cm diameter Trabecular Metal (TM) disc placed under the comminuted articular surface). Each tibia was tested on a MTS machine simulating immediate postoperative load transmission with 500 Newton for 10,000 cycles and then loaded to failure to determine the ultimate strength of the construct.ResultsThe trabecular metal construct showed 40% less caudad displacement of the articular surface (1, 32 ± 0.1 mm vs. 0, 80 ± 0.1 mm) in cyclic loading (p < 0.05). Its mechanical failure occurred at a mean of 3275 N compared to 2650 N for the standard of care construct (p < 0, 05).ConclusionThe current study shows the biomechanical superiority of the trabecular metal construct compared to the current standard of treatment with regards to both its resistance to caudad displacement of the articular surface in cyclic loading and its strength at load to failure.
Randomized Controlled Trial of the Effects of Aerobic Exercise on Physical Functioning and Quality of Life in Lymphoma Patients
Authors: Courneya Kerry S. , Sellar Christopher M. , Stevinson Clare , McNeely Margaret L. , Peddle Carolyn J. , Friedenreich Christine M. , Tankel Keith , Basi Sanraj , Chua Neil , Mazurek Alex , Reiman Tony 
Published: September 2009

PurposeLymphoma patients commonly experience declines in physical functioning and quality of life (QoL) that may be reversed with exercise training.Patients and MethodsWe conducted a randomized controlled trial in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, between 2005 and 2008 that stratified 122 lymphoma patients by major disease type and current treatment status and randomly assigned them to usual care (UC; n = 62) or 12 weeks of supervised aerobic exercise training (AET; n = 60). Our primary end point was patient-rated physical functioning assessed by the Trial Outcome Index-Anemia. Secondary end points were overall QoL, psychosocial functioning, cardiovascular fitness, and body composition.ResultsFollow-up assessment for our primary end point was 96% (117 of 122) at postintervention and 90% (110 of 122) at 6-month follow-up. Median adherence to the supervised exercise program was 92%. At postintervention, AET was superior to UC for patient-rated physical functioning (mean group difference, +9.0; 95% CI, 2.0 to 16.0; P = .012), overall QoL (P = .021), fatigue (P = .013), happiness (P = .004), depression (P = .005), general health (P < .001), cardiovascular fitness (P < .001), and lean body mass (P = .008). Change in peak cardiovascular fitness mediated the change in patient-rated physical functioning. AET did not interfere with chemotherapy completion rate or treatment response. At 6-month follow-up, AET was still borderline or significantly superior to UC for overall QoL (P = .054), happiness (P = .034), and depression (P = .009) without an increased risk of disease recurrence/progression.ConclusionAET significantly improved important patient-rated outcomes and objective physical functioning in lymphoma patients without interfering with medical treatments or response. Exercise training to improve cardiovascular fitness should be considered in the management of lymphoma patients.
Underuse of Breast Cancer Adjuvant Treatment: Patient Knowledge, Beliefs, and Medical Mistrust
Authors: Bickell Nina A. , Weidmann Jessica , Fei Kezhen , Lin Jenny J. , Leventhal Howard 
Published: September 2009

Purpose Little is known about why women with breast cancer who have surgery do not receive proven effective postsurgical adjuvant treatments. Methods We surveyed 258 women who recently underwent surgical treatment at six New York City hospitals for early-stage breast cancer about their care, knowledge, and beliefs about breast cancer and its treatment. As per national guidelines, all women should have received adjuvant treatment. Adjuvant treatment data were obtained from inpatient and outpatient charts. Factor analysis was used to create scales scored to 100 of treatment beliefs and knowledge, medical mistrust, and physician communication about treatment. Bivariate and multivariate analyses assessed differences between treated and untreated women. Results Compared with treated women, untreated women were less likely to know that adjuvant therapies increase survival (on a 100-point scale; 66 v 75; P < .0001), had greater mistrust (64 v 53; P = .001), and had less self-efficacy (92 v 97; P < .05); physician communication about treatment did not affect patient knowledge of treatment benefits (r = 0.8; P = .21). Multivariate analysis found that untreated women were more likely to be 70 years or older (adjusted relative risk [aRR], 1.11; 95% CI, 1.00 to 1.13), to have comorbidities (aRR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.04 to 1.12), and to express mistrust in the medical delivery system (aRR, 1.003; 95% CI, 1.00 to 1.007), even though they were more likely to believe adjuvant treatments were beneficial (aRR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.98 to 0.99; model c, 0.84; P ≤ .0001). Conclusion Patient knowledge and beliefs about treatment and medical mistrust are mutable factors associated with underuse of effective adjuvant therapies. Physicians may improve cancer care by ensuring that discussions about adjuvant therapy include a clear presentation of the benefits, not just the risks of treatment, and by addressing patient trust in and concerns about the medical system.
Laboratory Evaluation of Geogrid Base Reinforcement and Corresponding Instrumentation Program
Authors: Chen Qiming , Abu-Farsakh Murad , Tao Mingjiang 
Published: September 2009

Abstract
The performance of geogrid base reinforcement in pavement on weak subgrade under cyclic plate load testing was studied. The performance of instrumentation sensors was also evaluated to improve future instrumentation programs. The tests were conducted inside a test box of dimensions of 2.0×2.0×1.7 m3 using a servo-hydraulic actuator. A 40-kN load at a frequency of 0.77 Hz was applied through a 305-mm-diameter steel plate. The sensors used included linear variable displacement transducers, pressure cells, bondable foil strain gages, and piezometers. The test results showed that the inclusion of geogrid at the subgrade/base course layer interface can significantly improve the performance of flexible pavement on weak subgrade (California bearing ratio=0.5 %) and that the traffic benefit ratio can be increased up to 3.5 for a rutting depth of 25 mm. The test results also showed that the reinforcement can redistribute the applied load to a wider area, thus achieving an improved stress distribution on the subgrade, which will eventually reduce the permanent deformation of subgrade. The bondable foil strain gages are unsuitable for long-time continuous monitoring of strain development within geogrid under high number of cyclic loading.
How Does Solute-Polarization Affect the Hydrophobic Hydration of Methane?
Authors: Paschek Dietmar 
Published: September 2009

Abstract
We simulate the solubility and solvation free energy of methane dissolved in water at infinite dilution. Molecular dynamics simulations of TIP4P-Ew model water are carried out at ambient pressure conditions over a large temperature interval, ranging from 250 K to 370 K. Solvation free energies are determined using the Widom particle insertion method. The fitted temperature dependent data is used to calculate solvation enthalpies, entropies, as well as the heat capacity of solvation. In particular we study the effect of polarizability of methane on those thermodynamic parameters. Solute polarization leads to a lowering of the solvation free energy at 298 K to 8.3 kJ mol−1, almost exactly matching the experimental value. A close inspection of the enthalpic and entropic contributions, however, reveals that this coincidence is a consequence of a compensation of enthalpic and entropic contributions, each of them deviating even larger from their respective experimental values. Surprisingly, the solute polarizability is apparently affecting the solvation entropy more strongly than the solvation enthalpy, leading to an about 5 J K−1 mol−1 smaller (less negative) solvation entropy compared to the non-polarizable model. The solute-water radial distribution functions of the polarizable particle reveals significant modifications, favoring small distances, as well as structural changes, very similar to those caused by a temperature increase. This is suggesting that the reduced negative solvation entropy of a polarizable methane particle is related to a more disordered, "high-temperature"-like hydration shell.
Rigid Molecule Approximation in Memory Function-based Models for Molecular Liquids: Application to Liquid Water
Authors: Calandrini V. , Sutmann G. , Deriu Antonio , Kneller G. R. 
Published: September 2009

Abstract
In the present article we show how models for simple liquids can be used to describe the dynamics of atoms in molecular liquids within the rigid molecule approximation. We show in particular that the atomic masses are to be replaced by the corresponding Sachs-Teller masses and we derive a formal expression for the so-called Einstein frequency. The approach is illustrated for a model which has been originally developed for simple liquids and which has been used in the past to analyze quasielastic neutron scattering data from pure water and dilute aqueous solutions of apolar molecules. We obtain a remarkable agreement with results from molecular dynamics simulations not only in the quasielastic, diffusive regime, but also in the inelastic regime corresponding to intermolecular vibrations and fast molecular librations.
Requirement for the ERI/DICER Complex in Endogenous RNA Interference and Sperm Development in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Pavelec Derek M , Lachowiec Jennifer , Duchaine Thomas F , Smith Harold E , Kennedy Scott 
Published: September 2009

Abstract
Small regulatory RNAs are key regulators of gene expression. One class of small regulatory RNAs, termed the endogenous small interfering RNAs (endo siRNAs), is thought to negatively regulate cellular transcripts via an RNA interference (RNAi)-like mechanism termed endogenous RNAi (endo RNAi). A complex of proteins composed of ERI-1/3/5, RRF-3, and DICER (the ERI/DICER complex) mediates endo RNAi processes in Caenorhabditis elegans. We conducted a genetic screen to identify additional components of the endo RNAi machinery. Our screen recovered alleles of eri-9, which encodes a novel DICER-interacting protein, and a missense mutation within the helicase domain of DICER [DCR-1(G492R)]. ERI-9(−) and DCR-1(G492) animals exhibit defects in endo siRNA expression and a concomitant failure to regulate mRNAs that exhibit sequence homology to these endo siRNAs, indicating that ERI-9 and the DCR-1 helicase domain function in the C. elegans endo RNAi pathway. We define a subset of Eri mutant animals (including eri-1, rrf-3, eri-3, and dcr-1, but not eri-9 or ergo-1) that exhibit temperature-sensitive, sperm-specific sterility and defects in X chromosome segregation. Among these mutants we find multiple aberrations in sperm development beginning with cytokinesis and extending through terminal differentiation. These results identify novel components of the endo RNAi machinery, demonstrate differential requirements for the Eri factors in the sperm-producing germline, and begin to delineate the functional requirement for the ERI/DICER complex in sperm development.
Top-Down Approach to the Fabrication of GaN-based Photonic Crystal Biosensor
Authors: Hamza B. M. , Yalamanchili H. , Andagana H. , Cao X. , Hornak L. A. , Dawson J. M. , Korakakis D. 
Published: September 2009

Abstract
Combining optics and microfluidics to create a portable optofluidic photonic crystal (PhC) biosensor is an approach with promising applications in the fields of counter-terrorism, agricultural sciences, and health sciences. Presented here are fabrication processes of a gallium nitride (GaN)-based PhC biosensor with a resonance-enhanced fluorescence detection mechanism that shows potential for meeting the single molecule detection requirements of these application areas. GaN is being targeted as the photonic crystal slab material for two main reasons: its transparency in the visible spectral range, within which the excitation and emission wavelengths of the commercial fluorescent-labeling dyes fall, and its intrinsic thermal stability which provides an increased flexibility of operating in different environments. Optical modeling efforts indicate a 25-fold enhancement of the fluorescent emission in this portable fluorescentbased PhC biosensor.
Material Properties, Thermal Stabilities and Electrical Characteristics of Ge MOS Devices, Depending on Oxidation States of Ge Oxide: Monoxide [GeO(II)] and Dioxide [GeO2(IV)]
Authors: Kamata Yoshiki , Takashima Akira , Tezuka Tsutomu 
Published: September 2009

AbstractGe monoxide [GeO(II)] and dioxide [GeO2(IV)], which are selectively formed on Ge substrate by controlling pH and redox potential in pretreatment solution, are confirmed by XPS. ΔEC in GeO(II)/Ge and GeO2(IV)/Ge are almost the same, whereas ΔEV in GeO(II)/Ge is smaller than that in GeO2(IV)/Ge, resulting in smaller Eg of GeO(II). GeO(g) desorption is suppressed in LaAlO3/Ge gate stack, whereas GeO(g) desorbs through LaAlO3 layer when there is an intentional interfacial GeO(II) layer, leading to a large increase in Jg. GeO(g) desorption temperature in Ge oxide/Ge gate stacks decreases with the increase in the ratio of GeO(II) in Ge oxide and is independent of the oxidation techniques. Since GeO(g) desorption is accompanied by H2O(g) desorption, a new model to explain the GeO(g) desorption phenomena is proposed, in which Ge(OH)2 decomposes into GeO(g) and H2O(g). Highly effective etching methods of Ge oxide, using HCl solution and HCl vapor at higher temperature than boiling point of Ge (hydro-)chloride are demonstrated.
XPS Method to Study the Effect of Heat Treatments and Environment on the Electric Dipole Formation at Metal/High-κ Dielectric Interface
Authors: Zenkevich Andrei , Lebedinski Yuri , Matveyev Yuri , Tronin Vladimir 
Published: September 2009

AbstractX-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) technique is employed in situ to quantify changes in the electric dipole formed at the metal/dielectric interface. The proposed method is valid in the particular case of discontinuous metal overlayer in contact with dielectric, and allows one to model metal gate effective work function evolution of metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) stack following its treatments in different environments. The obtained results on Au / dielectric (dielectric=HfO2, LaAlO3) corroborate the model that the oxygen vacancies generated in dielectric contribute to the effective work function changes.
Impact of Post Deposition Annealing on Characteristics of HfxZr1-xO2
Authors: Triyoso Dina , Hegde Rama H. , Gregory Rich , Spencer Greg S. , Taylor William 
Published: September 2009

AbstractIn this paper the impact of post deposition annealing in various ambient on electrical properties of hafnium zirconate (HfxZr1-xO2) high-k dielectrics is reported. ALD HfxZr1-xO2 films are annealed in a nitrogen and/or oxygen ambient at 500°C to 1000°C. Devices annealed at 500°C in N2 has lower equivalent oxide thickness (EOT) of 10Å without significant increase in gate leakage (Jg), threshold voltage (Vt) and only a slight decrease in transconductance (Gm) values compared to 500°C O2 annealed devices. Furthermore, the impact of annealing HfxZr1-xO2 films in a reducing ambient (NH3) is studied. Optimized NH3 anneal on HfxZr1-xO2 results in lower CET, improved PBTI, low sub-threshold swing values, comparable high-field Gm with only a minor degradation in peak Gm compared to control HfxZr1-xO2. Finally, the impact of laser annealing vs. RTP annealed HfxZr1-xO2 films are reported. Laser annealing helped further stabilize tetragonal phase of HfxZr1-xO2 without inducing void formation. Good devices with low leakage, low EOT and high mobility are obtained for laser annealed HfxZr1-xO2.
Atomic Layer Deposition of Metal Oxide Films on GaAs (100) surfaces
Authors: Gougousi Theodosia , Lacis John W. , Hackley Justin C , Demaree John 
Published: September 2009

AbstractAtomic Layer Deposition is used to deposit HfO2 and TiO2 films on GaAs (100) native oxides and etched surfaces. For the deposition of HfO2 films two different but similar ALD chemistries are used: i) tetrakis dimethyl amido hafnium (TDMAHf) and H2O at 275°C and ii) tetrakis ethylmethyl amido hafnium (TEMAHf) and H2O at 250°C. TiO2 films are deposited from tetrakis dimethyl amido titanium (TDMATi) and H2O at 200°C. Rutherford Back Scattering shows linear film growth for all processes. The film/substrate interface is examined using x-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy and confirms the presence of an “interfacial cleaning” mechanism.
The Influence of Nitrogen Doping on the Chemical and Local Bonding Environment of Amorphous and Crystalline Ge2Sb2Te5
Authors: Washington Joseph , Joseph Eric A. , Paesler Michael A. , Lucovsky Gerald , Jordan-Sweet Jean L. , Raoux Simone , Chen Chieh-Fang , Pyzyna Adam , Dasaka Ravi K. , Lam Chung H. , Schrott Alejandro , Woicik Joseph C. , Ravel Bruce 
Published: September 2009

AbstractRecent interest in phase change materials (PCMs) for non-volatile memory applications has been fueled by the promise of scalability beyond the limit of conventional DRAM and NAND flash memory [1]. However, for such solid state device applications, Ge2Sb2Te5 (GST), GeSb, and other chalcogenide PCMs require doping. Doping favorably modifies crystallization speed, crystallization temperature, and thermal stability but the chemical role of the dopant is not yet fully understood. In this work, X-ray Absorption Fine Spectroscopy (XAFS) is used to examine the chemical and structural role of nitrogen doping (N-) in as-deposited and crystalline GST thin films. The study focuses on the chemical and local bonding environment around each of the elements in the sample, in pre and post-anneal states, and at various doping concentrations. We conclude that the nitrogen dopant forms stable Ge-N bonds as deposited, which is distinct from GST bonds, and remain at the grain boundary of the crystallites such that the annealed film is comprised of crystallites with a dopant rich grain boundary.
Conventional vs Sustainable Transportation Fuels for the Future
Authors: Chianelli Russell R. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractIt is clear that in the next ten years major changes will be required in our liquids for transportation energy scenario. These changes are driven by two major factors. The first is the desire to achieve 'energy independence' and the second is the desire to achieve an 'environmentally friendly' fuel supply. These two forces will dominate energy research and development in the near future. This presupposes that the lack of viable hydrogen storage materials and the long-range electric vehicle materials will continue to be limiting the hydrogen and electric vehicle technology. The DOE recently reported that the available amounts of heavy hydrocarbons (tars, coal and shale oils) in North America (United States, Canada and Mexico) are sufficient for 500 years at current rates of usage. However, these sources must be converted to liquid transportation fuels in an environmentally favorable manner. Also, promising sources of sustainable liquid transportation fuels maybe found in growing algae and converting the contained lipids to biodiesel. In this presentation we discuss recent development in both areas that promise a smooth transition from conventional to the use of sustainable transportation fuel sources.
Integrating Mental Health in Welfare Evaluation: An Empirical Application
Authors: Das Sanghamitra , Mukhopadhyay Abhiroop , Ray Tridip 
Published: September 2009

Abstract
This paper presents simple measures of individual and family mental health indices based on axiomatic foundations and integrates mental health into a neoclassical model that allows for proper substitution possibilities in the family preferences and quantifies its significance in family utility. We find that mental health effects are far more important than the effect of consumption or children's schooling in determining family utility. We illustrate the usefulness of our approach by considering the case of HIV/AIDS experience in India. Using our approach, we find that while there are no significant differences in per capita consumption and schooling between HIV and NON HIV families, the welfare loss from HIV/AIDS are still considerably large due to the inclusion of mental health. Integrating mental health in a utility maximization framework helps us quantify this welfare loss.