bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Peripheral muscle weakness in RASopathies
Authors: Stevenson David A. , Allen Shawn , Tidyman William E. , Carey John C. , Viskochil David H. , Stevens Austin , Hanson Heather , Sheng Xiaoming , Thompson Brandi A. , J. Okumura Megumi , Reinker Kent , Johnson Barbara , Rauen Katherine A. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractIntroduction: RASopathies are a group of genetic conditions due to alterations of the Ras/MAPK pathway. Neurocutaneous findings are hallmark features of the RASopathies, but musculoskeletal abnormalities are also frequent. The objective was to evaluate handgrip strength in the RASopathies. Methods: Individuals with RASopathies (e.g., Noonan syndrome, Costello syndrome, cardio‐facio‐cutaneous [CFC] syndrome, and neurofibromatosis type 1 [NF1]) and healthy controls were evaluated. Two methods of handgrip strength were tested: GRIP‐D Takei Hand Grip Dynamometer and the Martin vigorimeter. A general linear model was fitted to compare average strength among the groups, controlling for confounders such as age, gender, height, and weight. Results: Takei dynamometer: handgrip strength was decreased in each of the syndromes compared with controls. Decreased handgrip strength compared with sibling controls was also seen with the Martin vigorimeter (P < 0.0001). Conclusions: Handgrip strength is decreased in the RASopathies. The etiology of the reduced muscle force is unknown, but likely multifactorial. Muscle Nerve 46: 394–399, 2012
Nerve ultrasound follow‐up in a child with Guillain‐Barré syndrome
Authors: Almeida Vânia , Mariotti Paolo , Veltri Stefania , Erra Carmen , Padua Luca 
Published: January 2012

AbstractIntroduction: Nerve ultrasound has been used increasingly in neurophysiology laboratories, but data on Guillain‐Barré syndrome (GBS) are still limited, and no follow‐up studies are available. Case report: An 8‐year‐old boy was admitted with severe demyelinating GBS. Serial neurophysiological evaluations were performed initially and in follow‐up. Ultrasound studies showed diffuse and heterogeneous nerve swelling and focal enlargement of single fascicles inside the nerve. Together with clinical and electrophysiological improvement, progressive normalization of ultrasound changes was seen. Conclusions: Ultrasound demonstrated structural nerve abnormalities in GBS. These changes normalized as the patient improved clinically and electrophysiologically. Further studies are needed to elucidate the diagnostic and prognostic value of ultrasound in GBS. Muscle Nerve 46: 270–275, 2012
Childhood muscle morphology and strength: Alterations over six months of growth
Authors: Pitcher Christian A. , Elliott Catherine M. , Williams Sîan A. , Licari Melissa K. , Kuenzel Alex , Shipman Peter J. , Valentine Jane P. , Reid Siobhán L. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractIntroduction:The purpose of this study was to establish the nature and stability of the strength‐size relationship for the knee flexors and extensors across a 6‐month period of childhood growth.Methods:Nineteen typically developing children aged 5–11 years underwent lower limb magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and dynamometry strength assessments on 2 occasions, 6 months apart. Muscle volume (MV) and maximum anatomical cross‐sectional area (aCSA) for the knee flexors and extensors were determined using MRI analysis software. Isokinetic dynamometry determined corresponding isometric and isokinetic strength.Results:Strong correlations were found between muscle size and strength for both the knee flexors and extensors (r = 0.84–0.90; P < 0.01). Furthermore, the ratio of strength to muscle size remained consistent across 6 months of prepubescent growth.Conclusions:Increases in thigh muscle strength were relative to those in muscle size, suggesting that muscle growth may play an important role in the development of strength during childhood. Muscle Nerve 46: 360–366, 2012
Cost‐effectiveness of involving nurse specialists for adult patients with urinary incontinence in primary care compared to care‐as‐usual: An economic evaluation alongside a pragmatic randomized controlled trial
Authors: Albers‐Heitner C.P. , Joore M.A. , Winkens R.A.G. , Lagro‐Janssen A.L.M. , Severens J.L. , Berghmans L.C.M. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractAimsTo determine the 12‐month, societal cost‐effectiveness of involving urinary incontinence (UI) nurse specialists in primary care compared to care‐as‐usual by general practitioners (GPs).MethodsFrom 2005 until 2008 an economic evaluation was performed alongside a pragmatic multicenter randomized controlled trial comparing UI patients receiving care by nurse specialists with patients receiving care‐as‐usual by GPs in the Netherlands. One hundred eighty‐six adult patients with stress, urgency, or mixed UI were randomly allocated to the intervention and 198 to care‐as‐usual; they were followed for 1 year. Main outcome measures were Quality Adjusted Life Year (QALYsocietal) based on societal preferences for health outcomes (EuroQol‐5D), QALYpatientbased on patient preferences for health outcomes (EuroQol VAS), and Incontinence Severity weighted Life Year (ISLY) based on patient‐reported severity and impact of UI (ICIQ‐UI SF). Health care resource use, patient and family costs, and productivity costs were assessed. Data were collected by three monthly questionnaires. Incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios were calculated. Uncertainty was assessed using bootstrap simulation, and the expected value of perfect information was calculated (EVPI).ResultsCompared to care‐as‐usual, nurse specialist involvement costs € 16,742/QALYsocietalgained. Both QALYpatientand ISLY yield slightly more favorable cost‐effectiveness results. At a threshold of € 40,000/QALYsocietal,the probability that the intervention is cost‐effective is 58%. The EVPI amounts to € 78 million.ConclusionsBased on these results, we recommend adopting the nurse specialist intervention in primary care, while conducting more research through careful monitoring of the effectiveness and costs of the intervention in routine practice. Neurourol. Urodynam. 31:526–534, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
HUMAN NATURE AND MORALITY IN THE ANTI‐CORRUPTION DISCOURSE OF TRANSPARENCY INTERNATIONAL
Authors: Gebel Anja C. 
Published: January 2012

SUMMARYAgainst the background of failing anti‐corruption programmes, this article examines the discourse of the anti‐corruption international non‐governmental organisation Transparency International (TI), thereby focussing on the organisation's use of the concepts of integrity and ethics. Their meaning and significance is explored by looking at policy measures advocated by TI and particularly at the conception of human nature underlying the organisation's discourse. On the basis of TI documents and interviews with TI staff, the article argues that there is dominance within TI discourse of a mechanistic conception of human nature as rational and self‐interested. This leads to an over‐emphasis on institutional engineering and the strengthening of oversight and control (to set ‘disincentives’ for corruption), while neglecting the social–moral components of human behaviour as well as the political processes of their generation. This conception of human behaviour makes concepts such as ‘ethics’ mean not much more than ‘rules’, ‘integrity’ mean no more than ‘rule‐conforming behaviour’ and ‘prevention’ mean no more than ‘control’. While discussing some of the difficulties involved in addressing morals, the article argues that without reconsidering its conception of human nature, it will be difficult for TI to re‐orient and improve its approach. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
INTRODUCTION TO THE SPECIAL ISSUE: THE GLOBAL ANTI‐CORRUPTION DISCOURSE—TOWARDS INTEGRITY MANAGEMENT?
Authors: Collins Paul D. 
Published: January 2012

SUMMARYIn introducing the special issue, this essay draws together international experiences by way of examples that have appeared in the Public Administration and Development journal over recent decades. What has worked in global anti‐corruption? What has not? And is there a need for a more holistic approach to global anti‐corruption in terms of integrity management, given that the nature of public sector corruption is changing and boundaries between public and private sectors have become politically blurred?Against the background of key concepts, what have been the trends and issues of corruption and integrity in the public/civil services and honest government at national and international levels? The range of approaches and strategies are outlined, followed by selected national cases across the regions. Second, the essay assesses the major institutional approaches and their shortcomings and presents elements of an alternative approach on the basis of civic education and the nurturing of reflexivity. Citizens are central to this thinking in terms of sensitising them to public ethics. (Re)orienting public officials towards becoming reflective public officials, that is, why they are public officials and who is the public, could not be more pertinent to recent revolutionary events in much of the Arab world. The debate continues. Recent developments such as political corruption and corruption at the sectoral (e.g. water and education), decentralised, local government and city levels are discussed. Although we cannot switch entirely to personal values, the technical solutions by themselves have not proved as successful as their proponents had hoped, and other approaches are essential to replace and/or complement them.1Finally, the focus of the special issue is outlined, with its stress on providing perspectives that not only add to the discourse on global anti‐corruption but provide practitioners with policy‐relevant guidance. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
When are amniotic fluid viral PCR studies indicated in prenatal diagnosis?
Authors: Adams L. L. , Gungor S. , Turan S. , Kopelman J. N. , Harman C. R. , Baschat A. A. 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo determine which prenatal ultrasound findings indicate the need to also obtain PCR studies for viral genome in women undergoing midtrimester amniocentesis.MethodsThis was a retrospective observational study on women that underwent amniotic fluid karyotyping and viral PCR testing for history or ultrasound based indication. Amniotic fluid was tested for adenovirus, cytomegalovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, enterovirus, Epstein–Barr virus, and parvovirus B19 using multiplex PCR study with multiple appropriate controls. Ultrasound findings were coded as normal or abnormal with 34 categories of ultrasound abnormality stratified into 18 subgroups. Relationships between these subgroups and karyotype/PCR results were tested by Pearson chi‐square method or Fisher's exact test and overall logistic regression analysis.ResultsAmniotic fluid samples from 1191 patients were obtained for the study. Abnormal karyotype was detected in 5.4% of cases (64/1191), and PCR was positive in 6.5% of cases (77/1191). Abnormal fetal ultrasonographic findings were observed in 28.4% of cases (338/1191). There was an association between intrauterine growth restriction, nonimmune hydrops fetalis, hand/foot anomalies or neural tube defects (NTDs), and PCR positivity. NTDs were associated with PCR positivity in fetuses with normal karyotype and nuchal thickening, cardiac or ventral wall defects were specifically associated with aneuploidy.ConclusionAmniotic fluid viral PCR testing should be considered for fetuses with intrauterine growth restriction, nonimmune hydrops fetalis, hand/foot anomalies, or NTDs. After aneuploidy is excluded, NTDs are associated with PCR positivity. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Polymer dynamics with inertia
Authors: Deutsch J. M. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractSome important recent advances in polymer science involve situations where molecular inertia plays an important role, for example, in the mass spectroscopy of large macromolecules. Only recently have we begun to understand how to analyze dynamics in such situations and what effects inertia has. In this review, we describe what is known about such effects and how nonlinearity plays a crucial role in generating damping, which is of a very different nature than is normally assumed. Not only is such analysis important in understanding polymers in low density environments but also in understanding the internal friction of a polymer chain in solution. The understanding of such situations is still in its infancy and we close by propounding a set of diverse questions for further study. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2012
Quantitative structure–activity relationships of monoterpenoid binding activities to the housefly GABA receptor
Authors: Tong Fan , Coats Joel R 
Published: January 2012

AbstractBACKGROUND: Monoterpenoids are a large group of plant secondary metabolites. Many of these naturally occurring compounds have shown good insecticidal potency on pest insects. Previous studies in this laboratory have indicated that some monoterpenoids have positive modulatory effects on insect GABA receptors. In this study, the key properties of monoterpenoids involved in monoterpenoid binding activity at the housefly GABA receptor were determined by developing quantitative structure‐activity relationship (QSAR) models, and the relationship between the toxicities of these monoterpenoids and their GABA receptor binding activities was evaluated.RESULTS: Two QSAR models were determined for nine monoterpenoids showing significant effects on [3H]‐TBOB binding and for nine p‐menthane analogs with at least one oxygen atom attached to the ring. The Mulliken charges on certain carbon atoms, the log P value and the total energy showed significant relationships with binding activities to the housefly GABA receptor in these two QSAR models.CONCLUSIONS: From the QSAR models, some chemical and structural parameters, including the electronic properties, hydrophobicity and stability of monoterpenoid molecules, were suggested to be strongly involved in binding activities to the housefly GABA receptor. These findings will help to understand the mode of action of these natural insecticides, and provide guidance to predict more monoterpenoid insecticides. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Can rodent outbreaks be driven by major climatic events? Evidence from cyclone Nargis in the Ayeyawady Delta, Myanmar
Authors: Htwe Nyo Me , Singleton Grant R , Nelson Andrew D 
Published: January 2012

AbstractBACKGROUND: Massive rodent population outbreaks occurred in the Ayeyarwady Delta, Myanmar, in July 2009, 15 months after cyclone Nargis. Satellite imagery with high temporal frequency was used to identify the area and planting time of rice at a landscape scale of > 80 000 ha, and household surveys of farmers were conducted to validate the mapping and to quantify losses.RESULTS: Farmers did not have problems with rodents in 2007–2008; rodents were the principal problem in the 2009 summer and monsoon rice crops. The landscape scale modeling indicated that high rodent densities in 2009 were associated with extended or delayed cropping and harvesting time because of asynchronous planting, and with an increase in the amount of abandoned agricultural land after cyclone Nargis.CONCLUSION: Asynchronous planting following cyclone Nargis provided abundant high‐quality food for an extended period, which in turn led to a lengthened breeding season of rodents. The outbreak of populations 15 months after cyclone Nargis is consistent with the time it would take rodent populations to build from a low base after a major flooding event. To prevent rodent outbreaks effectively, synchronous planting, use of rice varieties with a similar maturation date and good field sanitation are important actions for subsequent rice crops after a major weather event. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Structural and elastic properties of InN nanowires
Authors: Quddus Ehtesham B. , Wilson Alina , Liu Jie , Cai Zhihua , Veereddy Deepak , Tao Xinyong , Li Xiaodong , Webb Richard A. , Koley Goutam 
Published: January 2012

AbstractStructural and elastic properties of InN nanowires (NWs) have been investigated. It was observed that the NWs bend spontaneously or upon meeting an obstacle in their growth path at angles that are multiples of 30°. Lithographically patterned trenches and barriers were found to influence the growth direction of the NWs, which depending on the angle of incidence, grew along the barrier or got deflected from it. Young's modulus of InN NWs, measured by three point bending method using a NW suspended across a trench, was found to be 266 GPa, which is in between the moduli of bulk and thin film InN. Overall, the InN NW properties were found to be very suitable for applications in nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS) and sensors.
An alkaline-active and alkali-stable pectate lyase from Streptomyces sp. S27 with potential in textile industry
Authors: Yuan Peng , Meng Kun , Shi Pengjun , Luo Huiying , Huang Huoqing , Tu Tao , Yang Peilong , Yao Bin 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
A pectate lyase gene (pl-str) was cloned from Streptomyces sp. S27 and expressed in Escherichia coli Rosetta. The full-length pl-str consists of 972 bp and encodes for a protein of 323 amino acids without signal peptide that belongs to family PF00544. The recombinant enzyme (r-PL-STR) was purified to electrophoretic homogeneity using Ni2+–NTA chromatography and showed apparent molecular mass of ~35 kDa. The pH optimum of r-PL-STR was found to be 10.0, and it exhibited &gt;70% of the maximal activity at pH 12.0. After incubation at 37°C for 1 h without substrate, the enzyme retained more than 55% activity at pH 7.0–12.0. Compared with the commercial complex enzyme Scourzyme@301L from Novozymes, purified r-PL-STR showed similar efficacy in reducing the intrinsic viscosity of polygalacturonic acid (49.0 vs. 49.7%). When combined with cellulase and α-amylase, r-PL-STR had comparable performance in bioscouring of jute fabric (22.39 vs. 22.99%). Thus, r-PL-STR might represent a good candidate for use in alkaline industries such as textile.
Identity development as a buffer of adolescent risk behaviors in the context of peer group pressure and control
Authors: Dumas Tara M. , Ellis Wendy E. , Wolfe David A. 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACTWe examined identity development as a moderator of the relation between peer group pressure and control and adolescents’ engagement in risk behaviors. Participants (n = 1070; Mage = 15.45 years) completed a self‐report measure of identity exploration, the degree to which they have explored a variety of self‐relevant values, beliefs and goals, and identity commitment, the degree to which they have secured a personal identity. Participants further reported on their frequency of risk behaviors (substance use and general deviancy) and experienced peer group pressure and control. Results confirmed that identity commitment was a buffer of substance use and identity exploration was a buffer of general deviancy in more pressuring peer groups. In more controlling peer groups, teens with greater identity commitment engaged in less risk behavior than teens with low‐identity commitment. Thus, identity development may be a suitable target to deter negative effects of peer pressure in high‐risk adolescents.
Diffusion-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Diagnosis of Liver Fibrosis and Inflammation in Chronic Viral Hepatitis: The Performance of Low or High b Values and Small or Large Regions of Interest
Authors: Vaziri-Bozorg Seyed M. , Ghasemi-Esfe Ahmad R. , Khalilzadeh Omid , Mazloumi Mehdi , Nassiri-Toosi Mohsen , Ghanaati Hossein , Rokni-Yazdi Hadi 
Published: January 2012

Objective To investigate the performance of different b values and regions of interest (ROI) for diagnosing liver fibrosis in patients with chronic viral hepatitis by using diffusion-weighted (DW) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods Eleven healthy participants and 33 patients with viral hepatitis B or C were enrolled. The stage of liver fibrosis and the grade of necroinflammation were determined by using a histologic activity index. Single-shot spin-echo echo-planar DW-MRI was performed in all participants at b values of 0-500, 0-700, and 0-1000 s/mm2 by using 2 circular small and large ROIs of 100 and 200 mm2. To evaluate the performance of different b values for determining cirrhosis, the receiver-operating characteristic curves were depicted, and the areas under the curves were compared. Results The average values of apparent diffusion coefficients significantly decreased with increasing stage or grade categories at all the 3 b values and for both small and large ROIs. The performance at b = 500 s/mm2 was significantly better than b = 1000 s/mm2 for determining cirrhosis or bridging fibrosis. The cut point of 153.4 for apparent diffusion coefficient (×10−5 mm2/s) at b = 500 s/mm2 could determine cirrhosis or bridging fibrosis with a sensitivity of 96% and specificity of 82%. No difference was found between the average apparent diffusion coefficient values of large or small ROIs. Also, there was no difference in performance of large or small ROIs in the diagnosis of liver fibrosis. Conclusions This study provided beneficial data for clinical utilisation of DW-MRI in diagnosing liver fibrosis: b = 500 s/mm2 is better in performance than b = 1000 s/mm2, and a small ROI of 100 mm2 is sufficient for determining cirrhosis or bridging fibrosis.
Malnutrition and intestinal helminth infections in schoolchildren from Dibanda, Cameroon
Authors: Mbuh J.V. , Nembu N.E. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractIntestinal helminth infections and malnutrition constitute a major health burden in developing countries, with infants and children being the most vulnerable groups. The extent of the burden of intestinal helminth infections and malnutrition was investigated in a cross-sectional study involving 265 children aged between 4 and 14 years residing in Dibanda, a semi-rural area located in Buea, South West Region, Cameroon. The prevalence of intestinal helminth infections was determined microscopically after faecal samples were prepared by the formol-ether sedimentation concentration technique of stool analysis. Nutritional status was determined using age and the anthropometric parameters of weight and height. Standard deviation (SD) or Z scores of height-for-age (HAZ), weight-for-age (WAZ) and weight-for-height (WHZ) were computed based on the World Health Organization 2006 growth reference curves. Anaemia was assessed by packed cell volume (PCV). The prevalence of intestinal helminth infection in the study population was 47.2% (125/265). All infections were of low intensity, withAscarisrecording the highest geometric mean egg count (GMEC) ± SEM of 363.51 ± 60.35 (egg count range: 76–3000 eggs/gram of stool). Overall, 42.3% of children had PCV < 31%. Also, 47.2% of those with intestinal helminth infections also had PCV < 31%. The prevalence of malnutrition was 30.2% (80/265). Of 80 malnourished children, 5.3% were wasted ( < − 2SD weight-for-height Z-score), 7.2% underweight ( < − 2SD weight-for-age Z score) and 24.2% stunted ( < − 2SD height-for-age Z score). The mean values of all the anthropometric indices were lower in helminth-infected children. Findings from this study are strongly suggestive that intestinal helminth infections and malnutrition exist in children residing in Dibanda and constitute a major health problem that needs to be addressed immediately to reduce morbidity and mortality.