bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of Exercise and Amino Acid Supplementation on Body Composition and Physical Function in Community‐Dwelling Elderly Japanese Sarcopenic Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Kim Hun Kyung , Suzuki Takao , Saito Kyoko , Yoshida Hideyo , Kobayashi Hisamine , Kato Hiroyuki , Katayama Miwa 
Published: December 2011

ObjectivesTo evaluate the effectiveness of exercise and amino acid supplementation in enhancing muscle mass and strength in community‐dwelling elderly sarcopenic women.DesignRandomized controlled trial.SettingUrban community in Tokyo, Japan.ParticipantsOne hundred fifty‐five women aged 75 and older were defined as sarcopenic and randomly assigned to one of four groups: exercise and amino acid supplementation (exercise + AAS; n = 38), exercise (n = 39), amino acid supplementation (AAS; n = 39), or health education (HE; n = 39).InterventionThe exercise group attended a 60‐minute comprehensive training program twice a week, and the AAS group ingested 3 g of a leucine‐rich essential amino acid mixture twice a day for 3 months.MeasurementsBody composition was determined using bioelectrical impedance analysis. Data from interviews and functional fitness parameters such as muscle strength and walking ability were collected at baseline and after the 3‐month intervention.ResultsA significant group × time interaction was seen in leg muscle mass (P = .007), usual walking speed (P = .007), and knee extension strength (P = .017). The within‐group analysis showed that walking speed significantly increased in all three intervention groups, leg muscle mass in the exercise + AAS and exercise groups, and knee extension strength only in the exercise + AAS group (9.3% increase, P = .01). The odds ratio for leg muscle mass and knee extension strength improvement was more than four times as great in the exercise + AAS group (odds ratio = 4.89, 95% confidence interval = 1.89–11.27) as in the HE group.ConclusionThe data suggest that exercise and AAS together may be effective in enhancing not only muscle strength, but also combined variables of muscle mass and walking speed and of muscle mass and strength in sarcopenic women.
Muslim Women's Narratives About Bodily Change and Care During Critical Illness: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Zeilani Ruqayya , Seymour Jane E. 
Published: December 2011

Abstract Purpose: To explore experiences of Jordanian Muslim women in relation to bodily change during critical illness.Design: A longitudinal narrative approach was used. A purposive sample of 16 Jordanian women who had spent a minimum of 48 hr in intensive care participated in one to three interviews over a 6‐month period.Findings: Three main categories emerged from the analysis: the dependent body reflects changes in the women's bodily strength and performance, as they moved from being care providers into those in need of care; this was associated with experiences of a sense of paralysis, shame, and burden. The social body reflects the essential contribution that family help or nurses’ support (as a proxy for family) made to women's adjustment to bodily change and their ability to make sense of their illness. The cultural body reflects the effect of cultural norms and Islamic beliefs on the women's interpretation of their experiences and relates to the women's understandings of bodily modesty.Conclusions: This study illustrates, by in‐depth focus on Muslim women's narratives, the complex interrelationship between religious beliefs, cultural norms, and the experiences and meanings of bodily changes during critical illness.Clinical Relevance: This article provides insights into vital aspects of Muslim women's needs and preferences for nursing care. It highlights the importance of including an assessment of culture and spiritual aspects when nursing critically ill patients.
Place of Origin, Types of Ties, and Support Networks in Mexico–U.S. Migration*
Authors: Flores‐Yeffal Nadia Y. , Aysa‐Lastra Maria 
Published: December 2011

AbstractPrevious studies explored how urban or rural place of origin influences the source of social capital. There remains a need to consider how the place of origin affects the type of ties—family, friends, or paisanos (countrymen)—with those who provide support to migrants. We use data from the Mexican Migration Project (MMP128) and perform multinomial logistic regression models to predict who (among family, friends, or paisanos) provides lodging to first‐time undocumented male migrants from Mexico, taking into account the size of their place of origin. We find that paisanos are important in providing lodging to those from rural areas, and family members are more likely to assist those from urban settings. Paisanos are more likely to help at the beginning of the migratory flow of the community (rural or urban), and family members to do so once the flow has matured. Also, paisanos are more likely to help those in rural areas during more difficult times, such as after the enactment of the North American Free Trade Agreement. We suggest that paisanos fulfill a role similar to that in Granovetter's (1973) concept of the strength of weak ties in which they act as substitutes for other ties (such as to friends and family) to provide social capital, making the first‐time undocumented migration possible.
Complete rRNA Sequence, Arrangement of Tandem Repeated Units and Phylogeny of Nosema fumiferanae from Spruce Budworm, Choristoneura fumiferana (Clemens)
Authors: Kyei‐Poku George , Gauthier Debbie , van‐ Frankenhuyzen Kees 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACTWe provide molecular systematics of a microporidian species, Nosema fumiferanae, one of the most common natural enemies of spruce budworm, Choristoneura fumiferana. The uncharacterized flanking region upstream of the large subunit (LSU) rRNA and the complete rRNA cistron of N. fumiferanae was 4,769 bp long. The organization of the rRNA gene was 5′‐LSU rRNA‐ITS‐SSU rRNA‐IGS‐5S‐3′ and corresponded primarily to most insect (i.e. lepidopteran) Nosema species identified and classified to date. Phylogenetic analysis based on the complete rRNA cistron indicated that N. fumiferanae is closely related to Nosema plutellae and is correctly assigned to the “true” Nosema group. Suggestions were provided on a criterion to delineate the “true” Nosema from other microsporidian species.
A simple model of endogenous agricultural commodity price fluctuations with storage
Authors: Mitra Sophie , Boussard Jean‐Marc 
Published: December 2011

AbstractA debate has been raging for centuries regarding the effects of interannual storage on commodity prices. Most analysts consider storage to function as a price stabilizer, while others place it at the core of an explanation of intriguing features of commodity price series, such as skewed distributions. Most studies have been developed in the context of the theory of competitive storage where random shocks affect supply or demand. Recently, the endogenous chaotic behavior of markets has become another possible hypothesis regarding the origin of commodity price fluctuations. We develop a nonlinear cobweb model with intra‐ and interannual storage, risk averse agents, and adaptive expectations. Like the theory of competitive storage, this nonlinear cobweb model with storage can reproduce some of the stylized facts of agricultural commodity prices (autocorrelation of first rank, low kurtosis, and skewness). In addition, the effects of storage on price variation are mixed. In the presence of interannual storage, chaotic price series show less variation compared to a situation without interannual storage but we find that storage contributes to the endogenous volatility of prices by making chaotic dynamics more likely.
El Niño, La Niña, and world coffee price dynamics
Authors: Ubilava David 
Published: December 2011

AbstractCoffee is produced in equatorial and subequatorial regions of the world, which are also most affected by El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO). ENSO events have a tendency to amplify weather conditions such as droughts or excess precipitation in the affected regions, resulting in production shortage or excess supply, subsequently impacting agricultural commodity prices. In this research we assess effects of ENSO events on world coffee price dynamics using the monthly data between March 1989 and December 2010. We employ smooth transition autoregression framework to examine nonlinear dynamics of ENSO and coffee prices, and illustrate the results of this research using generalized impulse‐response functions. We find that ENSO events indeed have short‐term impacts on coffee prices. The research findings are of interest to coffee producers and intermediaries in the coffee markets as well as researchers in the fields of environmental and development economics.
Food aid and adult nutrition in rural Ethiopia
Authors: Broussard Nzinga H. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractInsight into the role of safety nets that contribute to adult nutrition is an important component to understanding the dynamics of poverty in developing countries. This article uses panel data from rural Ethiopia on individual nutritional status to test for an effect of public transfers on adult body mass index (BMI). Results show that among adult household members, male members are the primary beneficiaries of food aid as male and female aid recipients tend to invest aid receipts in male household members. These results are consistent with a theory in which additional resources are allocated to members of the household whose market returns are higher or those who engage in activities that expend higher levels of energy. For high‐asset households, female household members benefit if the aid recipient is a female. Women in low‐asset households appear to be adversely affected by aid receipts, and evidence suggests that women with little bargaining power suffer the most. The results suggest that aid receipts are useful in mitigating fluctuations in adult BMI over a short time period.
Labor costs and crop protection from wildlife predation: the case of elephants in Gabon
Authors: Walker Kendra L. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractCrop raiding by wildlife decreases agricultural productivity and hinders efforts to reduce poverty throughout the world and especially in Africa. Efforts to reduce crop raiding in developing countries generally involve prescriptive “low‐cost” protection methods at the level of the individual farm, under the assumption that monetary capital and knowledge are the principal limiting factors in farmers’ adoption of protection methods. This article highlights the importance of considering labor costs in addition to monetary costs when assessing the adoptability of protection strategies. Benefit‐cost analysis is used to inform a theoretical model of the likelihood of farmer adoption of methods to protect crops against elephants in Gabon. Supported by empirical findings from a binomial logit model of farmers’ protection decisions, this analysis elucidates the low rate of adoption for known protection methods in Gabon. While the empirical data are specific to Gabon, this analysis frames a reflection process regarding labor optimization and alternative strategies that applies broadly.
Effects of magnesium‐substituted nanohydroxyapatite coating on implant osseointegration
Authors: Zhao Shi‐fang , Jiang Qiao‐hong , Peel Sean , Wang Xiao‐xiang , He Fu‐ming 
Published: December 2011

AbstractObjectiveThe objective of this study was to compare magnesium‐substituted and pure hydroxyapatite coatings on the promotion of osteogenesis in vitro and on the osseointegration in vivo.MethodsElectrochemically deposited pure hydroxyapatite (EDHA) or electrochemically deposited magnesium‐substituted hydroxyapatite (EDMHA) coatings were formed on the surface of pure titanium disks or implants. MC3T3‐E1 preosteoblasts were cultured in the EDHA and EDMHA coated disks, and cell growth, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, and osteocalcin secretion were measured at various time points. For studies on osseointegration, 30 roughened implants coated either with EDHA or EDMHA (n = 15 for each coating) were implanted in the femurs of 15 NZW rabbits. After 2, 4, and 8 weeks, femurs were retrieved and prepared for histomorphometric evaluation (n = 5 for each coating at each time point).ResultsMC3T3‐E1 cells cultured on EDMHA coated disks showed increased cell number, ALP, and osteocalcin secretion compared with the EDHA coated disks at all time points (P < 0.05 for all). Histologic observation of the coated implants showed woven bone in direct contact with both implant surfaces after 2 weeks and mature bone after 8 weeks. While there were no differences in the amount of bone between the threads at any time point, the percentage of implant in direct contact with bone (bone implant contact) was slightly higher along the EDMHA coated implants at 2 weeks (P = 0.086), although this difference was no longer seen at 4 and 8 weeks.ConclusionMg‐substituted HA coated surfaces promote osteogenic differentiation of preosteoblasts in vitro and may improve implant osseointegration during the early stages of bone healing compared with pure EDHA coated surfaces.
Alveolar bony crest preservation at implants installed immediately after tooth extraction: an experimental study in the dog
Authors: Favero Giacomo , Botticelli Daniele , Favero Giovanni , García Brismayda , Mainetti Tomaso , Lang Niklaus P. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractAimTo evaluate the influence of deproteinized bovine bone mineral in conjunction with a collagen membrane, at implants installed into sockets in a lingual position immediately after tooth extraction, and presenting initial horizontal residual buccal defects <2 mm.Material and methodsThe pulp tissue of the mesial roots of 4P4 was removed in six Labrador dogs, and the root canals were filled with gutta‐percha and cement. Flaps were elevated, and the buccal and lingual alveolar bony plates were exposed. The premolars were hemi‐sectioned, and the distal roots were removed. Implants were installed in a lingual position and with the margin flush with the buccal bony crest. After installation, defects resulted at about 1.7 mm in width at the buccal aspects, both at the test and control sites. Only in the left site (test), deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM) particles were placed into the defect concomitantly with the placement of a collagen membrane. A non‐submerged healing was allowed.ResultsAfter 3 months of healing, one implant was found not integrated and was excluded from the analysis together with the contralateral control implant. All remaining implants were integrated into mature bone. The bony crest was located at the same level of the implant shoulder, both at the test and control sites. At the buccal aspect, the most coronal bone‐to‐implant contact was located at a similar distance from the implant margin at the test (1.7 ± 1.0 mm) and control (1.6 ± 0.8 mm) sites, respectively. Only small residual DBBM particles were found at the test sites.ConclusionThe placement of an implant in a lingual position into a socket immediately after tooth extraction may favor a low exposure of the buccal implant surface. The use of DBBM particles, concomitantly with a collagen membrane, did not additionally improve the outcome obtained at the control sites.
ATP‐binding cassette member A3 (E292V) gene mutation and pulmonary morbidity in very‐low‐birth‐weight infants
Authors: Härtel Christoph , Felderhoff‐Müser Ursula , Gebauer Corinna , Hoehn Thomas , Kribs Angela , Laux Reinhard , Möller Jens , Segerer Hugo , Teig Norbert , von der Wense Axel , Wieg Christian , Stichtenoth Guido , Herting Egbert , Göpel Wolfgang ,   for the German Neonatal Network (GNN)
Published: December 2011

AbstractAim:  ATP‐binding cassette member A 3 (ABCA3) plays a critical role for the transport of surfactant phospholipids into the lamellar bodies of type II alveolar epithelial cells. Term infants carrying the E292V missense mutation of the gene encoding ABCA3 are likely to develop respiratory distress syndrome, and the mutation has also been linked to interstitial lung disease in paediatric patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of the E292V genotype with pulmonary morbidity in a large cohort of very‐low‐birth‐weight (VLBW) infants.Methods:  We performed a genetic association study with a prospective, population‐based multi‐centre cohort of 3177 VLBW infants born in 16 German study centres between 2003 and 2009 (German Neonatal Network). The ABCA3 genotype was determined by restriction fragment length polymorphism–PCR in genomic DNA samples derived from buccal swabs.Results:  In a large cohort of 3177 VLBW infants, 11 individuals were found to be heterozygote for the E292V mutation (0.34%). After stratification according to ABCA3 genotype, no differences were noted for clinical characteristics, necessary treatments and neonatal pulmonary outcomes.Conclusions:  Within the size limits of our study cohort, the ABCA3 missense mutation E292V had no remarkable effect on pulmonary outcome in VLBW infants. Present results do not rule out the possibility that E292V phenotype is associated with minor difference in the morbidity.
Congenital Penile Drop: Defective Suspensory Ligament Versus Severe Proximal Curvature, a Case Series
Authors: Shaeer Osama 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Penile drop is a condition where the erect penis is pointing downward. It can either be congenital or posttraumatic. Congenital cases can be attributed to either a defective penile suspensory ligament (PSL) or severe congenital curvature, with the point of maximum curvature proximal, at the base of the penis, concealed within the pubic fat (proximal penile curvature [PPC]). It is important to diagnose the underlying abnormality and choose the surgical approach accordingly, considering that surgical correction of PSL defects results in shortening that can be avoided in PPC cases.

Aim
This work describes a method for discriminating PSL defects from PPC and their surgical management.

Main Outcome Measures
Accuracy of preoperative diagnosis and results of surgery in terms of erection angle and penile length.

Methods
This is a retrospective study of the management of 12 male patients with congenital penile drop. Diagnostic measures were the pubic gap sign: palpation of a gap between the pubis and the penis, the straightening sign: patients with PSL defects can correct the angle of erection while contrary to PPC cases, Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM), and intraoperative trial rotation of the corpora cavernosa that will correct PPC cases and point them out. Accordingly, PSL cases were managed by anchoring the base of the penis to the pubis, while PPC cases were managed by corporal rotation.

Results
Penile drop was fully corrected with shortening in PSL group and without in the PPC group. The straightening sign, SHIM, and trial rotation were in agreement contrary to the pubic gap sign

Conclusions
Discriminating PSL defects from PPC is possible by the combination between “straightening sign” and SHIM results. PSL cases should be managed by anchoring sutures despite the inevitable shortening. PPC cases can be spared the shortening by corporal rotation.
Influence of Sildenafil on Micturition and Urethral Tone in Ovariectomized and Non-ovariectomized Mice
Authors: Gamé Xavier , Bouali Ourdia , Allard Julien , Gourdy Pierre , Escourrou Ghislaine , Tack Ivan , Rischmann Pascal , Arnal Jean-François , Malavaud Bernard 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Nitric oxide synthases (NOSs) and estrogen receptors are expressed in the female urethra.

Aim
We aimed to assess the impact of sildenafil on micturition behavior, urethral tone according to the hormonal status and to determine the implications of the neuronal isoform of NOS (nNOS).

Methods
Four-week-old C57/BL6 female mice were sham-operated or ovariectomized. Six weeks later, they were injected intraperitoneally by any combination of sildenafil, 7-nitroindazole (7-NI)—a potent selective nNOS inhibitor—or the corresponding vehicles. The mice were then subjected to micturition behavior and leak point pressure studies. Urethral histomorphometry was performed.

Main Outcome Measures
The main outcome measures were micturition behavior, leak point pressure, and histomorphometry.

Results
In sham-operated and ovariectomized animals, sildenafil did not impact micturition, although it decreased urethral resistance 10-fold. nNOS inhibition by 7-NI reduced the number of micturitions and increased residual volume and leak point pressure. It abrogated sildenafil-induced drop in urethral resistances. Hormonal status did not influence the structure of the urethral layers.

Conclusions
Irrespective of the hormonal status, sildenafil decreased leak point pressure by a nNOS-mediated mechanism.
Tissue Engineering for Penile Surgery: Comparative Study of Noncellular and Cell-Seeded Synthetic Grafts for Tunica Albuginea Replacement
Authors: Ferretti Ludovic , Giuliani Massimo , Bessède Thomas , Qiu Xuefeng , Zhang Haiyang , Alsaid Bayan , Durrbach Antoine , Giuliano François , Benoit Gérard , Droupy Stéphane 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Surgical treatment outcomes in Peyronie’s disease remain controversial because of high rates of recurrence.

Aim
The aim of this study was to engineer in vitro a new type of tunica albuginea (TA) autologous graft obtained by culture of autologous fibroblast on a polyglycolic acid (PGA) scaffold. This engineering graft was compared with PGA with morphological and functional outcomes for TA replacement, 4 months after graft upon corpus cavernosum in a rat model.

Methods
Thirty-nine Sprague Dawley adult male rats were divided into four groups: (i) control group (C) with resection and resuture of a 5 mm long and 2 mm large piece of original TA; (ii) PGA scaffold group (P) with the same resection of TA and suture of PGA scaffold; (iii) autologous fibroblast-seeded on PGA scaffold graft after resection of the same piece of TA (F + P); and (iv) sham group for functional and histological comparison.

Main Outcome Measure
The main outcome measure was assessment of graft size variation at 4 months and comparison between the three test groups. The secondary objective is assessment of erectile function by measuring erectile response to cavernous nerve electrical stimulation in each group.

Results
At 4 months, there was a significant difference in graft area retraction between the groups (P = 0.0081) with higher retraction in P group vs. in C or F + P groups. Erectile response to cavernous nerve stimulation significantly differed between the groups and was sham equivalent to C equivalent to F + P superior to P group.

Conclusions
This study provides experimental evidence for the feasibility and the functionality of fibroblast-seeded scaffold compared with acellular graft for TA replacement.
Tunable Microwave Phase Shifters Using LTCC Technology with Integrated BST Thick Films
Authors: Palukuru Vamsi Krishna , Peräntie Jani , Jäntti Jyri , Jantunen Heli 
Published: December 2011

Low temperature co‐fired ceramic (LTCC) reflection and delay line type microwave phase shifters utilizing completely integrated barium strontium titanate (BST) varactors are investigated. Dielectric properties of the screen printed BST paste in 1–8 GHz frequency range are presented. Sintering temperature and time were varied and their effect on the dielectric properties of the film was studied. Phase shifters were sintered at 875°C for 25 min in line with a standard LTCC sintering profile. The relative phase shift of the reflection and delay line type phase shifters were found to be 5 and 11.5° at 2.5 GHz with applied bias field strength of 8 V/μm, respectively.