bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Life satisfaction and mortality in elderly people: The Kangwha Cohort Study
Authors: Kimm Heejin , Sull Jae Woong , Gombojav Bayasgalan , Yi Sang-Wook , Ohrr Heechoul 
Published: January 2012

Abstract

Background
As well as biomedical risk factors, psychological factors have been reported to be related to mortality rate. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between life satisfaction and mortality in elderly people through an 11.8-year follow-up study of a prospective cohort.

Methods
Among 3,600 participants of the Kangwha Cohort Study who survived in 1994, 1,939 respondents of the Life Satisfaction Index (LSI)-A questionnaire were included (men, 821; women, 1118). The mortality risk for the period up to December 2005 was measured using the Cox Proportional Hazard Model.

Results
When the relationship between LSI and mortality was evaluated in men, the unsatisfied group with lower LSI scores showed a significantly higher risk of all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 1.42; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.11-1.83) than the satisfied group with higher LSI scores. In women, the unsatisfied group showed a significantly higher risk of all-cause mortality (HR, 1.51; 95% CI, 1.18-1.92) and cardiovascular mortality (HR, 2.23; 95% CI, 1.30-3.85) than the satisfied group.

Conclusion
We found that elderly people with a lower LSI score, regardless of gender, were at risk of increased mortality from all causes, and low LSI score was also associated with cardiovascular mortality.
A multi-center study on low-frequency rTMS combined with intensive occupational therapy for upper limb hemiparesis in post-stroke patients
Authors: Kakuda Wataru , Abo Masahiro , Shimizu Masato , Sasanuma Jinichi , Okamoto Takatsugu , Yokoi Aki , Taguchi Kensuke , Mitani Sugao , Harashima Hiroaki , Urushidani Naoki , Urashima Mitsuyoshi ,   The NEURO Investigators
Published: January 2012

Abstract

Background
Both low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and intensive occupational therapy (OT) have been recently reported to be clinically beneficial for post-stroke patients with upper limb hemiparesis. Based on these reports, we developed an inpatient combination protocol of these two modalities for the treatment of such patients. The aims of this pilot study were to confirm the safety and feasibility of the protocol in a large number of patients from different institutions, and identify predictors of the clinical response to the treatment.

Methods
The study subjects were 204 post-stroke patients with upper limb hemiparesis (mean age at admission 58.5 ± 13.4 years, mean time after stroke 5.0 ± 4.5 years, ± SD) from five institutions in Japan. During 15-day hospitalization, each patient received 22 treatment sessions of 20-min low-frequency rTMS and 120-min intensive OT daily. Low-frequency rTMS of 1 Hz was applied to the contralesional hemisphere over the primary motor area. The intensive OT, consisting of 60-min one-to-one training and 60-min self-exercise, was provided after the application of low-frequency rTMS. Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) and Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT) were performed serially. The physiatrists and occupational therapists involved in this study received training prior to the study to standardize the therapeutic protocol.

Results
All patients completed the protocol without any adverse effects. The FMA score increased and WMFT log performance time decreased significantly at discharge, relative to the respective values at admission (change in FMA score: median at admission, 47 points; median at discharge, 51 points; p < 0.001. change in WMFT log performance time: median at admission, 3.23; median at discharge, 2.51; p < 0.001). These changes were persistently seen up to 4 weeks after discharge in 79 patients. Linear regression analysis found no significant relationship between baseline parameters and indexes of improvement in motor function.

Conclusions
The 15-day inpatient rTMS plus OT protocol is a safe, feasible, and clinically useful neurorehabilitative intervention for post-stroke patients with upper limb hemiparesis. The response to the treatment was not influenced by age or time after stroke onset. The efficacy of the intervention should be confirmed in a randomized controlled study including a control group.
Chemical composition and antibacterial activity of the essential oils from Launaea resedifolia L
Authors: Zellagui Amar , Gherraf Noureddine , Ladjel Segni , Hameurlaine Samir 
Published: January 2012

Abstract

Background
Several species of the genus Launaea are used in folk medicine such as in bitter stomachic, skin diseases, and reported to have antitumor, insecticide, and cytotoxic activities. The antimicrobial activities of coumarin constituents and the neuropharmacological properties have been investigated as well. In this study, the chemical composition of essential oils from Launaea resedifolia L. has been identified using the ordinary GC-MS technique to reveal the presence of 19 compounds dominated by dioctyl phthalate. Moreover, the antibacterial activity of the crude oil has been carried out using disk diffusion method against seven bacteria strains.

Results
Nineteen compounds of essential oil of L. resedifolia L. were identified, representing 86.68% of the total oil. The compounds were identified by spectral comparison to be mainly esters, alcohols, ketones, and terpenes. The principal constituents are dioctyl phthalate (39.84%), Decanoic acid, decyl ester (12.09%), 11-Octadecenal (11.24%), and Eucalyptol (07.31%), while others were present in relatively small amounts. As far as antibacterial essays are concerned, it was found that the oils are active against most of the tested bacterial strains.

Conclusion
A major constituent in visible parts was Dioctyl phthalate (39.84%) and the yield of essential oils was 0.9%. These extracts reveal in vitro antibacterial activity on the studied bacterial, confirmed by the inhibition zone diameter ranging from 11 to 37 mm and a MIC value between 0.09 and 0.69 depending on the microorganism being tested.
Failure to normalize lymphopenia following trauma is associated with increased mortality, independent of the leukocytosis pattern
Authors: Heffernan Daithi S , Monaghan Sean F , Thakkar Rajan K , Machan Jason T , Cioffi William G , Ayala Alfred 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
Introduction
Following trauma and systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), the typical response is an elevation of the total complete blood count (CBC) and a reduction of the lymphocyte count. This leukocytosis typically returns to normal within 48 hours. The persistence of a leukocytosis following trauma is associated with adverse outcomes. Although lymphocyte anergy and dysfunction following trauma is associated with increased risk for infection and sepsis, there is a paucity of data regarding the impact of a persistence of a low lymphocyte count in trauma patients.

Methods
This is a retrospective review of prospectively collected data from trauma patients collected over the 5 years of September 2003 to September 2008. Patients were included if the injury severity score (ISS) was >/=15, and they survived at least 3 days. Demographic data, mechanism and injury severity score, mortality, and length of stay were collected from the medical record. Laboratory values for the first 4 hospital days were collected. Leukocyte, neutrophil and lymphocyte counts were extracted from the daily complete blood count (CBC). Patients were then grouped based on response (elevation/depression) of each component of the CBC, and their return, or failure thereof, to normal. Proportional hazards regression with time-varying covariates as well as Kaplan-Meier curves were used to predict risk of death, time to death and time to healthy discharge based on fluctuations of the individual components of the CBC.

Results
There were 2448 patients admitted over the 5 years included in the analysis. When adjusting for age, gender and ISS the relative risk of death was elevated with a persistent leukocytosis (2.501 (95% CI = 1.477-4.235)) or failure to normalize lymphopenia (1.639 (95% CI = 10.17-2.643)) within the first 4 days following admission. Similar results were seen when Kaplan-Meier curves were created. Persistent lymphopenia was associated with shortest time to death. Paradoxically in survivors persistent lymphopenia was associated with the shortest time to discharge.

Conclusions
Persistently abnormal CBC responses are associated with a higher mortality following trauma. This is the first report noting that a failure to normalize lymphopenia in severely injured patients is associated with significantly higher mortality.
Loss of FXR Protects against Diet-Induced Obesity and Accelerates Liver Carcinogenesis in ob/ob Mice
Authors: Zhang Yanqiao , Ge Xuemei , Heemstra Lydia A. , Chen Wei-Dong , Xu Jiesi , Smith Joseph L. , Ma Huiyan , Kasim Neda , Edwards Peter A. , Novak Colleen M. 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) is known to play important regulatory roles in bile acid, lipid, and carbohydrate metabolism. Aged (&gt;12 months old) Fxr−/− mice also develop spontaneous liver carcinomas. In this report, we used three mouse models to investigate the role of FXR deficiency in obesity. As compared with low-density lipoprotein receptor (Ldlr) knockout (Ldlr−/−) mice, the Ldlr−/−Fxr−/− double-knockout mice were highly resistant to diet-induced obesity, which was associated with increased expression of genes involved in energy metabolism in the skeletal muscle and brown adipose tissue. Such a striking effect of FXR deficiency on obesity on an Ldlr−/− background led us to investigate whether FXR deficiency alone is sufficient to affect obesity. As compared with wild-type mice, Fxr−/− mice showed resistance to diet-induced weight gain. Interestingly, only female Fxr−/− mice showed significant resistance to diet-induced obesity, which was accompanied by increased energy expenditure in these mice. Finally, we determined the effect of FXR deficiency on obesity in a genetically obese and diabetic mouse model. We generated ob−/−Fxr−/− mice that were deficient in both Leptin and Fxr. On a chow diet, ob−/−Fxr−/− mice gained less body weight and had reduced body fat mass as compared with ob/ob mice. In addition, we observed liver carcinomas in 43% of young (&lt;11 months old) Ob−/−Fxr−/− mice. Together these data indicate that loss of FXR prevents diet-induced or genetic obesity and accelerates liver carcinogenesis under diabetic conditions.
Apparent diffusion coefficient measurements of the pancreas, pancreas carcinoma, and mass-forming focal pancreatitis
Authors: Wiggermann Philipp , Grützmann Robert , Weissenböck Angelika , Kamusella Peter , Dittert Dag-Daniel , Stroszczynski Christian 
Published: January 2012

Background Mass-forming focal pancreatitis (FP) may mimic pancreatic cancer (PC) on magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, and the preoperative differential diagnosis is often difficult. Recently, the usefulness of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer has been reported in several studies. Purpose To investigate if apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) measurements based on diffusion-weighted echo-planar imaging (DW-EPI) may distinguish between normal pancreas parenchyma, mass-forming focal pancreatitis, and pancreas carcinoma. Material and Methods MRI was performed on 64 patients: 24 with pancreas carcinoma (PC), 20 with mass-forming focal pancreatitis (FP), three patients with other focal pancreatic disease as well as 17 controls without any known pancreatic disease. Diffusion-weighted sequence with ADC maps and T2-weighted sequence for anatomical information was performed. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps were automatically created and analyzed using a dedicated user interface. In the group with pancreas disease the abnormal parenchyma was detected by using T1- and T2-weighted images and the region of interest (ROI) was transferred exactly to the ADC map and the coefficients were registered. In the control group the ROI was set to the head of the pancreas followed by a similar registration of the ADCs. Results ADC values for mass-forming FP and PC differed significantly from ADC values for normal pancreas parenchyma ( P = 0.001/ P = 0.002). Mean ADC values for mass-forming FP were 0.69 ± 0.18 × 10−3 mm2/s. ADC values for PC were 0.78 ± 0.11 × 10−3 mm2/s, compared to ADC values of 0.17 ± 0.06 × 10−3 mm2/s in the control group. However there was no significant difference in ADCs between PC and mass-forming FP ( P = 0.15). Conclusion ADC measurements clearly differentiated between normal pancreatic tissue and abnormal pancreas parenchyma (PC and mass-forming FP). However there is an overlap in values of PC and mass-forming FP, with the consequent problem of their correct identification.
Momentum Spectrum of Cosmic Radiation
Authors: Alfvén H. 
Published: January 2012

If in a variable magnetic field charged high energy particles are injected at a certain point, they are accelerated but at the same time they diffuse outwards from the point of injection. Near the point of injection the density in a volume element of six-dimensional phase-space is increased by the acceleration process but decreased by the diffusion, and the momentum spectrum is obtained from the stationary state when these two effects are equal. The theory gives the power spectrum of (51) or (54), in which the value of the exponent depends in a very insensitive way on the rate of acceleration and the rate of diffusion.
The spectrum depends on the distance from the source of injection and the average energy density is orders of magnitude smaller than the density near the source of injection.
The theory is in agreement with the “local” theory of Cosmic Radiation, but it is difficult to reconcile it with galactic or extragalactic theories.
On the Theory of Comet Tails
Authors: Alfvén H. 
Published: January 2012

According to Biermann’s theory the repulsive force in comet tails is due to a corpuscular radiation from the sun. It is shown that some of the difficulties of this theory can be overcome if the assumed radiation consists of beams with a frozen-in magnetic field of the same type as required in the electric field theory of magnetic storms and aurorae.
The interaction between such a beam and the head of the comet produces an amplified magnetic field which determines the shape of the tail. The high accelerations, which have been observed in the tails may be due to electromagnetic forces.
The use of catecholamines in patients at an intensive care unit
Authors: Mendonça Larissa Bento De Araújo , Madeiro Antônio Cláudio , Lima Francisca Elisângela Teixeira , Barbosa Islene Victor , De Brito Maria Eliane Maciel , Da Cunha Lílian Gomes Pereira 
Published: January 2012

Objetivo: Identificar a incidência do uso de catecolaminas em pacientes de uma unidade de terapia intensiva. Método: Trata-se de uma pesquisa descritiva quantitativa, realizada em uma unidade de terapia intensiva, pertencente a um hospital particular em Fortaleza-Ceará. A população do estudo compôs-se por todos os prontuários de pacientes internados na unidade no período de janeiro-dezembro de 2009. A amostra constituiu-se de 53 prontuários que atenderam aos critérios de inclusão definidos no estudo. A coleta de dados realizou-se nos meses de abril-maio de 2010 por meio de consulta aos prontuários e preenchimento de um roteiro semi-estruturado. Os dados foram organizados e tabulados em tabelas e figuras. Estudo aprovado pelo comitê de ética sob protocolo: 29/10. Resultados: Patologia prevalente: alterações neurológicas (60,4% ). Faixa etária prevalente: entre 41 a 59 anos (45,3%); sexo prevalente: feminino (54,7%). Houve prevalência do uso de catecolaminas em 23% dos pacientes. Catecolaminas mais utilizadas: dobutamina e noradrenalina, ambas usadas por 50% dos pacientes. Conclusão: Constatou-se uma incidência de 23% de uso de catecolaminas. As catecolaminas mais utilizadas foram a dobutamina e noradrenalina. Acredita-se que esta pesquisa possa contribuir para a qualificação do enfermeiro quanto à administração de catecolaminas.
Just a Little Bit Longer: Viewing Time of Erotic Material from a Self‐Control Perspective
Authors: Friese Malte , Hofmann Wilhelm 
Published: January 2012

SummaryFor many individuals, watching erotic material constitutes a self‐control conflict in which reflective tendencies compete with impulsive urges for the control of behavior. Boundary conditions such as the ability to control attention determine which influence will prevail over the other. Here, we tested this framework in the context of viewing erotic videos. Reflective tendencies, as indicated by self‐reported attitudes, predicted viewing time of erotic videos for individuals high, but not low, in attention control. By contrast, impulsive tendencies, as indicated by automatic associations toward sex, predicted viewing time for individuals low, but not high, in attention control. This effect was particularly pronounced for single individuals. The adoption of a self‐control framework to research on viewing erotic material has several advantages, including a better understanding of the psychological processes involved in watching erotic material, an illustration of these processes' interactive dynamic, and a more fine‐grained prediction of viewing time behavior. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and characterization of silver‐coated graphite nanosheets with pyrrole via in situ polymerization
Authors: Yang Yongqing , Qi Shuhua , Qin Yunchuan , Zhang Xinxin 
Published: January 2012

AbstractPolypyrrole (PPy)/graphite nanosheet (NanoG) and PPy/silver‐coated graphite nanosheet (Ag/NanoG) nanocomposites were synthesized via in situ polymerization with the monomer Py polymerized on the surface of NanoGs and Ag/NanoGs. The morphologies and nanostructures of NanoGs, Ag/NanoGs, PPy, PPy/NanoG, and PPy/Ag/NanoG were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transmission infrared spectroscopy, and X‐ray diffraction analysis. The results showed that most of NanoG and Ag/NanoG nanoparticles were encapsulated by PPy for a layered structure and high aspect ratio (width‐to‐thickness ratio) of NanoGs and Ag/NanoGs. From the thermogravimetric analysis, we observed that the introduction of inorganic nanosilver and NanoGs into the composites made the composites exhibit a better thermal stability than pure PPy. According to the four‐point probe test, the conductivities of the ultimate PPy/NanoG and PPy/Ag/NanoG composites increased dramatically compare to that of pure PPy. The measurement of electromagnetic parameters showed that the reflection loss of PPy/Ag/NanoG was below −15 dB at an X band from 8.2 to 12.4 GHz, and the minimum loss value was −18.21 dB at 9.86 GHz. The reflection loss of PPy/NanoG was below −10 dB at an X band from 8.2 to 12.4 GHz, and the minimum loss value was −13.44 dB at 10.28 GHz. The microwave‐absorbing properties of PPy/Ag/NanoG and PPy/NanoG were superior to those of PPy. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Synthesis, Pharmacokinetics, and Pharmacodynamics Studies of Valsartan Peptide Derivatives
Authors: Wu Chun , Hu Yanpeng , Li Qianbin , He Limei , Chen Jun , Cheng Zeneng , Li Yuanjian , Hu Gaoyun 
Published: January 2012

AbstractIn order to increase the intestinal permeability of valsartan, 14 esters and peptide derivatives of valsartan were chemically synthesized and their absorption characteristics were described. All derivatives were stable and could be better absorbed into the small intestine than valsartan. There are two barriers for the absorption of valsartan derivatives. The elongated half‐life (t1/2) and stable blood concentrations for compound 4 due to the hydrolysis of the ester group in the second barrier were demonstrated in pharmacokinetic experiments. Furthermore, compound 4 also displayed modest anti‐hypertension activity in vivo, which makes structural modification of valsartan, especially for the purpose of improvement of its intestinal permeability, valuable for further studies.
Monohaloboryls (BHX−) as Bridging Ligands: Observable Dinuclear σ‐(Halo)boranyl Intermediates in the Synthesis of Metalloborylenes
Authors: Bauer Jürgen , Braunschweig Holger , Dewhurst Rian D. , Kraft Katharina , Radacki Krzysztof 
Published: January 2012

AbstractUpon treating transition‐metal–dihaloboryl complexes of the form [LnMBX2] with K[(η5‐C5H5)MnH(CO)2], salt elimination occurs along with a migration of the Mn‐bound hydride ligand onto the boron atom, thereby forming dinuclear σ‐(halo)boranyl complexes of the form [LnM(μ‐BHX)Mn(CO)2(η5‐C5H5)]. Most of these complexes react further at room temperature to lose HX and provide metalloborylene complexes [LnM‐B=Mn(CO)2(η5‐C5H5)]; however, when MLn=Re(CO)5 the σ‐(halo)boranyl complex decomposes into unidentifiable products. We found through DFT calculations that two electronically and structurally distinct forms of the intermediate σ‐(halo)boranyl complexes exist, one of which easily loses HX and one that does not.
Online Measurement Method for Characterization of Nanocomposites
Authors: Guschin Viktor , Becker Wolfgang , Eisenreich Norbert , Bendfeld Anja 
Published: January 2012

AbstractDurch das Einarbeiten von Nanopartikeln in eine Polymermatrix können die Eigenschaften des Nanokomposites im Vergleich zum Ausgangspolymer entscheidend verbessert werden. Da der Einarbeitungsprozess aufgrund möglicher Agglomerationen der Nanopartikel eine Herausforderung darstellt, ist es sehr wichtig, ihn online zu verfolgen. In dieser Forschungsarbeit wurde transparentes SiO2‐Polypropylen(PP)‐Nanokomposit mit der optischen turbidimetrischen Methode direkt am Extruder untersucht. Des Weiteren werden vergleichende rasterelektronenmikroskopische (REM) Untersuchungen vorgestellt. Es wird gezeigt, dass die turbidimetrische Auswertung zur Online‐Qualitätskontrolle von Nanokompositen herangezogen werden kann.
Total Surface Area Concentration Measurements of Nanoparticles in Gases with an Electrical Sensor
Authors: Fissan Heinz , Asbach Christof , Kaminski Heinz , Kuhlbusch Thomas A. J. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractNano‐objects with different chemical compositions and structures (shapes) are very important building blocks for nanostructured materials. The characterization of the nanoparticles in the gas phase during synthesis and their use is of great importance. The total nanoparticle surface area concentration is essential especially for describing interface processes, because of the increasing surface area per unit of mass with decreasing particle size. In this paper the possible use of an electrical sensor for measuring total surface area concentrations of spherical and agglomerated/aggregated nanoparticles in aerosols is discussed.