bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lack of association between apolipoprotein C3 gene polymorphisms and risk of coronary heart disease in a Han population in East China
Authors: Yu Juan , Huang Jingjing , Liang Yan , Qin Baodong , He Su , Xiao Jing , Wang Huimin , Zhong Renqian 
Published: November 2011

Abstract

Background
Several polymorphisms in the apolipoprotein C3 (APOC3) gene have been found association with hypertriglyceridemia(HTG), but the link with coronary heart disease(CHD) risk between ethnicities was still controversial. Among them, reseachers paid more attentions to the promoter polymorphisms T-455C and C-482T because both of them located in insulin-responsive element (IRE) and insulin was thought to exert its action by down-regulating APOC3 gene expression. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of the two polymorphisms of APOC3 with CHD in a Han population in East China.

Methods
TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assays were carried out to detect the genotypes of APOC3 gene, including the T-455C and C-482T, in 286 subjects with CHD and 325 controls without CHD. The levels of serum lipid profiles were also detected by biochemical methods.

Results
There was no difference of genotype frequencies and allele frequencies between the CHD population and the controls(P > 0.05). Compared with the most common genotype -455TT or -482CC, the variants had neither significantly increased CHD risk, nor the lipid variables showed any statistically relevant differences in the research population. The adjusted OR of CHD were 5.67 [0.27-18.74] and 0.75 [0.20-2.73] in carriers of the APOC3 -455C and -482T variants, respectively(P > 0.05). There was also no significant difference in APOC3 haplotype distribution in CHD and controls, but there was a strong linkage disequilibrium between T-455C and C-482T with D' = 0.9293, 0.8881, respectively(P < 0.0001).

Conclusions
Our data did not support a relationship between the two polymorphisms of APOC3 gene and risk of CHD in the Han population in East China.
Diagnosis of tuberculosis: the experience at a specialized diagnostic laboratory
Authors: Mashta Anita , Mishra Pooja , Philipose Sonia , Tamilzhalagan S , Mahmud Hanif , Bhaskar Sangeeta , Upadhyay Pramod 
Published: November 2011

Abstract
This work describes the experience at a tuberculosis clinical laboratory where relatively new TB diagnosis technologies; nucleic acid detection of two target strands, IS6110 and devR, by PCR and microscopic observation drug susceptibility (MODS) were used. The LJ culture was the gold standard. This evaluation was done from August 2007 to July 2009 on 463 sputum samples of tuberculosis suspects at a specialized tuberculosis clinic in Delhi, India.
None of the tests we evaluated can accurately detect the presence or absence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in all the samples and smear microscopy was found to be the most reliable assay in this study.
The PCR assay could detect down to 2 pg of H37Rv DNA. Sensitivity, specificity was 0.40, 0.60 and 0.19, 0.81 for smear positive (n = 228) and negative samples (n = 235) respectively. In the MODS assay, sensitivity, specificity of 0.48, 0.52 and 0.38, 0.76 was observed for smear positive and negative samples. Sputum smear microscopy had sensitivity of 0.77 and specificity of 0.70.
Area of Wharton's jelly as an estimate of the thickness of the umbilical cord and its relationship with estimated fetal weight
Authors: Barbieri Cristiane , Cecatti Jose G , Surita Fernanda G , Costa Maria L , Marussi Emilio F , Costa Jose V 
Published: November 2011

Abstract

Background
To build a reference curve for the area of Wharton's jelly (WJ) in low-risk pregnancies from 13 to 40 weeks and to assess its relationship with estimated fetal weight (EFW).

Methods
2,189 low-risk pregnancies had the area of WJ estimated by ultrasound and the 10th, 50th and 90th percentiles calculated using a third-degree polynomial regression procedure. EFW by ultrasound was correlated with the measurement of the area of WJ.

Results
The area of WJ increased according to gestational age (R2 = 0.64), stabilizing from the 32nd week onwards. There was a significant linear correlation between area of WJ and EFW up to 26 weeks (R = 0.782) and after that 5t remained practically constant (R = 0.047).

Conclusion
The area of WJ increases according to gestational age, with a trend to stabilize at around 32 weeks of gestation. It is also linearly correlated with EFW only up to 26 weeks of gestation.
Seneca’s Presence in Pliny’s Epistle 1. 12
Authors: Tzounakas Spyridon 
Published: November 2011

Abstract
In his exitus letter on the death of Corellius Rufus (Ep. 1. 12), Pliny attempts to present his dead friend with Stoic characteristics. Not only does Corellius follow the Stoic view on suicide in the case of an incurable disease, but also he is implicitly compared to the Stoic sapiens. This is greatly facilitated by allusions to Seneca’s Epistulae Morales, and in particular to epistle 85, where the sapiens is described and dolor is presented as indifferent to the pursuit of virtus. These allusions allow Pliny to both praise Corellius and at the same time express his objections to the prose consolationes of his predecessors.
MANAGEMENT OF ENDOCRINE DISEASE: Beneficial effect of real-time continuous glucose monitoring system on glycemic control in type 1 diabetic patients: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials
Authors: Szypowska A , Ramotowska A , Dżygało K , Golicki D 
Published: November 2011

ObjectiveReal-time continuous glucose monitoring (RT-CGM) provides detailed information on glucose patterns and trends, thus allowing the patients to manage their diabetes more effectively.DesignThe aim of this study was to explore the potential beneficial effects of the use of RT-CGM on diabetes management compared with self blood glucose measurement (SBGM) in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), by means of a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).MethodsMEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library were searched through by two independent investigators for RCTs concerning the use of RT-CGM in patients with T1DM. Only studies with a similar insulin regimen in the experimental and control groups were included in the analysis.ResultsSeven RCTs (n=948) met the inclusion criteria. Combined data from all studies showed better HbA1c reduction in subjects using RT-CGM compared with those using SBGM (mean difference (MD) −0.25; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): from −0.34 to −0.17; P<0.001). Patients treated with insulin pump and RT-CGM had a lower HbA1c level compared with subjects managed with insulin pump and SBGM (four RCTs, n=497; MD −0.26; 95% CI: from −0.43 to −0.10; P=0.002). The benefits of applying RT-CGM were not associated with an increasing rate of major hypoglycemic episodes. The use of RT-CGM for over 60–70% of time was associated with a significant lowering of HbA1c.ConclusionsRT-CGM is more beneficial than SBGM in reducing HbA1c in patients with type 1 diabetes. Further studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy of this system in the pediatric population, especially in very young children.
The Disabling Effect of Diseases: A Study on Trends in Diseases, Activity Limitations, and Their Interrelationships
Authors: Hoeymans Nancy , Wong Albert , van Gool Coen H. , Deeg Dorly J. H. , Nusselder Wilma J. , de Klerk Mirjam M. Y. , van Boxtel Martin P. J. , Picavet H. Susan J. 
Published: November 2011

Objectives. Data from the Netherlands indicate a recent increase in prevalence of chronic diseases and a stable prevalence of disability, suggesting that diseases have become less disabling. We studied the association between chronic diseases and activity limitations in the Netherlands from 1990 to 2008. Methods. Five surveys among noninstitutionalized persons aged 55 to 84 years (n = 54 847) obtained self-reported data on chronic diseases (diabetes, heart disease, peripheral arterial disease, stroke, lung disease, joint disease, back problems, and cancer) and activity limitations (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development [OECD] long-term disability questionnaire or 36-item Short Form Health Survey [SF-36]). Results. Prevalence rates of chronic diseases increased over time, whereas prevalence rates of activity limitations were stable (OECD) or slightly decreased (SF-36). Associations between chronic diseases and activity limitations were also stable (OECD) or slightly decreased (SF-36). Surveys varied widely with regard to disease and limitation prevalence rates and the associations between them. Conclusions. The hypothesis that diseases became less disabling from 1990 to 2008 was only supported by results based on activity limitation data as assessed with the SF-36. Further research on how diseases and disability are associated over time is needed.
Beyond Base Pairs to Bedside: A Population Perspective on How Genomics Can Improve Health
Authors: Khoury Muin J. , Gwinn Marta , Bowen M. Scott , Dotson W. David 
Published: November 2011

A decade after the sequencing of the human genome, the National Human Genome Research Institute announced a strategic plan for genomic medicine. It calls for evaluating the structure and biology of genomes, understanding the biology of disease, advancing the science of medicine, and improving the effectiveness of health care. Fulfilling the promise of genomics urgently requires a population perspective to complement the bench-to-bedside model of translation. A population approach should assess the contribution of genomics to health in the context of social and environmental determinants of disease; evaluate genomic applications that may improve health care; design strategies for integrating genomics into practice; address ethical, legal, and social issues; and measure the population health impact of new technologies.
The Impact of Workplace Policies and Other Social Factors on Self-Reported Influenza-Like Illness Incidence During the 2009 H1N1 Pandemic
Authors: Kumar Supriya , Quinn Sandra Crouse , Kim Kevin H. , Daniel Laura H. , Freimuth Vicki S. 
Published: November 2011

Objectives. We assessed the impact of social determinants of potential exposure to H1N1—which are unequally distributed by race/ethnicity in the United States—on incidence of influenza-like illness (ILI) during the 2009 H1N1 pandemic. Methods. In January 2010 we surveyed a nationally representative sample (n = 2079) of US adults from the Knowledge Networks online research panel, with Hispanic and African American oversamples. The completion rate was 56%. Results. Path analysis examining ILI incidence, race, and social determinants of potential exposure to H1N1 demonstrated that higher ILI incidence was related to workplace policies, such as lack of access to sick leave, and structural factors, such as number of children in the household. Hispanic ethnicity was related to a greater risk of ILI attributable to these social determinants, even after we controlled for income and education. Conclusions. The absence of certain workplace policies, such as paid sick leave, confers a population-attributable risk of 5 million additional cases of ILI in the general population and 1.2 million cases among Hispanics. Federal mandates for sick leave could have significant health impacts by reducing morbidity from ILI, especially in Hispanics.
Health Reform and Healthy People Initiative
Authors: Fielding Jonathan E. , Teutsch Steven , Koh Howard 
Published: November 2011

The passage of the Affordable Care Act builds on and strengthens the foundation for prevention and wellness that Healthy People—the nation's health promotion and disease prevention aspirations for a healthier nation—established. The Affordable Care Act reaffirms the themes of Healthy People by promoting population-based prevention and sets the stage for Healthy People 2020. The heart of Healthy People 2010 lies in its leading health indicators, reflecting high-priority health issues for the nation. National progress requires broad application of the ecological health model. We reviewed the status of each Healthy People 2010 indicator and noted how the Affordable Care Act drives future positive health outcomes using the ecological model of health as a prism for viewing health improvement.
Joe Camel in a Bottle: Diageo, the Smirnoff Brand, and the Transformation of the Youth Alcohol Market
Authors: Mosher James F. 
Published: November 2011

I have documented the shift in youth alcoholic beverage preference from beer to distilled spirits between 2001 and 2009. I have assessed the role of distilled spirits industry marketing strategies to promote this shift using the Smirnoff brand marketing campaign as a case example. I conclude with a discussion of the similarities in corporate tactics across consumer products with adverse public health impacts, the importance of studying corporate marketing and public relations practices, and the implications of those practices for public health.
The First Record of the Family Parantennulidae (Acari, Mesostigmata) in Ukraine with Redescription of Female of Parantennulus Scolopendrarum
Authors: Trach V. 
Published: November 2011

The First Record of the Family Parantennulidae (Acari, Mesostigmata) in Ukraine with Redescription of Female of Parantennulus Scolopendrarum
Mites of the family Parantennulidae are recorded from Ukraine for the first time. A female of Parantennulus scolopendrarum (Berlese, 1886) from the megarian banded centipede Scolopendra cingulata (Latreille, 1829) is redesribed.
Case of Cephalic Presentation of Foetus in a Harbour Porpoise Phocoena Phocoena (Cetacea, Phocoenidae), with Notes on Other Aquatic Mammals
Authors: Gol'din P. 
Published: November 2011

Case of Cephalic Presentation of Foetus in a Harbour PorpoisePhocoena Phocoena(Cetacea, Phocoenidae), with Notes on Other Aquatic MammalsA stranded harbour porpoise pregnant with a near-term foetus in cephalic (head) presentation was found. It is the first time when cephalic presentation, now recorded in three odontocete families, is reported for phocoenids. It proved to occur rarely, yet to be more widespread for aquatic mammals than could be expected.
Application of Möbius coordinate transformation in evaluating Newton's integral
Authors: Tenzer Robert , Gladkikh Vladislav 
Published: November 2011

Application of Möbius coordinate transformation in evaluating Newton's integralWe propose a numerical scheme which efficiently combines various existing methods of solving the Newton's volume integral. It utilises the analytical solution of Newton's integral for tesseroid in computing the near-zone contribution to gravitational field quantities (potential and its first radial derivative). The far-zone gravitational contribution is computed using the expressions derived based on applying Molodensky's truncation coefficients to a spectral representation of Newton's integral. The weak singularity of Newton's integral is treated analytically using formulas for the gravitational contribution of the cylindrical mass volume centered with respect to the observation point. All three solutions are defined and evaluated in the system of polar spherical coordinates. A conversion of the geographical to polar spherical coordinates of input data sets (digital terrain and density models) is based on the Möbius transformation with an enhanced integration grid resolution at vicinity of the observation point.
The Defect Detection in Ceramic Materials Based on Time-Frequency Analysis by Using the Method of Impulse Noise
Authors: Akinci Tahir 
Published: November 2011

AbstractIn this study, it was achieved by using the method of impulse noise to detect internal or surface cracks that can occur in the production of ceramic plates. Ceramic materials are often used in the industry, especially as kitchenware and in areas such as the construction sector. Many different methods are used in the quality assurance processes of ceramic materials. In this study, the impact noise method was examined. This method is a test technique that was not used in applications. The method is presented as an examination technique based on whether there is a deformation on the material according to the sound coming from it as a result of a plastic bit hammer impact on the ceramic material. The application of the study was performed on plates made of ceramic materials. Here, it was made with the same type of model plates manufactured from the same material. The noise that would occur as a result of the impact applied on a point determined on the materials to be tested has been examined by the method of time-frequency analysis. The method applied gives pretty good results for distinguishing ceramic plates in good condition from those which are cracked.
Selection of Plate Components of Operator's Cabin Walls in Aspect of Thermal Insulation and Transmission Loss
Authors: Dziechciowski Zygmunt 
Published: November 2011

AbstractThe modern cabin of heavy duty machines have to fulfil a number of requirements which deal with operators' work comfort. More and more often, the vibroacoustic and thermal comforts decide about the cabin quality. This paper presents principles of acoustic and thermal calculations as well as their use in combined assessment.
Perceptually Correlated Parameters of Musical Instrument Tones
Authors: Beauchamp James 
Published: November 2011

AbstractIn Western music culture instruments have been developed according to unique instrument acoustical features based on types of excitation, resonance, and radiation. These include the woodwind, brass, bowed and plucked string, and percussion families of instruments. On the other hand, instrument performance depends on musical training, and music listening depends on perception of instrument output. Since musical signals are easier to understand in the frequency domain than the time domain, much effort has been made to perform spectral analysis and extract salient parameters, such as spectral centroids, in order to create simplified synthesis models for musical instrument sound synthesis. Moreover, perceptual tests have been made to determine the relative importance of various parameters, such as spectral centroid variation, spectral incoherence, and spectral irregularity. It turns out that the importance of particular parameters depends on both their strengths within musical sounds as well as the robustness of their effect on perception. Methods that the author and his colleagues have used to explore timbre perception are: 1) discrimination of parameter reduction or elimination; 2) dissimilarity judgments together with multidimensional scaling; 3) informal listening to sound morphing examples. This paper discusses ramifications of this work for sound synthesis and timbre transposition.
Active Acoustics in Concert Halls - A New Approach
Authors: Woszczyk Wieslaw 
Published: November 2011

Abstract
Active acoustics offers potential benefits in music halls having acoustical short-comings and is a relatively inexpensive alternative to physical modifications of the enclosures. One critical benefit of active architecture is the controlled variability of acoustics. Although many improvements have been made over the last 60 years in the quality and usability of active acoustics, some problems still persist and the acceptance of this technology is advancing cautiously. McGill's Virtual Acoustic Technology (VAT) offers new solutions in the key areas of performance by focusing on the electroacoustic coupling between the existing room acoustics and the simulation acoustics. All control parameters of the active acoustics are implemented in the Space Builder engine by employing multichannel parallel mixing, routing, and processing. The virtual acoustic response is created using low-latency convolution and a three-way temporal segmentation of the measured impulse responses. This method facilitates a sooner release of the virtual room response and its radiation into the surrounding space. Field tests are currently underway at McGill University involving performing musicians and the audience in order to fully assess and quantify the benefits of this new approach in active acoustics.
Effect of Transverse Acoustic Flow on the Input Impedance of Rapidly Flaring Horns
Authors: Nederveen Cornelis 
Published: November 2011

Abstract
In slowly flaring horns the wave fronts can be considered approximately plane and the input impedance can be calculated with the transmission line method (short cones in series). In a rapidly flaring horn the kinetic energy of transverse flow adds to the local inertance, resulting in an effective increase in length when it is located in a pressure node. For low frequencies corrections are available. These fail at higher frequencies when cross-dimensions become comparable to the wavelength, causing resonances in the cross-direction. To investigate this, the pipe radiating in outer space is modelled with a finite difference method. The outer boundaries must be fully absorbing as the walls of an anechoic chamber. To achieve this, Berenger's perfectly matched layer technique is applied. Results are presented for conical horns, they are compared with earlier published investigations on flanges. The input impedance changes when the largest cross-dimension (outer diameter of flange or diameter of the horn end) becomes comparable to half a wavelength. This effect shifts the position of higher modes in the pipe, influencing the conditions for mode locking, important for ease of playing, dynamic range and sound quality.
A Study of Interaction of Ultrasonic and Optical Wave in Optical Fiber Using the Air Gap
Authors: Gudra Tadeusz , Muc Sylwia 
Published: November 2011

AbstractThere exist some possibilities for simultaneous delivery of laser radiation and ultrasounds of low frequency and high intensity: introducing ultrasound oscillations in the optical fiber by the rigid connection of the fiber to the vibrating element and non-contact influence of the ultrasonic wave on the laser beam. The article presents the results of Matlab simulations and experimental studies of influence of the ultrasonic wave on the laser beam. A role of the air gap, and its influence on laser-ultrasonic transmission in optical fiber was examined. Advantages and disadvantages of both solutions of interaction of ultrasonic and optical waves in, e.g., surgical applications are discussed.
Acoustic Heating Produced in the Thermoviscous Flow of a Shear-Thinning Fluid
Authors: Perelomova Anna 
Published: November 2011

AbstractThis study is devoted to the instantaneous acoustic heating of a shear-thinning fluid. Apparent viscosity of a shear-thinning fluid depends on the shear rate. That feature distinguishes it from a viscous Newtonian fluid. The special linear combination of conservation equations in the differential form makes it possible to derive dynamic equations governing both the sound and non-wave entropy mode induced in the field of sound. These equations are valid in a weakly nonlinear flow of a shear-thinning fluid over an unbounded volume. They both are instantaneous, and do not require a periodic sound. An example of a sound waveform with a piecewise constant shear rate is considered as a source of acoustic heating.
Interesting records of bryophytes from Silesia Province (Poland)
Authors: Stebel Adam 
Published: November 2011

Interesting records of bryophytes from Silesia Province (Poland)
Distributional data for 22 rare bryophytes from Silesia Province are provided. The most interesting plants include Acaulon muticum (Hedw.) Müll. Hall., Helodium blandowii (F. Weber & D. Mohr) Warnst., Hygroamblystegium tenax (Hedw.) Jenn. and Orthotrichum patens Brid.