bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Low specificity of HIV-testing on sputum specimens kept at ambient temperatures for 4 to 7 days: a blinded comparison
Authors: Egwaga Saidi M , Chonde Timothy M , Matee Mecky I , Mfinanga Sayoki G , Ngowi Prosper E , Lwilla Fred , Cobelens Frank GJ 
Published: September 2007

Abstract

Background
HIV testing on sputum using the QraQuick HIV1/2® assay has high sensitivity and specificity, and holds promise for application in tuberculosis surveys. Its performance under conditions that may occur during surveys in resource-poor countries is however, unknown. We assessed, in a blinded comparison with HIV serum testing, the sensitivity and specificity of the OraQuick® assay for detecting HIV antibody in sputum specimens kept at ambient temperature for up to 7 days, with and without decontaminant.

Methods
Paired sputum and blood specimens from consecutively diagnosed smear-positive tuberculosis patients were tested with OraQuick® and 2 HIV-1/2 ELISA's. Sputum was tested within 24 hours of collection, split into 2 aliquots with and without addition of cetylpyridium chloride, and tested again after 4 and 7 days.

Results
Complete data was available for 377/435 (87%) enrolled patients; 132 (35%) tested HIV positive on serum. The sensitivity of the sputum test was 94.7% (95% CI 89.4–97.8) on day 1, 93.2% on day 4 and 92.9% on day 7. The specificity was 92.9% (95% CI 88.9–95.8) on day 1, and declined to 76.7% on day 4 (p < 0.001) and to 62.7% on day 7 (p < 0.001). Adding cetylpyridium chloride further decreased the specificity to 67.8% on day 4 (p = 0.04) and to 49.6% on day 7 (p = 0.004).

Conclusion
Transportation of sputum specimens at ambient temperatures for 4 days or more, and addition of decontaminant, strongly affect the specificity of the OraQuick® assay. Unless applied within one day, this assay is not suitable for estimation of HIV-prevalence among tuberculosis patients in survey settings.
Are physical symptoms among survivors of a disaster presented to the general practitioner? A comparison between self-reports and GP data
Authors: van den Berg Bellis , Yzermans C Joris , van der Velden Peter G , Stellato Rebecca K , Lebret Erik , Grievink Linda 
Published: September 2007

Abstract
Background
Most studies examining medically unexplained symptoms (MUS) have been performed in primary or secondary care and have examined symptoms for which patients sought medical attention. Disasters are often described as precipitating factors for MUS. However, health consequences of disasters are typically measured by means of questionnaires, and it is not known whether these self-reported physical symptoms are presented to the GP. It is also not known if the self-reported symptoms are related to a medical disorder or if they remain medically unexplained. In the present study, three research questions were addressed. Firstly, were self-reported symptoms among survivors presented to the GP? Secondly, were the symptoms presented to the GP associated with a high level of functional impairment and distress? Thirdly, what was the GP's clinical judgment of the presented symptoms, i.e. were the symptoms related to a medical diagnosis or could they be labeled MUS?

Methods
Survivors of a man-made disaster (N = 887) completed a questionnaire 3 weeks (T1) and 18 months (T2) post-disaster. This longitudinal health survey was combined with an ongoing surveillance program of health problems registered by GPs.

Results
The majority of self-reported symptoms was not presented to the GP and survivors were most likely to present persistent symptoms to the GP. For example, survivors with stomachache at both T1 and T2 were more likely to report stomachache to their GP (28%) than survivors with stomachache at only T1 (6%) or only T2 (13%). Presentation of individual symptoms to the GP was not consistently associated with functional impairment and distress. 56 – 91% of symptoms were labeled as MUS after clinical examination.

Conclusion
These results indicate that the majority of self-reported symptoms among survivors of a disaster are not presented to the GP and that the decision to consult with a GP for an individual symptom is not dependent on the level of impairment and distress. Also, self-reported physical symptoms such as headache, back pain and shortness of breath are likely to remain medically unexplained after the clinical judgment of a GP.
Health care utilisation under the 30-Baht Scheme among the urban poor in Mitrapap slum, Khon Kaen, Thailand: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Coronini-Cronberg Sophie , Laohasiriwong Wongsa , Gericke Christian A 
Published: September 2007

Abstract

Background
In 2001, the Government of Thailand introduced a universal coverage scheme with the aim of ensuring equitable health care access for even the poorest citizens. For a flat user fee of 30 Baht per consultation, or for free for those falling into exemption categories, every scheme participant may access registered health services. The exemption categories include children under 12 years of age, senior citizens aged 60 years and over, the very poor, and volunteer health workers. The functioning of these exemption mechanisms and the effect of the scheme on health service utilisation among the poor is controversial.

Methods
This cross-sectional study investigated the prevalence of 30-Baht Scheme registration and subsequent self-reported health service utilisation among an urban poor population in the Teparuk community within the Mitrapap slum in Khon Kaen city, northeastern Thailand. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the exemption mechanisms in reaching the very poor and the elderly was examined. Factors for users' choice of health facilities were identified.

Results
Overall, the proportion of the Teparuk community enrolled with the 30-Baht Scheme was high at 86%, with over one quarter of these exempted from paying the consultation fee. User fee exemption was significantly more frequent among households with an above-poverty-line income (64.7%) compared to those below the poverty line (35.3%), χ2 (df) = 5.251 (1); p-value = 0.018. In addition, one third of respondents over 60 years of age were found to be still paying user fees. Self-reported use of registered medical facilities in case of illness was stated to be predominantly due to the service being available through the scheme, with service quality not a chief consideration. Overall consumer satisfaction was high, especially among those not required to pay the 30 Baht user fee.

Conclusion
Whilst the 30-Baht Scheme seems to cover most of the poor population of Mitrapap slum in Khon Kaen, the user fee exemption mechanism only works partially with regard to reaching the poorest and exempting senior citizens. Service utilisation and satisfaction are highest amongst those who are fee-exempt. Service quality was not an important factor influencing choice of health facility. Ways should be sought to improve the effectiveness of the current exemption mechanisms.
Host predisposition by endogenous Transforming Growth Factor-β1 overexpression promotes pulmonary fibrosis following bleomycin injury
Authors: Haider Yussef , Malizia Andrea P , Keating Dominic T , Birch Mary , Tomlinson Annette , Martin Gail , Ferguson Mark WJ , Doran Peter P , Egan Jim J 
Published: September 2007

Abstract

Background
Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive diffuse disease involving the lung parenchyma. Despite recent advances, the molecular mechanisms of the initiation and progression of this disease remain elusive. Previous studies have demonstrated TGFβ1 as a key effector cytokine in the development of lung fibrosis.

Methods
In this study we have used a transgenic mouse based strategy to identify the effect of overexpression of this key effector mediator on the development of pulmonary fibrosis in response to exogenous injury. We bred two lines (line 25 and 18) of transgenic mice (Tr+) that overexpressed active TGFβ1. Three-month old transgenic and wild type mice were subsequently wounded with intraperitoneal bleomycin. Mice were sacrificed at 6 weeks post-bleomycin and their lungs analysed histologically and biochemically.

Results
The severity of lung fibrosis was significantly greater in the Tr+ mice compared to the wild type mice. Using an oligonucleotide microarray based strategy we identified discrete patterns of gene expression contributing to TGFβ1 associated pulmonary fibrosis.

Conclusion
This data emphasises the importance of a host predisposition in the form of endogenous TGFβ1, in the development of pulmonary fibrosis in response to an exogenous injury.
Evaluation of a peer counselling programme to sustain breastfeeding practice in Hong Kong
Authors: Wong Esther HY , Nelson EAS , Choi Kai-Chow , Wong Kin-Ping , Ip Carmen , Ho Lau-Cheung 
Published: September 2007

Abstract

Background
Peer counselling is reported to increase breastfeeding rates. We evaluated an intervention consisting of mainly telephone contact peer counselling programme on breastfeeding duration and exclusivity.

Methods
Peer counsellors (PCs) were mothers who had successfully breastfed and had received formal training. Following a postnatal visit, they provided scheduled telephone consultations (Days 1, 4, 7, Weeks 2, 4, 8, and Month 4) to PC group mothers (n = 100) who continued breastfeeding their infants after discharge. Control group mothers (n = 100) received routine care.

Results
After adjusting for mothers' previous breastfeeding experiences, mothers' working status and breastfeeding problems, no statistical differences in mothers' feeding methods (exclusive, almost exclusive or predominant breastfeeding) were noted at the three follow-up times for intervention and control mothers respectively (Day 5: 37%/38%, 46%/53%, 57%/63%; Month 3: 10%/9%, 17%/23%, 20%/26%; Month 6: 2%/1%, 18%/18%, 18%/19%). All differences between the groups were not significant. Also, there was no evidence to suggest that PC intervention prolonged breastfeeding duration.

Conclusion
The lack of effect of our PC intervention may reflect the low baseline breastfeeding rate and low value placed on breastfeeding in our population, the type of PC intervention or group allocation biases.

Trial registration
ISRCTN93605280.
Determination of the threshold of cardiac troponin I associated with an adverse postoperative outcome after cardiac surgery: a comparative study between coronary artery bypass graft, valve surgery, and combined cardiac surgery
Authors: Fellahi Jean-Luc , Hedoire François , Le Manach Yannick , Monier Emmanuel , Guillou Louis , Riou Bruno 
Published: September 2007

Abstract
Introduction
The objective of the present study was to compare postoperative cardiac troponin I (cTnI) release and the thresholds of cTnI that predict adverse outcome after elective coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), after valve surgery, and after combined cardiac surgery.

Methods
Six hundred and seventy-five adult patients undergoing conventional cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass were retrospectively analyzed. Patients in the CABG (n = 225) and valve surgery groups (n = 225) were selected after matching (age, sex) with those in the combined surgery group (n = 225). cTnI was measured preoperatively and 24 hours after the end of surgery. The main endpoint was a severe postoperative cardiac event (sustained ventricular arrhythmias requiring treatment, need for inotropic support or intraaortic balloon pump for at least 24 hours, postoperative myocardial infarction) and/or death. Data are presented as the median and the odds ratio (95% confidence interval).

Results
Postoperative cTnI levels were significantly different among the three groups (combined surgery, 11.0 (9.5–13.1) ng/ml versus CABG, 5.2 (4.7–5.7) ng/ml and valve surgery, 7.8 (7.6–8.0) ng/ml; P < 0.05). The thresholds of cTnI predicting severe cardiac event and/or death were also significantly different among the three groups (combined surgery, 11.8 (11.5–14.8) ng/ml versus CABG, 7.8 (6.7–8.8) ng/ml and valve surgery, 9.3 (8.0–14.0) ng/ml; P < 0.05). An elevated cTnI above the threshold in each group was significantly associated with a severe cardiac event and/or death (odds ratio, 4.33 (2.82–6.64)).

Conclusion
The magnitude of postoperative cTnI release is related to the type of cardiac surgical procedure. Different thresholds of cTnI must be considered according to the procedure type to predict early an adverse postoperative outcome.
Availability analysis of post-combustion carbon capture systems: Minimum work input
Authors: McGlashan N R , Marquis A J 
Published: September 2007

This paper describes the availability analysis of a generic, post-combustion carbon capture plant. The analysis first establishes the minimum work input required in an ideal plant with a flue gas inlet temperature equal to the sink temperature. The analysis shows that the ideal work input is surprisingly low and that, roughly equal amounts of work are required to first separate and then compress the CO2 contained in a typical flue gas stream. The analysis is then extended to include the effects of variable inlet temperature and extraction efficiency. This extended analysis shows that there is a considerable quantity of available energy in the flue gas of a normal power station. Indeed, in principle, carbon capture is theoretically possible without any external work input for fuels of low carbon/hydrogen ratio such as heavy fuel oil and natural gas. When burning coal, the minimum work input would be significantly reduced if the flue gases' availability were utilized. The final section of the paper compares the actual work input of a variety of carbon capture schemes found in the literature, with the minimum work input for an ideal process. This comparison shows that the techniques presently found in the literature have a low second-law efficiency.
Progress toward Ultrafast DNA Sequencing Using Solid-State Nanopores
Authors: Soni Gautam V , Meller Amit 
Published: September 2007

Abstract
Background: Measurements of the ionic current flowing through nanometer-scale pores (nanopores) have been used to analyze single DNA and RNA molecules, with the ultimate goal of achieving ultrafast DNA sequencing. However, attempts at purely electronic measurements have not achieved the signal contrast required for single nucleotide differentiation. In this report we propose a novel method of optical detection of DNA sequence translocating through a nanopore.
Methods: Each base of the target DNA sequence is 1st mapped onto a 2-unit code, 2 10-bp nucleotide sequence, by biochemical conversion into Designed DNA Polymers. These 2-unit codes are then hybridized to complementary, fluorescently labeled, and self-quenching molecular beacons. As the molecular beacons are sequentially unzipped during translocation through a &lt;2-nm-wide nanopore, their fluorescent tags are unquenched and are detected by a custom-built dual-color total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscope. The 2-color optical signal is then correlated to the target DNA sequence.
Results: A dual-color TIRFM microscope with single-molecule resolution was constructed, and controlled fabrication of 1-dimensional and 2-dimensional arrays of solid-state nanopores was performed. A nanofluidic cell assembly was constructed for TIRF-based optical detection of voltage-driven DNA translocation through a nanopore.
Conclusions: We present a novel nanopore-based DNA sequencing technique that uses an optical readout of DNA translocating unzipping through a nanopore. Our technique offers better single nucleotide differentiation in sequence readout, as well as the possibility of large-scale parallelism using nanopore arrays.
Effects of Drying Conditions, Phase Transformations, and Carbonation Reactions on Measurements of Sorption Isotherms of Building Materials
Authors: Wilkes Kenneth E. , Atchley Jerry A. , Childs Phillip W. , Desjarlais Andre 
Published: September 2007

Abstract
The sorption isotherm is one of the basic material properties used in hygrothermal modeling of building envelope performance. Measurement of this property is deceptively simple. Specimens are first dried and then exposed to a series of higher relative humidities to develop a curve of moisture content versus relative humidity at constant temperature. This paper discusses some confounding effects that we have observed while performing measurements on a number of common building materials. Materials studied included gypsum products, wood and wood products, and cementitious materials.
Perspectives: The Reintroduction of Natural Cement
Authors: Edison Leya L. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractThe development of natural cement technology was the culmination of thousands of years of research and development. Its rise to become the primary hydraulic binder used in buildings and structures in the United States occurred in the 19th century. Today, it is again finding a place in the restoration industry. Ultimately, it is the understanding of both the history of this technology and its redefinition in contemporary technical terms that will guide appropriate use of this traditional 19th century material in 21st century restoration work. The First and Second American Natural Cement Conferences brought together experts from a wide variety of disciplines in order to re-establish and augment the base of knowledge for this technology and our connection to it.
Techniques for Predicting Cladding Design Wind Pressures
Authors: Browne Matthew , Irwin Peter , Garber Jason , Cicci Michael , Dale Jan , Parnell Russ 
Published: September 2007

Abstract
With advances in wind tunnel methodologies in recent years, the measurement of wind loads on wind tunnel models of buildings and structures can be carried out with a high degree of accuracy. These results lead to more economical and risk-consistent structural designs than do code calculation methods. Five topics related to the prediction of cladding design wind pressures are examined in this paper: (1) wind tunnel testing and analysis methods, (2) integration of wind tunnel data with the full-scale wind climate, (3) evaluation of internal pressures, (4) duration of constant wind pressure for determining the load resistance of glass, and (5) computational fluid dynamics (CFD).
Design and Dynamic Practice of a Novel Fluid Vibration Isolator for Packaging Protection of Electronic Equipment
Authors: Ping Yang 
Published: September 2007

Abstract
The aim of this paper is to study a novel fluid-coupling vibration isolator to improve the dynamics in a harsh vibration-impact environment for packaging reinforcement systems of electronic equipment. The fluid-coupling isolator is designed through coupling the air, oil, rubber, and spring. The dynamic characteristics of the actual fluid-coupling isolator are developed. The test results of the prototype in dynamic tests show complex nonlinear dynamic characteristics. Based on this, a nonlinear dynamic model for the fluid-coupling isolator is presented. Comparisons with experimental data confirm the validity of the model. It builds a basis for future work in engineering design and evaluation of packaging protection system for electronic equipment.
Investigation of Friction in the Meso Normal Force Range on DLC and TiN Coatings
Authors: Achanta Satish , Drees Dirk , Celis Jean-Pierre , Anderson Michael 
Published: September 2007

Abstract
In recent years “low load” tribology has received more attention due to the emergence of special devices like MEMS, and new materials such as bioimplants, polymers, and textured surfaces. The tribological characterization of MEMS materials is challenging, because the devices operate at nominal contact pressures of only a few MPa and low wear rates of nm/h. The evaluation of materials with conventional high load tribological tools or with AFM type techniques is not appropriate because the contact pressures or contact geometries are not suitable. Furthermore, even in many conventional applications, the contact pressures and wear rates are more moderate than the ones achieved in conventional tribometers.
In this work, the friction and wear behavior of the commonly used industrial coatings titanium nitride (TiN) and diamond-like carbon (DLC) are investigated with normal forces in between Newton (conventional tribology) and nanoNewton (nanotribology). The investigation of friction at such low contact pressures was achieved using a high precision microtribometer MUST® operating in a linearly reciprocating ball-on-flat configuration; a ball-on-disk configuration is also possible. The equipment works on the principle of deflection measurements of a flexible cantilever beam with light optical sensors bearing a force resolution of 0.1 μN. As the applied normal force reduces from mNs to μNs, the effect of surface roughness becomes strikingly apparent in the recorded tangential force. The friction of TiN coating appears to be less sensitive to surface roughness variations and chemical changes of the countermaterial than DLC. The behavior of DLC at low contact pressures is different from the well known low friction behavior of DLC coatings at high contact pressures. The importance of the appropriate tribological tool for evaluating materials at low contact pressures has been illustrated through this study.
Autophagy Genes unc-51 and bec-1 Are Required for Normal Cell Size in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Aladzsity István , Tóth Márton L , Sigmond Tímea , Szabó Emese , Bicsák Bertalan , Barna János , Regős Ágnes , Orosz László , Kovács Attila L , Vellai Tibor 
Published: September 2007

Abstract
Here we show that in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans mutational inactivation of two autophagy genes unc-51/atg1 and bec-1/atg6/beclin1 results in small body size without affecting cell number. Furthermore, loss-of-function mutations in unc-51 and bec-1 suppress the giant phenotype of mutant animals with aberrant insulin-like growth factor-1 (insulin/IGF-1) or transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling. This function for unc-51 and bec-1 in cell size control and their interaction with these two growth modulatory pathways may represent a link between the hormonal and nutritional regulation of cell growth.
New Properties of Drosophila Fab-7 Insulator
Authors: Rodin Sergey , Kyrchanova Olga , Pomerantseva Ekaterina , Parshikov Alexander , Georgiev Pavel 
Published: September 2007

Abstract
In the Abd-B 3′ cis-regulatory region, which is subdivided into a series of iab domains, boundary elements have previously been detected, including the Fab-7 element providing for the autonomous functioning of the iab-6 and iab-7 cis-regulatory domains. Here, it has been shown that a single copy of the 860-bp Fab-7 insulator effectively blocks the yellow and white enhancers. The eye and testis enhancers can stimulate the white promoter across the pair of Fab-7, which is indicative of a functional interaction between the insulators. Unexpectedly, Fab-7 has proved to lose the enhancer-blocking activity when placed near the white promoter. It seems likely that Fab-7 strengthens the relatively weak white promoter, which leads to the efficient enhancer–promoter interaction and insulator bypass.
Genetic Background Modifies Inner Ear and Eye Phenotypes of Jag1 Heterozygous Mice
Authors: Kiernan Amy E , Li Renhua , Hawes Norman L , Churchill Gary A , Gridley Thomas 
Published: September 2007

Abstract
Mice heterozygous for missense mutations of the Notch ligand Jagged1 (Jag1) exhibit head-shaking behavior indicative of an inner ear vestibular defect. In contrast, mice heterozygous for a targeted deletion of the Jag1 gene (Jag1del1) do not demonstrate obvious head-shaking behavior. To determine whether the differences in inner ear phenotypes were due to the types of Jag1 mutations or to differences in genetic background, we crossed Jag1del1 heterozygous mice onto the same genetic background as the missense mutants. This analysis revealed that variation of the Jag1 mutant inner ear phenotype is caused by genetic background differences and is not due to the type of Jag1 mutation. Genome scans of N2 backcross mice identified a significant modifier locus on chromosome 7, as well as a suggestive locus on chromosome 14. We also analyzed modifiers of an eye defect in Jag1del1 heterozygous mice from this same cross.