bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Using propensity scores to estimate the effects of insecticides on stream invertebrates from observational data
Authors: Yuan Lester L. , Pollard Amina I. , Carlisle Daren M. 
Published: February 2009

Abstract
Analyses of observational data can provide insights into relationships between environmental conditions and biological responses across a broader range of natural conditions than experimental studies, potentially complementing insights gained from experiments. However, observational data must be analyzed carefully to minimize the likelihood that confounding variables bias observed relationships. Propensity scores provide a robust approach for controlling for the effects of measured confounding variables when analyzing observational data. Here, we use propensity scores to estimate changes in mean invertebrate taxon richness in streams that have experienced insecticide concentrations that exceed aquatic life use benchmark concentrations. A simple comparison of richness in sites exposed to elevated insecticides with those that were not exposed suggests that exposed sites had on average 6.8 fewer taxa compared to unexposed sites. The presence of potential confounding variables makes it difficult to assert a causal relationship from this simple comparison. After controlling for confounding factors using propensity scores, the difference in richness between exposed and unexposed sites was reduced to 4.1 taxa, a difference that was still statistically significant. Because the propensity score analysis controlled for the effects of a wide variety of possible confounding variables, we infer that the change in richness observed in the propensity score analysis was likely caused by insecticide exposure.
Effects of a Hepatitis C Virus Educational Intervention or a Motivational Intervention on Alcohol Use, Injection Drug Use, and Sexual Risk Behaviors Among Injection Drug Users
Authors: Zule William A. , Costenbader Elizabeth C. , Coomes Curtis M. , Wechsberg Wendee M. 
Published: February 2009

Objectives. We compared the effects of 2 interventions on alcohol use, use of a new syringe at last injection, and condom use at last sexual encounter in a community sample of injection drug users. Methods. Between 2003 and 2006, 851 out-of-treatment injection drug users were recruited in Raleigh, NC, and Durham, NC, through street outreach and were randomly assigned to either a 6-session educational intervention or a 6-session motivational intervention. Intervention effects were examined at 6 and 12 months after enrollment. Results. In multiple logistic regression analyses adjusted for baseline alcohol use and HCV status, participants assigned to the motivational intervention were significantly less likely than were participants in the educational intervention to be drinking at the 6-month follow-up (odds ratio = 0.67; 95% confidence interval = 0.46, 0.97). There were no significant between-group differences in use of a new syringe at last injection or condom use at last sexual encounter at either follow-up. Conclusions. Reducing alcohol use among persons with HCV may slow disease progression and provide important health benefits. Additional strategies are needed for slowing HCV disease progression until more effective HCV treatments are available.
Condom Use and High-Risk Sexual Acts in Adult Films: A Comparison of Heterosexual and Homosexual Films
Authors: Grudzen Corita R. , Elliott Marc N. , Kerndt Peter R. , Schuster Mark A. , Brook Robert H. , Gelberg Lillian 
Published: February 2009

Objectives. We compared the prevalence of condom use during a variety of sexual acts portrayed in adult films produced for heterosexual and homosexual audiences to assess compliance with state Occupational Health and Safety Administration regulations. Methods. We analyzed 50 heterosexual and 50 male homosexual films released between August 1, 2005, and July 31, 2006, randomly selected from the distributor of 85% of the heterosexual adult films released each year in the United States. Results. Penile–vaginal intercourse was protected with condoms in 3% of heterosexual scenes. Penile–anal intercourse, common in both heterosexual (42%) and homosexual (80%) scenes, was much less likely to be protected with condoms in heterosexual than in homosexual scenes (10% vs 78%; P < .001). No penile–oral acts were protected with condoms in any of the selected films. Conclusions. Heterosexual films were much less likely than were homosexual films to portray condom use, raising concerns about transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases, especially among performers in heterosexual adult films. In addition, the adult film industry, especially the heterosexual industry, is not adhering to state occupational safety regulations.
Contribution of Race/Ethnicity and Country of Origin to Variations in Lifetime Reported Asthma: Evidence for a Nativity Advantage
Authors: Subramanian S. V. , Jun Hee-Jin , Kawachi Ichiro , Wright Rosalind J. 
Published: February 2009

Objectives. We assessed the relative contribution of Hispanic ethnicity, country of origin, and nativity to lifetime prevalence of asthma among mothers and children enrolled in the Project on Human Development in Chicago Neighborhoods. Methods. We used multilevel models to analyze data from wave 3 of the Project on Human Development in Chicago Neighborhoods study (2000 to 2001). Mothers reported physician-diagnosed asthma for themselves and their children. Maternal race, ethnicity, country of origin, and nativity were the predictors of interest. Results. We found substantial heterogeneity in lifetime asthma within Hispanic subgroups for mothers and children. Hispanics of non-Mexican origin had greater odds of having asthma than did non-Hispanic Whites; respondents of Mexican origin did not differ from non-Hispanic Whites. Odds of experiencing asthma were more strongly related to nativity than to race, Hispanic ethnicity, or country of origin. Only immigrant Mexicans reported asthma prevalence lower than that of native non-Hispanic Whites. Conclusions. Nativity is a strong predictor of lifetime asthma prevalence, suggesting the importance of potential interactions between genetic susceptibilities and environmental factors in both the native and the host countries.
HIV Risk Associated With Gay Bathhouses and Sex Clubs: Findings From 2 Seattle Surveys of Factors Related to HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infections
Authors: Reidy William J. , Spielberg Freya , Wood Robert , Binson Diane , Woods William J. , Goldbaum Gary M. 
Published: February 2009

Objectives. We studied the HIV risk behaviors of patrons of the 3 commercial sex venues for men in Seattle, Washington. Methods. We conducted cross-sectional, observational surveys in 2004 and 2006 by use of time–venue cluster sampling with probability proportional to size. Surveys were anonymous and self-reported. We analyzed the 2004 data to identify patron characteristics and predictors of risk behaviors and compared the 2 survey populations. Results. Fourteen percent of respondents reported a previous HIV-positive test, 14% reported unprotected anal intercourse, and 9% reported unprotected anal intercourse with a partner of unknown or discordant HIV status during the current commercial sex venue visit. By logistic regression, recent unprotected anal intercourse outside of a commercial sex venue was independently associated with unprotected anal intercourse. Sex venue site and patron drug use were strongly associated with unprotected anal intercourse at the crude level. The 2004 and 2006 survey populations did not differ significantly in demographics or behaviors. Conclusions. Patron and venue-specific characteristics factors may each influence the frequency of HIV risk behaviors in commercial sex venues. Future research should evaluate the effect of structural and individual-level interventions on HIV transmission.
Carbonic anhydrases in meningiomas: association of endothelial carbonic anhydrase II with aggressive tumor features
Authors: Korhonen Katariina , Parkkila Anna-Kaisa , Helen Pauli , Välimäki Ritva , Pastorekova Silvia , Pastorek Jaromir , Parkkila Seppo , Haapasalo Hannu 
Published: February 2009

Object
Carbonic anhydrase (CA) II and IX are enzymes involved in pH homeostasis and have been shown to be upregulated in several types of cancer. In this study, the authors evaluate the expression of CA II and IX in meningiomas and assess their relationship to patient age, tumor type and grade, tumor sex hormone receptor status, tumor cell proliferation, and tumor recurrence.

Methods
This study was conducted in consecutive patients who underwent meningioma surgeries at Tampere University Hospital between 1989 and 1999. The expression of CA II and IX was studied immunohistochemically using a tissue microarray technique and specific antibodies.

Results
Immunohistological staining with CA II and IX was assessed in 443 primary and 67 recurrent tumor specimens. Of these samples, 455 were benign (WHO Grade I), 49 atypical (Grade II), and 6 malignant (Grade III). Endothelial cells in 14.8% of the tumors stained positively for CA II. Tumor cells were positive for CA IX in 11.6% of the cases. Endothelial CA II expression correlated with increasing histological grade (p = 0.002), and tumor proliferation rates were higher in CA II+ versus CA II− cases (p = 0.002). Androgen receptor–negative tumors were found to be CA II+ significantly more often than androgen receptor–positive tumors (p = 0.001). No associations were found with the CA IX enzyme.

Conclusions
Carbonic anhydrase II positivity in the endothelium was associated with cell proliferation and malignancy grade. These results suggest that CA II expression is associated with malignant progression of meningiomas and could thus be a target molecule for anticancer therapy.
Relationship between the ophthalmic artery and the dural ring of the internal carotid artery
Authors: Horiuchi Tetsuyoshi , Tanaka Yuichiro , Kusano Yoshikazu , Yako Takehiro , Sasaki Tetsuo , Hongo Kazuhiro 
Published: February 2009

Object
The ophthalmic artery (OphA) usually arises from the intradural internal carotid artery (ICA), and the extradural origin has also been known. However, the interdural origin is extremely rare. The purpose of this paper was to clarify the origin of the OphA in patients with a paraclinoid aneurysm in the ICA based on intraoperative findings.

Methods
The authors retrospectively examined 156 patients who underwent direct surgical treatment for 166 paraclinoid aneurysms during a 17-year period. Based on intraoperative findings, 119 ophthalmic arteries were analyzed with respect to their origins.

Results
The OphA originated from the intradural ICA on 102 sides (85.7%), extradural on 9 (7.6%), and interdural on 8 (6.7%). Although the extradural origin might be recognized preoperatively, it was difficult to distinguish the interdural origin of the OphA from the intradural one.

Conclusions
The incidence of the interdural origin was 6.7% and was not as rare as the authors expected. Neurosurgeons should know the possible existence of the interdural origin of the OphA to section the medial side of the dural ring.
Fundamentals of Metal‐induced Crystallization of Amorphous Semiconductors
Authors: Wang Zumin , Jeurgens Lars P. H. , Wang Jiang Y. , Mittemeijer Eric J. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractA general, quantitative model has been developed that provides fundamental understanding of the metal‐induced crystallization (MIC) of amorphous semiconductors. Interface thermodynamics has been shown to play a decisive role for the whether or not occurrence of MIC. The model has been employed to predict the MIC temperature for various metal/amorphous‐semiconductor systems. A consequence of the model is the prediction that the thickness of an ultrathin, pure Al film put on the top of an amorphous Si layer can be used as a very accurate tool to tune the crystallization temperature of amorphous Si. These theoretical predictions have been confirmed experimentally. The fundamental understanding reached may lead to pronounced technological progress in the low‐temperature manufacturing of crystalline‐Si‐based devices deposited on cheap and flexible substrates such as glasses, plastics, and possibly even papers.
Molecular cytogenetic investigation of two patients with Y chromosome rearrangements and intellectual disability
Authors: Tyson C. , Dawson A.J. , Bal S. , Tomiuk M. , Anderson T. , Tucker D. , Riordan D. , Chudoba I. , Morash B. , Mhanni A. , Chudley A.E. , McGillivray B. , Parslow M. , Rappold G. , Roeth R. , Fawcett C. , Qiao Y. , Harvard C. , Rajcan‐Separovic E. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractWe describe two males with intellectual disability (ID) and facial dysmorphism, both of whom have non‐mosaic Y chromosome rearrangements resulting in deletions of large portions of the Y chromosome. Patient A, with ID, mild dysmorphism, speech delay, Duane anomaly of the eye, hypermetropia and conductive hearing loss, had two structurally rearranged Y chromosomes resulting in both p and q arm deletions in addition to a Yp duplication. Patient B, also with speech and language delay, developmental delay and short stature, had an interstitial deletion of Yq11.21–11.23. Array‐CGH excluded the presence of additional submicroscopic rearrangements at the 1 Mb resolution level. A review of males with Y chromosome rearrangements and ID was performed. Our study provides a more detailed molecular cytogenetic assessment of Y rearrangements in individuals with ID than has been previously possible, and facilitates assessment and comparison of other individuals with a Y chromosome rearrangement. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Reversible Phasenübergänge in Buckybowl‐Monoschichten
Authors: Merz Leo , Parschau Manfred , Zoppi Laura , Baldridge Kim K. , Siegel Jay S. , Ernst Karl‐Heinz 
Published: February 2009

AbstractWie Pinguine auf dem Eis rücken Fullerenschalen beim Abkühlen auf einer Kupferoberfläche zusammen und bilden ein um 14 % dichteres zweidimensionales Gitter. Beim Erwärmen breiten sie sich wieder zum ursprünglichen Gitter aus. Die geringere Dichte bei Raumtemperatur wird durch Anregung von frustrierten Inversionsschwingungen erklärt, die eine Entropieerhöhung und einen größeren Platzbedarf bewirken.magnified image
Reversible Phase Transitions in a Buckybowl Monolayer
Authors: Merz Leo , Parschau Manfred , Zoppi Laura , Baldridge Kim K. , Siegel Jay S. , Ernst Karl‐Heinz 
Published: February 2009

AbstractLike penguins on ice, buckybowl molecules move closer together when cooled on a copper surface (see model of a corannulene molecule adsorbed on Cu(111)). Upon heating, the molecules spread out into the original crystal phase again. The lower density at room temperature can be explained by the increase in entropy owing to the excitation of bowl vibrations at the surface.magnified image
Synthesis of an oxetane‐functionalized hemispiroorthocarbonate used as a low‐shrinkage additive in the cationic ultraviolet curing of oxetane monomers
Authors: Sangermano M. , Giannelli S. , Ortiz R. Acosta , Duarte M. L. Berlanga , Gonzalez A. K. Rueda , Valdez A. E. Garcia 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThe synthesis of an hemispiroorthocarbonate functionalized with an oxetane group is reported. The obtained monomer was used as a slow shrinkable additive in the cationic ultraviolet curing of a commercially available dioxetane resin. We evidenced polymer network flexibilization by increasing the oxetane‐functionalized hemispiroorthocarbonate content in the photocurable formulation. It was demonstrated that spiroorthocarbonate acted as a shrinkage reduction additive and reached expansion on volume after polymerization in the presence of 50 wt % of the functionalized spiroorthocarbonate. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA)/multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) nanocomposite foams
Authors: Park Keun‐Wan , Kim Gue‐Hyun 
Published: February 2009

AbstractIn this study, multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) and ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) nanocomposite bulk foams were prepared for static dissipative applications by using melt compounding method, the most compatible with current industrial applications. Closed‐cell structure was verified with Scanning Electron Microscope. All the mechanical properties investigated improved with increasing content of MWCNT except elongation at break. At 5 phr of MWCNT, significant improvement of mechanical properties and compression set were observed. Also, the surface resistivity begins to decrease at 5 phr of MWCNT. Interestingly, the increase of surface resistivity of nanocomposite foams with 8 and 10 phr MWCNT were observed with increasing thickness of removed surface layers. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Implementation and assessment of computer integrated manufacturing in systems engineering education
Authors: Şişbot Sedat , Tunc Murat , Çamdali Ünal 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThis article is concerned with the presentation of consolidation of Industrial Engineering (IE) and Automation and Control Engineering (ACE) under Systems Engineering frame while demonstrating how Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) systems can be a sufficient for the proper perspective on the topic of concern, Systems Engineering practical example conforming to this integration. Systems Engineering involves with finding integrated solutions to problems that are of large scale and scope, which are in the nature of cross and inter‐disciplinary. The article addresses to certain details, identity, and Systems Engineering program at Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Turkey which consolidates IE, and ACE. CIM system can be considered as a typical Systems Engineering topic of concern since its hierarchical structure and sufficient complexity as well as being tangible and scalable for the purpose of education. CIM philosophy can be viewed as the peak of ongoing effort in the application of automation in the manufacturing and it encapsulates the total manufacturing enterprise through the use of integrated systems and data communications coupled with new managerial philosophies that improve organizational and personnel efficiency. The manufacturing of a simple toy car in the CIM lab is presented as a case study to demonstrate exploiting the concepts and notions given in the IE and ACE. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 18: 117–129, 2010; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com); DOI 10.1002/cae.20215
Occurrence of hypokalemia in suspected acute myocardial infarction and its relation to clinical history and clinical course
Authors: Herlitz J. , HJALMARSON Å. , Bengtson A. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractIn 1350 patients with suspected acute myocardial infarction, serum potassium levels during the first 3 days in hospital was correlated to clinical history and clinical course. A higher incidence of hypokalemia was observed in women, in patients with hypertension, and in those on chronic diuretic treatment. Patients with anterior infarction had a higher incidence of hypokalemia than those with inferior infarction, as did patients with large as compared with small infarcts. No clear difference was observed between patients whose infarction was confirmed and those in whom the diagnosis was not confirmed. Independent predictors for hypokalemia were treatment with diuretics before admission to hospital, infarct size, and female sex. Hypokalemia during the first 3 days of hospitalization was associated with the occurrence of severe ventricular arrhythmias during hospitalization, but not with survival during a 5‐year follow‐up.
In Silico Screening for PTPN22 Inhibitors: Active Hits from an Inactive Phosphatase Conformation
Authors: Wu Shuangding , Bottini Massimo , Rickert Robert C. , Mustelin Tomas , Tautz Lutz 
Published: February 2009

Abstract2‐Benzamidobenzoic acids seem to stabilize PTPN22 phosphatase in its inactive 'open' conformation with the WPD loop locked in a distal position. In silico screening using both 3D structures in open and closed conformations yielded potent inhibitors of this potential drug target for autoimmunity that specifically dock into its open form. Tryptophan fluorescence measurements support the proposed binding mode.magnified imageA gain‐of‐function mutant of the lymphoid phosphatase Lyp (PTPN22) has recently been implicated in type 1 diabetes and other autoimmune diseases, suggesting that small‐molecule inhibitors of Lyp could be useful for the treatment of autoimmunity. Virtual ligand screening (VLS) was applied in the search for hit compounds. Two different docking algorithms, FlexX and ICM, were used to screen a library of 'drug‐like' molecules against two different 3D structures, representing the catalytic site of Lyp in both the inactive 'open' and active 'closed' conformations. The top‐scoring compounds of each VLS run were tested for their inhibitory activity against recombinant Lyp. Interestingly, VLS with both active and inactive conformations yielded very potent hits, with IC50 values in the sub‐ and low‐micromolar range. Moreover, many of these hits showed high docking scores only with one conformation. For instance, this was the case with several 2‐benzamidobenzoic acid derivatives, which specifically docked into the inactive open form. Tryptophan fluorescence measurements further support a binding mode in which these compounds seem to stabilize the phosphatase in its inactive conformation.
Fluorescent Benzofurazan–Cholic Acid Conjugates for in vitro Assessment of Bile Acid Uptake and Its Modulation by Drugs
Authors: Rohacova Jana , Marín M. Luisa , Martinez‐Romero Alicia , Diaz Laura , O'Connor José‐Enrique , Gomez‐Lechon M. Jose , Donato M. Teresa , Castell José V. , Miranda Miguel A. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractFluorescent synthetic7‐nitrobenzo‐2‐oxa‐1,3‐diazole (NBD) conjugates of cholic acid were prepared and characterized. Their photophysical properties make them suitable for monitoring uptake in freshly isolated rat hepatocytes using flow cytometry. This technique makes it possible to screen drug candidates for cholestatic (and thus hepatotoxic) liability.magnified imageOne of the most common mechanisms of hepatotoxicity is drug‐induced cholestasis. Hence, new approaches for screening the cholestatic potential of drug candidates are desirable. In this context, we describe herein the use of synthetic 4‐nitrobenzo‐2‐oxa‐1,3‐diazole (NBD) fluorescent conjugates of cholic acid (ChA) at positions 3α, 3β, 7α, and 7β for in vitro assessment of bile acid uptake. All the conjugates show a strong absorption band between 400 and 550 nm and have a fluorescence quantum yield of∼0.45, with an emission maximum centered at∼530 nm. After their photophysical characterization, 3α‐, 3β‐, 7α‐, and 7β‐NBD–ChA were used to monitor uptake in freshly isolated rat hepatocytes by means of a previously optimized flow cytometry technique. Transport of the cholic acid derivatives inside the cell was detected and quantified by measuring the increase of NBD green fluorescence within cells over time. The effect of troglitazone, a well‐known inhibitor of bile acid uptake by the sodium taurocholate co‐transporting polypeptide, supports the specificity of fluorescent NBD–ChA transport. According to the final intracellular fluorescence level attained and the uptake rate, 3α‐NBD–ChA was found to be the most efficient derivative. Furthermore, sodium valproate, cyclosporin A, and chlorpromazine decreased the uptake of 3α‐NBD–ChA, in agreement with their relative in vivo potency as cholestatic compounds; in contrast, sodium citrate (the negative control) had no effect. These results support the suitability of the in vitro flow cytometric assay with NBD–ChA to detect compounds that affect bile acid uptake.