bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Use of an Electrostatic Dust Cloth for Self-Administered Home Allergen Collection
Authors: Cozen Wendy , Avol Ed , Diaz-Sanchez David , McConnell Rob , Gauderman W. James , Cockburn Myles G. , Zadnick John , Jyrala Minna , Mack Thomas M. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractMost epidemiologic studies employ a vacuum cleaner used by a trained technician to collect household allergens. This approach is labor intensive, equipment dependent, and impractical if study subjects reside over a wide geographic area. We examined the feasibility of a self-administered dust collection method, using an electrostatic cloth sent by conventional mail, to obtain allergen measurements. Thirty-two nonasthmatic twins from the California Twin Program wiped areas in the family room, kitchen, and bedroom, according to standardized instructions, and returned the cloths by mail. Allergen concentrations for Der-p-1, Der-f-1, Fel-d-1, and Bla-g-2 were determined using ELISA, and intrahouse and room-to-room concentrations were compared. Der-p-1 and Fel-d-1 were found in most homes, with highest concentrations in bedrooms and kitchens, respectively. Der-f-1 and Bla-g-2 were rarely found. Intrahouse Der-p-1 and Fel-d-1 concentrations were highly correlated and statistically significant (for Der-p-1, bedroom vs. kitchen,p= .0003, bedroom vs. family room,p= .0001, and family room vs. kitchen,p= .002; for Fel-d-1, bedroom vs. kitchen,p= .0004, bedroom vs. family room,p< .0001, and family room vs. kitchen,p= .0001). Reported cat ownership was strongly correlated with household Fel-d-1 concentrations (p< .005). In another comparison from different homes of children enrolled in the La Casa atopy prevention study, allergen concentrations measured from dust collected by a single operator from the left and right half of the same room in 21 homes were compared. Levels of Bla-g-2, Der-p-1, and Fel-d-1 concentrations collected from right and left halves of the same room were highly correlated, withr2ranging from .7 to .9, and were highly statistically significant (allpvalues < .01). We conclude that nonintrusive and self-administered dust collection, using commercially available electrostatic dust cloths, sent by conventional mail services, is a promising alternative to technician-collected vacuumed dust for measuring indoor allergens in population-based studies, although further validation of the method is necessary.
A Comparison of Early and Late Respondents in a Twin–Family Survey Study
Authors: Vink Jacqueline M. , Boomsma Dorret I. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractDifferences between early (within 30 days) and late (after 30 days) respondents in a survey study were analyzed in twins and siblings registered with the Netherlands Twin Register. We compared early and late respondents on personality traits, health, lifestyle, and demographic variables. The odds of being a late respondent were significantly higher for men (OR 1.14), alcohol use on a daily/weekly basis (OR 1.20), having a relationship (OR 1.40), higher score on experience seeking scale (OR 1.02), and criticizing the questionnaire as too long (OR 1.27). The odds of being a late respondent were significantly lower for nontwin subjects (OR 0.71), regular cycling (OR 0.83), and judging the questionnaire to be fun (OR 0.80). There were no significant interactions with sex. To examine to what extent early and late response is influenced by genetic factors, twin and sibling data of 5040 subjects were analyzed. The best model includes genetic factors (31%), shared environmental influences (36%), and unique environmental influences (43%) on variation in response time.
The Queensland Study of Melanoma: Environmental and Genetic Associations (Q-MEGA); Study Design, Baseline Characteristics, and Repeatability of Phenotype and Sun Exposure Measures
Authors: Baxter Amanda J. , Hughes Maria Celia , Kvaskoff Marina , Siskind Victor , Shekar Sri , Aitken Joanne F. , Green Adele C. , Duffy David L. , Hayward Nicholas K. , Martin Nicholas G. , Whiteman David C. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractCutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) is a major health issue in Queensland, Australia, which has the world's highest incidence. Recent molecular and epidemiologic studies suggest that CMM arises through multiple etiological pathways involving gene–environment interactions. Understanding the potential mechanisms leading to CMM requires larger studies than those previously conducted. This article describes the design and baseline characteristics of Q-MEGA, the Queensland Study of Melanoma: Environmental and Genetic Associations, which followed up 4 population-based samples of CMM patients in Queensland, including children, adolescents, men aged over 50, and a large sample of adult cases and their families, including twins. Q-MEGA aims to investigate the roles of genetic and environmental factors, and their interaction, in the etiology of melanoma. Three thousand, four hundred and seventy-one participants took part in the follow-up study and were administered a computer-assisted telephone interview in 2002–2005. Updated data on environmental and phenotypic risk factors, and 2777 blood samples were collected from interviewed participants as well as a subset of relatives. This study provides a large and well-described population-based sample of CMM cases with follow-up data. Characteristics of the cases and repeatability of sun exposure and phenotype measures between the baseline and the follow-up surveys, from 6 to 17 years later, are also described.
Perinatal Outcome and Change in Body Mass Index in Mothers of Dichorionic Twins: A Longitudinal Cohort Study
Authors: Simões Teresinha , Cordeiro Alexandra , Júlio Catarina , Reis José , Dias Elsa , Blickstein Isaac 
Published: March 2008

AbstractWe used a prospective cohort to analyze the effect of change in BMI rather than change in weight, in mothers carrying dichorionic twins from a population that did not receive any dietary intervention. A total of 269 mothers (150 nulliparas and 119 multiparas) were evaluated. The average change (%) from the pre-gravid BMI was 7.2 ± 6.1, 17.4 ± 8.2, and 28.7 ± 10.8, at 12–14, 22–25, and 30–34 weeks, respectively, without difference between nulliparas and multiparas. The comparison between maternities below or above the average change from the pregravid BMI failed to demonstrate an advantage (in terms of total twin birthweight and gestational age) of an above average change from the pregravid BMI, even when the lower versus upper quartiles were compared. Our observations reached different conclusions regarding the recommended universal dietary intervention in twin gestations. A cautious approach is advocated towards seemingly harmless excess weight gain, as normal weight women may turn overweight, or even obese, by the end of pregnancy, and be exposed to the untoward effects of obesity on future health and body image.
Twin-Specific Intrauterine ‘Growth’ Charts Based on Cross-Sectional Birthweight Data
Authors: Gielen Marij , Lindsey Patrick J. , Derom Catherine , Loos Ruth J. F. , Souren Nicole Y. , Paulussen Aimee D. C. , Zeegers Maurice P. , Derom Robert , Vlietinck Robert , Nijhuis Jan G. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe assessment of fetal growth is an essential component of good antenatal care, especially for twins. The aims of this study are to develop twin-specific intrauterine 'growth' charts, based on cross-sectional birthweight data, for monochorionic and dichorionic twins according to sex and parity, and to detect twins at risk for neonatal death by comparing the use of twin-specific and singleton charts. The study sample consisted of 76,471 singletons and 8454 twins (4227 pairs) born in East Flanders (Belgium). Birthweights were analyzed using a nonlinear Gaussian regression. After 33 weeks of gestation, the birthweights of twins started to deviate from singletons (difference of 900 grams at 42 weeks). Birthweights of dichorionic twins continued to increase, whereas those of monochorionic twins decreased after week 40 (difference of more than 300 g at 42 weeks). After 31 weeks of gestation, neonatal mortality increased as centile decreased, and was especially high if birthweight was below the twin-specific third centile: .032 (below) versus .007 (above). Using singleton centiles, this was less obvious. In conclusion, twin-specific growth charts, taking chorionicity into account, are more accurate to detect twins at risk for neonatal death. Therefore the presented charts, based on cross-sectional birthweight data, enable an improved assessment of twin growth.
Morbidity and GH deficiency: a nationwide study.
Authors: Stochholm Kirstine , Laursen Torben , Green Anders , Laurberg Peter , Andersen Marianne , Kristensen Lars Østergaard , Feldt-Rasmussen Ulla , Christiansen Jens Sandahl , Frydenberg Morten , Gravholt Claus Højbjerg 
Published: March 2008

ObjectiveTo estimate morbidity in Denmark in all patients with GH deficiency (GHD).DesignMorbidity was analyzed in 1794 GHD patients and 8014 controls matched on age and gender. All records in the GHD patients were studied and additional morbidity noted. Diagnoses and dates of admissions were identified in the National Patient Registry. Lag time until first admission was used as a measure of morbidity. Patients were divided into childhood onset (CO) and adult onset (AO), discriminated by an age cut-off of 18 years at onset of GHD.MethodSex- and cause-specific hazard ratios (HRs) in CO and AO GHD compared with controls.ResultsTotal morbidity was significantly increased in the GHD patients. HR for CO males: 3.1 (95% confidence interval (CI): 2.7–3.7), CO females: 3.2 (95% CI: 2.6–3.9), AO males: 2.9 (95% CI: 2.6–3.2), and AO females: 3.2 (95% CI: 2.8–3.6). In 18 out of 20 chapters from the International Classification of Diseases-10, a significantly increased morbidity was identified for at least one of the four subgroups of patients. Morbidity was significantly increased in all the four subgroups due to infectious, endocrine, pulmonary, urogenital, and neurological diseases; cancer; diseases of the eye, ear, and circulatory diseases; and traumas. Fractures were significantly increased in AO females, not in males.ConclusionsMorbidity was significantly increased in the GHD patients. The increased morbidity was due to a variety of disorders, some of which can readily be explained by GHD and other pituitary deficiencies, while others cannot be easily explained.
Macroscopic lymph-node involvement and neck dissection predict lymph-node recurrence in papillary thyroid carcinoma.
Authors: Bardet Stéphane , Malville Elodie , Rame Jean-Pierre , Babin Emmanuel , Samama Guy , De Raucourt Dominique , Michels Jean-Jacques , Reznik Yves , Henry-Amar Michel 
Published: March 2008

ObjectiveWhether lymph-node dissection (LND) influences the lymph-node recurrence (LNR) risk in patients with papillary thyroid cancer remains controversial. The prognostic impact of macroscopic and microscopic lymph-node involvement at diagnosis is also an unresolved issue. A retrospective study was conducted to assess the influence of various LND procedures and to search for LNR risk factors.MethodsOverall 545 patients without distant metastases prior to surgery and main tumour ≥10 mm were included. A total thyroidectomy was performed in all patients with either no LND (Group 1,n=161), bilateral LND of the central and lateral compartments (Group 2,n=181) or all other dissection modalities (Group 3,n=203). Post-operative radioiodine was given to 496 (91%) patients. The 10-year cumulative probability of LNR was assessed and a prognostic study using multivariate analysis was performed.ResultsMacroscopic lymph-node metastases were present in 118 patients, 57 diagnosed before surgery and 61 only at surgery (including 81% in the central compartment). Overall, the 10-year cumulative probability of LNR was 7%. Macroscopic lymph-node metastases (P=0.001), extra-thyroidal invasion (P=0.017) and male gender (P=0.05) were independent risk factors, while bilateral LND of the central and lateral compartments was protective (P=0.028). In patients with macroscopic lymph-node metastases, the 10-year probability was lower in Group 2 than in Group 3 (10% vs 30%,P<0.01). In patients without macroscopic lymph-node metastases (n=427), no significant differences were observed between the three LND groups.ConclusionsPatients with macroscopic, but not microscopic, lymph-node involvement have a major LNR risk and need an optimal LND at primary surgery.
Prevalence of sleep apnea and metabolic abnormalities in patients with acromegaly and analysis of cephalometric parameters by magnetic resonance imaging.
Authors: van Haute Flávia R B , Taboada Giselle F , Corrêa Lívia L , Lima Giovanna A B , Fontes Rosita , Riello Anna Patricia , Dominici Michele , Gadelha Mônica R 
Published: March 2008

ObjectivesTo determine the prevalence of sleep apnea (SA) and SA syndrome (SAS) in patients with acromegaly and correlate SA with clinical, laboratory, and cephalometric parameters.Design and methodsProspective and cross-sectional study of 24 patients with active acromegaly evaluated by clinical and laboratory (GH, IGF-I) parameters, polysomnography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the pharynx.ResultsOut of 24 patients, 21 had SA (87.5%), of which 20 (95.3%) had the predominant obstructive type. Median age of these 21 patients was 54 years (range 23–75) and median estimated disease duration was 60 months (range 24–300). The frequency in SA patients of impaired glucose tolerance, diabetes mellitus (DM), and hypertension was 19, 33.3, and 71.4% respectively. Goiter was found in 10 patients (47.6%) and obesity in 18 (90%). Median GH level was 14 μg/l (1.4–198) and median %IGF-I (percentage above the upper limit of normal range of IGF-I) was 181% (−31.6 to 571.2). The prevalence of SAS was 52.4%. Apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) correlated significantly with age, waist circumference, body mass index, and hypopharynx area. The AHI was significantly higher in patients with hypertension and DM.ConclusionsThe prevalence of SA and SAS in acromegaly was similar to the one previously described in other series. Age was a significant risk factor, and hypertension and DM were significantly associated complications of SA. Obesity was also significantly related to SA, as a risk factor, a complication or both. Overall, cephalometric parameters by MRI did not correlate with SA.
Transport behaviour of a Bose Einstein condensate in a bichromatic optical lattice
Authors: Bhattacherjee Aranya , Pietrzyk Monika 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
We investigate the Bloch and dipole oscillations of a Bose Einstein condensate (BEC) in an optical superlattice. We show that, as the effective mass increases in an optical superlattice, the BEC is localized in accordance with recent experimental observations [J.E. Lye et. al. Phys. Rev. A 75, 061603 (2007)]. In addition, we find that the secondary optical lattice is a useful additional tool to manipulate the dynamics of the atoms.
Maintenance versus growth: Investigating the costs of immune activation among children in lowland Bolivia
Authors: McDade T.W. , Reyes‐García V. , Tanner S. , Huanca T. , Leonard W.R. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractImmune function is a central component of maintenance effort, and it provides critical protection against the potentially life threatening effects of pathogens. However, immune defenses are energetically expensive, and the resources they consume are not available to support other activities related to growth and/or reproduction. In our study we use a life history theory framework to investigate tradeoffs between maintenance effort and growth among children in a remote area of Amazonian Bolivia. Baseline concentrations of C‐reactive protein (CRP) were measured in 309 2‐ to 10‐year olds as an indicator of immune activation, and height was measured at baseline and three months later. Elevated CRP at baseline predicts smaller gains in height over the subsequent three months, with the costs to growth particularly high for 2‐ to 4‐year olds and for those with low energy reserves (in the form of body fat) at the time of immunostimulation. These results provide evidence for a significant tradeoff between investment in immunity and growth in humans, and highlight an important physiological mechanism through which maintenance effort may have lasting effects on child growth and development. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Rituximab in relapsing‐remitting multiple sclerosis: A 72‐week, open‐label, phase I trial
Authors: Bar‐Or Amit , Calabresi Peter A. J. , Arnold Douglas , Markowitz Clyde , Shafer Stuart , Kasper Lloyd H. , Waubant Emmanuelle , Gazda Suzanne , Fox Robert J. , Panzara Michael , Sarkar Neena , Agarwal Sunil , Smith Craig H. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractWe evaluated the safety, tolerability, pharmacodynamics, and activity of B‐cell depletion with rituximab in patients with relapsing‐remitting multiple sclerosis, receiving two courses of rituximab 6 months apart, and followed for a total of 72 weeks. No serious adverse events were noted; events were limited to mild‐to‐moderate infusion‐associated events, which tended to decrease with subsequent infusions. Infections were also mild or moderate, and none led to withdrawal. Fewer new gadolinium‐enhancing or T2 lesions were seen starting from week 4 and through week 72. An apparent reduction in relapses was also observed over the 72 weeks compared with the year before therapy. Ann Neurol 2008
Hexagonal‐Shaped Tin Glycolate Particles: A Preliminary Study of Their Suitability as Li‐Ion Insertion Electrodes
Authors: Ng See‐How , Chew Sau‐Yen , dos Santos Dayse I. , Chen Jun , Wang Jia‐Zhao , Dou Shi‐Xue , Liu Hua‐Kun 
Published: March 2008

AbstractTin glycolate particles were prepared by a simple, one‐step, polyol‐mediated synthesis in air in which tin oxalate precursor was added to ethylene glycol and heated at reflux. Hexagonal‐shaped, micron‐sized tin glycolate particles were formed when the solution had cooled. A series of tin oxides was produced by calcination of the synthesized tin glycolate at 600–800 °C. It was revealed that the micron‐sized, hexagonal‐shaped tin glycolate now consisted of nanosized tin‐based particles (80–120 nm), encapsulated within a tin glycolate shell. XRD, TGA, and FT‐IR measurements were conducted to account for the three‐dimensional growth of the tin glycolate particles. When applied as an anode material for Li‐ion batteries, the synthesized tin glycolate particles showed good electrochemical reactivity in Li‐ion insertion/deinsertion, retaining a specific capacity of 416 mAh g−1 beyond 50 cycles. This performance was significantly better than those of all the other tin oxides nanoparticles (<160 mAh g−1) obtained after heat treatment in air. We strongly believe that the buffering of the volume expansion by the glycolate upon Li–Sn alloying is the main factor for the improved cycling of the electrode.
Tragverhalten von risstauglichen Verbundspreizdübeln in Beton
Authors: Pregartner Thilo , Asmus Jörg , Eligehausen Rolf 
Published: March 2008

AbstractUm leistungsfähige und geeignete Verbundsysteme für den Befestigungsmarkt auch für gerissenen Beton bereitzustellen, wurden in den letzten Jahren von verschiedenen Herstellern Verbundspreizdübelsysteme entwickelt. Sie bestehen aus einer speziell geformten Ankerstange und einem Verbundmörtel. Die Ankerstange weist je nach System einen oder mehrere Konen auf. Der vorliegende Beitrag beschreibt Verbundspreizdübelsysteme verschiedener Hersteller, deren Funktionsprinzip sowie deren Tragverhalten unter Zugbeanspruchung in ungerissenem und gerissenem Beton. Weiterhin werden Umwelteinflüsse (Temperatur, Frost‐Tauwechsel, Dauerhaftigkeit) auf das Tragverhalten diskutiert. Die Auswertungen der Bruchlasten von zentrischen Ausziehversuchen mit Verbundspreizdübeln im ungerissenen und gerissenen Beton zeigen, dass Verbundspreizdübel Versagenslasten erreichen können, die deutlich oberhalb der berechneten Versagenslasten nach dem Bemessungsverfahren für Metallspreizdübel (CC‐Verfahren) liegen.
Digitale Erfassung und Bewertung von Rissen
Authors: Stratmann Rafael , Birtel Veit , Mark Peter , Neuß Helmut , Niemeier Wolfgang , Riedel Björn , Ziem Eberhard 
Published: March 2008

AbstractEs wird ein praxisfertiges, digitales System zur Erfassung und Auswertung von Rissen an Massivbauwerken vorgestellt. Es nutzt eine konventionelle Digitalkamera mit spezifischem Aufsatztubus für die eigentliche fotografische Aufnahme am Bauwerk. Auf Basis einer Graustufenanalyse mit mehreren Dutzend Auswertestellen je Zentimeter Risslänge werden die Risse am Computer ausgewertet und in ihren Kenndaten wie mittlere Rissbreite, Streubreiten oder Rauigkeitsprofil analysiert. Praktische Anwendungen bei der Zustandsüberprüfung von Bauwerken – beispielsweise der Brückenprüfung nach DIN 1076 – und bei Schubversuchen im Labor zeigen nicht nur die Genauigkeit, sondern auch die einfache praktische Handhabung des Systems.
Brandresistenter Beton für den Tunnelbau
Authors: Dehn Frank , Nause Peter , Fischkandl Hendrik 
Published: March 2008

AbstractIn den letzten Jahren hat der vorbeugende Brandschutz für Tunnelbauwerke stetig an Bedeutung gewonnen. Aufgrund von Brandkatastrophen wurden neue Konzepte angedacht, die insbesondere unter Beachtung der spezifischen Randbedingungen des Tunnelbaus, eine alleinige Schutzwirkung dem Tunnelbeton zuweisen, indem dem Beton Kunststofffasern hinzu gegeben werden. Aus mehreren Forschungsvorhaben und Praxisanwendungen ist mittlerweile bekannt, dass die Zugabe von Kunststofffasern einen positiven Einfluß auf das Brand‐ und Abplatzverhalten von Betonen hat und zur deutlichen oder gar vollständigen Reduzierung von explosionsartigen Abplatzungen führen kann. Nachfolgender Bericht fasst hierzu den aktuellen Stand der Technik und die Vorschriften zusammen.
Magnetic cell separation using nano‐sized bacterial magnetic particles with reconstructed magnetosome membrane
Authors: Yoshino Tomoko , Hirabe Hisashi , Takahashi Masayuki , Kuhara Motoki , Takeyama Haruko , Matsunaga Tadashi 
Published: March 2008

AbstractMagnetic nanoparticles produced by magnetotactic bacterium, bacterial magnetic particles (BacMPs), covered with a lipid bilayer membrane (magnetosome membrane) can be used to separate specific target cells from heterogeneous mixtures because they are easily manipulated by magnets and it is easy to display functional proteins on their surface via genetic engineering. Despite possessing unique and valuable characteristics, the potential toxicity of BacMPs to the separated cells has not been characterized in detail. Here, a novel technique was developed for the reconstruction of magnetosome membrane of BacMPs expressing protein A (protein A‐BacMPs) to reduce cytotoxicity and the newly developed nanomaterial was then used for magnetic cell separation. The development of the magnetosome membrane‐reconstructed protein A‐BacMP was based on the characteristics of the Mms13 anchor protein, which strongly binds to the magnetite surface of BacMPs. Treatment of protein A‐BacMPs with detergents removed contaminating proteins but did not affect retention of Mms13‐protein A fusion proteins. The particle surfaces were then reconstructed with phosphatidylcholine. The protein A‐BacMPs containing reconstructed magnetosome membranes remained dispersible and retained the ability to immobilize antibody. In addition, they contained few membrane surface proteins and endotoxins, which were observed on non‐treated protein A‐BacMPs. Magnetic separation of monocytes and B‐lymphocytes from the peripheral blood was achieved with high purity using magnetosome membrane‐reconstructed protein A‐BacMPs. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2008;101: 470–477. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.