bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The NEI/NCBI dbGAP database: Genotypes and haplotypes that may specifically predispose to risk of neovascular age-related macular degeneration
Authors: Zhang Hong , Morrison Margaux A , DeWan Andy , Adams Scott , Andreoli Michael , Huynh Nancy , Regan Maureen , Brown Alison , Miller Joan W , Kim Ivana K , Hoh Josephine , DeAngelis Margaret M 
Published: June 2008

Abstract

Background
To examine if the significantly associated SNPs derived from the genome wide allelic association study on the AREDS cohort at the NEI (dbGAP) specifically confer risk for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD). We ascertained 134 unrelated patients with AMD who had one sibling with an AREDS classification 1 or less and was past the age at which the affected sibling was diagnosed (268 subjects). Genotyping was performed by both direct sequencing and Sequenom iPLEX system technology. Single SNP analyses were conducted with McNemar's Test (both 2 × 2 and 3 × 3 tests) and likelihood ratio tests (LRT). Conditional logistic regression was used to determine significant gene-gene interactions. LRT was used to determine the best fit for each genotypic model tested (additive, dominant or recessive).

Results
Before release of individual data, p-value information was obtained directly from the AREDS dbGAP website. Of the 35 variants with P < 10-6 examined, 23 significantly modified risk of neovascular AMD. Many variants located in tandem on 1q32-q22 including those in CFH, CFHR4, CFHR2, CFHR5, F13B, ASPM and ZBTB were significantly associated with AMD risk. Of these variants, single SNP analysis revealed that CFH rs572515 was the most significantly associated with AMD risk (P < 10-6). Haplotype analysis supported our findings of single SNP association, demonstrating that the most significant haplotype, GATAGTTCTC, spanning CFH, CFHR4, and CFHR2 was associated with the greatest risk of developing neovascular AMD (P < 10-6). Other than variants on 1q32-q22, only two SNPs, rs9288410 (MAP2) on 2q34-q35 and rs2014307 (PLEKHA1/HTRA1) on 10q26 were significantly associated with AMD status (P = .03 and P < 10-6 respectively). After controlling for smoking history, gender and age, the most significant gene-gene interaction appears to be between rs10801575 (CFH) and rs2014307 (PLEKHA1/HTRA1) (P < 10-11). The best genotypic fit for rs10801575 and rs2014307 was an additive model based on LRT. After applying a Bonferonni correction, no other significant interactions were identified between any other SNPs.

Conclusion
This is the first replication study on the NEI dbGAP SNPs, demonstrating that alleles on 1q, 2q and 10q may predispose an individual to AMD.
Integrating open-source technologies to build low-cost information systems for improved access to public health data
Authors: Yi Qian , Hoskins Richard E , Hillringhouse Elizabeth A , Sorensen Svend S , Oberle Mark W , Fuller Sherrilynne S , Wallace James C 
Published: June 2008

Abstract
Effective public health practice relies on the availability of public health data sources and assessment tools to convey information to investigators, practitioners, policy makers, and the general public. Emerging communication technologies on the Internet can deliver all components of the "who, what, when, and where" quartet more quickly than ever with a potentially higher level of quality and assurance, using new analysis and visualization tools. Open-source software provides the opportunity to build low-cost information systems allowing health departments with modest resources access to modern data analysis and visualization tools. In this paper, we integrate open-source technologies and public health data to create a web information system which is accessible to a wide audience through the Internet. Our web application, "EpiVue," was tested using two public health datasets from the Washington State Cancer Registry and Washington State Center for Health Statistics. A third dataset shows the extensibility and scalability of EpiVue in displaying gender-based longevity statistics over a twenty-year interval for 3,143 United States counties. In addition to providing an integrated visualization framework, EpiVue's highly interactive web environment empowers users by allowing them to upload their own geospatial public health data in either comma-separated text files or MS Excel™ spreadsheet files and visualize the geospatial datasets with Google Maps™.
Preventing HIV transmission among Iranian prisoners: Initial support for providing education on the benefits of harm reduction practices
Authors: Eshrati Babak , Asl Rahim Taghizadeh , Dell Colleen Anne , Afshar Parviz , Millson Peggy MargaretE , Kamali Mohammad , Weekes John 
Published: June 2008

AbstractBackgroundHarm reduction is a health-centred approach that seeks to reduce the health and social harms associated with high-risk behaviors, such as illicit drug use. The objective of this study is to determine the association between the beliefs of a group of adult, male prisoners in Iran about the transmission of HIV and their high-risk practices while in prison.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in 2004. The study population was a random selection of 100 men incarcerated at Rajaei-Shahr prison. The data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire. Focus group discussions were held at the prison to guide the design of the questionnaire. The relationship between components of the Health Belief Model (HBM) and prisoners' risky HIV-related behaviors was examined.ResultsCalculating Pearson's correlation coefficient, a significant, positive association was found between the benefit component of the HBM and prisonersnotengaging in HIV high-risk behaviors.ConclusionEducational harm reduction initiatives that promote the effectiveness of strategies designed to reduce the risk of HIV transmission may decrease prisoners' high-risk behaviors. This finding provides initial support for the Iran prison system's current offering of HIV/AIDS harm reduction programming and suggests the need to offer increased education about the effectiveness of HIV prevention practices.
Cytomegalovirus-specific T-cell responses and viral replication in kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Egli Adrian , Binet Isabelle , Binggeli Simone , Jäger Clemens , Dumoulin Alexis , Schaub Stefan , Steiger Juerg , Sester Urban , Sester Martina , Hirsch Hans H 
Published: June 2008

Abstract

Background
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) seronegative recipients (R-) of kidney transplants (KT) from seropositive donors (D+) are at higher risk for CMV replication and ganciclovir(GCV)-resistance than CMV R(+). We hypothesized that low CMV-specific T-cell responses are associated with increased risk of CMV replication in R(+)-patients with D(+) or D(-) donors.

Methods
We prospectively evaluated 73 consecutive KT-patients [48 R(+), 25 D(+)R(-)] undergoing routine testing for CMV replication as part of a preemptive strategy. We compared CMV-specific interferon-γ (IFN-γ) responses of CD4+CD3+ lymphocytes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) using three different antigen preparation (CMV-lysate, pp72- and pp65-overlapping peptide pools) using intracellular cytokine staining and flow cytometry.

Results
Median CD4+ and CD8+T-cell responses to CMV-lysate, pp72- and pp65-overlapping peptide pools were lower in D(+)R(-) than in R(+)patients or in non-immunosuppressed donors. Comparing subpopulations we found that CMV-lysate favored CD4+- over CD8+-responses, whereas the reverse was observed for pp72, while pp65-CD4+- and -CD8+-responses were similar. Concurrent CMV replication in R(+)-patients was associated with significantly lower T-cell responses (pp65 median CD4+ 0.00% vs. 0.03%, p = 0.001; CD8+ 0.01% vs. 0.03%; p = 0.033). Receiver operated curve analysis associated CMV-pp65 CD4+ responses of > 0.03% in R(+)-patients with absence of concurrent (p = 0.003) and future CMV replication in the following 8 weeks (p = 0.036). GCV-resistant CMV replication occurred in 3 R(+)-patients (6.3%) with pp65- CD4+ frequencies < 0.03% (p = 0.041).

Conclusion
The data suggest that pp65-specific CD4+ T-cells might be useful to identify R(+)-patients at increased risk of CMV replication. Provided further corroborating evidence, CMV-pp65 CD4+ responses above 0.03% in PBMCs of KT patients under stable immunosuppression are associated with lower risk of concurrent and future CMV replication during the following 8 weeks.
Lennox gastaut syndrome, review of the literature and a case report
Authors: Abu Saleh Tareq , Stephen Lawrence 
Published: June 2008

AbstractBackgroundLennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) is a severe form of childhood epilepsy that is defined by generalized multiple type seizures, slowness of intellectual growth, and a specific EEG disturbance. Children affected might previously have infantile spasms or underlying brain disorder but etiology can be idiopathic. In South Africa, the incidence of secondary epilepsy is higher than what is found in developed countries resulting in higher incidence of the disease. LGS seizures are often treatment resistant and the long term prognosis is poor.ReportA twenty six year old female, presented with anterior open bite, macroglossia, supragingival as well as subgingival calculus. The gingiva was red, swollen and friable and there was generalized bleeding and localized suppuration. The patient had gingival recession. After periodontal therapy a remarkable improvement in oral health status was noted.ConclusionThe clinical findings in LGS included facial deformities, periodontitis and gingival swellings. Interdisciplinary treatment of these patients is fundamental and oral attention is of outstanding importance. Non-surgical periodontal therapy was effective in controlling periodontal disease in the reported case, but prevention of periodontal and dental diseases is preferable for this high-risk group of patients.
Functional Diffusion Map As an Early Imaging Biomarker for High-Grade Glioma: Correlation With Conventional Radiologic Response and Overall Survival
Authors: Hamstra Daniel A. , Galbán Craig J. , Meyer Charles R. , Johnson Timothy D. , Sundgren Pia C. , Tsien Christina , Lawrence Theodore S. , Junck Larry , Ross David J. , Rehemtulla Alnawaz , Ross Brian D. , Chenevert Thomas L. 
Published: June 2008

Purpose Assessment of radiologic response (RR) for brain tumors utilizes the Macdonald criteria 8 to 10 weeks from the start of treatment. Diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using a functional diffusion map (fDM) may provide an earlier measure to predict patient survival. Patients and Methods Sixty patients with high-grade glioma were enrolled onto a study of intratreatment MRI at 1, 3, and 10 weeks. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to evaluate imaging parameters as a function of patient survival at 1 year. Both log-rank and Cox proportional hazards models were utilized to assess overall survival. Results Greater increases in diffusion in response to therapy over time were observed in those patients alive at 1 year compared with those who died as a result of disease. The volume of tumor with increased diffusion by fDM at 3 weeks was the strongest predictor of patient survival at 1 year, with larger fDM predicting longer median survival (52.6 v 10.9 months; log-rank, P < .003; hazard ratio [HR] = 2.7; 95% CI, 1.5 to 5.9). Radiologic response at 10 weeks had similar prognostic value (median survival, 31.6 v 10.9 months; log-rank P < .0007; HR = 2.9; 95% CI, 1.7 to 7.2). Radiologic response and fDM differed in 25% of cases. A composite index of response including fDM and RR provided a robust predictor of patient survival and may identify patients in whom RR does not correlate with clinical outcome. Conclusion Compared with conventional neuroimaging, fDM provided an earlier assessment of equal predictive value, and the combination of fDM and RR provided a more accurate prediction of patient survival than either metric alone.
Phase II Trial of Sorafenib in Advanced Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Gupta-Abramson Vandana , Troxel Andrea B. , Nellore Anoma , Puttaswamy Kanchan , Redlinger Maryann , Ransone Kathy , Mandel Susan J. , Flaherty Keith T. , Loevner Laurie A. , O'Dwyer Peter J. , Brose Marcia S. 
Published: June 2008

Purpose Given the molecular pathophysiology of thyroid cancer and the spectrum of kinases inhibited by sorafenib, including Raf kinase, vascular endothelial growth factor receptors, platelet-derived growth factor receptor, and RET tyrosine kinases, we conducted an open-label phase II trial to determine the efficacy of sorafenib in patients with advanced thyroid carcinoma. Patients and Methods Eligible patients with metastatic, iodine-refractory thyroid carcinoma received sorafenib 400 mg orally twice daily. Responses were measured radiographically every 2 to 3 months. The study end points included response rate, progression-free survival (PFS), and best response by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors. Results Thirty patients were entered onto the study and treated for a minimum of 16 weeks. Seven patients (23%; 95% CI, 0.10 to 0.42) had a partial response lasting 18+ to 84 weeks. Sixteen patients (53%; 95% CI, 0.34 to 0.72) had stable disease lasting 14 to 89+ weeks. Seventeen (95%) of 19 patients for whom serial thyroglobulin levels were available showed a marked and rapid response in thyroglobulin levels with a mean decrease of 70%. The median PFS was 79 weeks. Toxicity was consistent with other sorafenib trials, although a single patient died of liver failure that was likely treatment related. Conclusion Sorafenib has clinically relevant antitumor activity in patients with metastatic, iodine-refractory thyroid carcinoma, with an overall clinical benefit rate (partial response + stable disease) of 77%, median PFS of 79 weeks, and an overall acceptable safety profile. These results represent a significant advance over chemotherapy in both response rate and PFS and support further investigation of this agent in these patients.
Mechanistic Investigation of the Hydration Reaction of [Cr(η6-silabenzene)(CO)3]: Hydrido(silacyclohexadienyl)chromium Complex as an Intermediate
Authors: Tanabe Yusuke , Mizuhata Yoshiyuki , Tokitoh Norihiro 
Published: June 2008

Abstract
A key intermediate for the hydration reaction of [Cr(η6-silabenzene)(CO)3], hydrido(η5-silacyclohexadienyl)chromium complex, was successfully synthesized by the reaction of silabenzene complex with 2 mol equiv of H2O. X-ray diffraction study revealed that the hydroxy group on the central silicon atom is located at the endo position to the metal moiety. The treatment of the endo adduct with excess of D2O resulted in the stereoselective formation of 1-silacyclohexa-2,4-diene bearing a deuterium atom at the methylene position.
A General Hydrothermal Method to V2VI3 Thermoelectric Nanomaterials Directly from the Corresponding Elements
Authors: Zhou Bo , Hong Jian-Ming , Zhu Jun-Jie 
Published: June 2008

Abstract
A general hydrothermal method was developed for the preparation of well-crystallized V2VI3 (V = Sb and Bi; VI = S, Se, and Te) thermoelectric nanomaterials directly from the corresponding elemental powders. X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and selected area electron diffraction (SAED) techniques were used to characterize the products and investigate the possible reaction mechanism.
Synthesis and Properties of Electrophosphorescent Conjugated Polymers Containing Iridium Complexes in Polymer Backbone
Authors: Zhang Yong , Xiong Yan , Li Chun , Peng Junbiao , Cao Yong 
Published: June 2008

Abstract
A novel series of electrophosphorescent conjugated polyfluorenes (PFOPPyIr) based on (4,4′-dibromophenylpyridinato-N,C2)bis(2-phenylpyridinato-N,C2)iridium(III) were synthesized, in which the polymer main chains consist phenylpyrridine ligand and fluorene segment with extended conjugation. The optical and electroluminescent properties of PFOPPyIr were investigated. A luminance efficiency of 3.80 cd/A and luminance of 1248 cd/m2 were achieved.
Factors Associated with Contraceptive Choice and Inconsistent Method Use, United States, 2004
Authors: Frost Jennifer J. , Darroch Jacqueline E. 
Published: June 2008

CONTEXT:  Pregnancies among contraceptive users account for nearly half of all unintended pregnancies and are almost entirely due to inconsistent or incorrect contraceptive use. Understanding what factors contribute to inconsistent contraceptive behavior can help efforts to reduce unintended pregnancy. METHODS:  In 2004, a nationally representative sample of women aged 18–44 using reversible contraceptive methods were surveyed to examine factors associated with contraceptive choice and with inconsistent use of the pill and condoms. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to examine the data. RESULTS:  Contraceptive choice was associated with a range of socioeconomic and partnership characteristics, and with pregnancy‐, method‐ and provider‐related experiences and attitudes; inconsistent pill or condom use was associated mainly with partnership, experiential and attitudinal factors. For example, not having a college education was negatively associated with pill use (odds ratio, 0.6) and positively associated with use of long‐acting methods (1.8–1.9). Women for whom avoiding pregnancy was only a little or not important had reduced odds of using the pill (0.4) and elevated odds of using other methods, such as withdrawal or periodic abstinence (4.4), and of using condoms inconsistently (2.6). Use of a method chosen mostly out of dislike of other methods was positively associated with condom use (4.0) and negatively associated with use of the pill or long‐acting methods (0.4 for each). Women who were not completely satisfied with their method were more likely than others to use their method inconsistently (1.6 for pill users and 1.9 for condom users). CONCLUSIONS:  Greater efforts are needed to provide women and their partners with a range of method options, to facilitate selection of methods that best suit their needs and circumstances, and to identify and assist users who are dissatisfied or are having difficulties using contraceptives effectively.
Toward a definition of a community choir
Authors: Bell Cindy L 
Published: June 2008

Community choirs in America furnish the primary musical setting for adult amateur singers wishing to continue their choral experiences after formal public schooling or college. Nearly 1400 community choral organizations or those meeting the established parameters were catalogued by
ACDA for its 2007 National Registry of Community Choirs. A 2003 Chorus America report stated that one in ten Americans sing weekly in a community-based choir. But what is a community choir in 2007? What factors determine that a choir is representative of its immediate community? Are community
choirs in the twenty-first century providing for the musical needs of the adult amateur singer?
This paper will contend that many community choirs are either facing a declining membership and ageing singers, or have evolved into semi-elite performance machines that are no longer characteristic
of the community. It will discuss the concepts of democracy, volunteerism and community, and compare early twentieth century philosophical and social arguments on community music with current issues confronting community choral organizations. Part research, part philosophical, and part the
author's personal observations of community choirs, it will contend that, in their quest for choral performance perfection, some choirs actually marginalize adult amateur singers. Furthermore, it will discuss the pivotal role of the choral conductor, who, in establishing a democratic tone
for the group, can embrace and develop the true spirit of amateur singing, and provide an opportunity for lifelong musical learning and participation.
In-Reactor Deformation of Zirconium Alloy Components
Authors: Holt R. A. 
Published: June 2008

Abstract
This paper briefly reviews work by the author identifying and describing in-reactor deformation mechanisms of materials and structures used in nuclear reactors, in particular, Zircaloy-2, Zircaloy-4, and Zr-2.5Nb, and the CANDU fuel channel (comprising Zr alloy pressure tubes, calandria tubes, and spacers). The discussion is set in the context of contemporary findings of other workers in the international community. The following themes are highlighted: The contributions of creep and growth to deformation; c-component dislocations and the fluence dependence of irradiation growth; anisotropy of irradiation growth; deformation equations and pressure tube-to-calandria tube contact in CANDU reactors; low temperature flux (damage rate) dependence of deformation rates. The first developments were reported in 1976 at the third conference in this series and there are ongoing developments in all areas. The linear low temperature flux dependence of creep and growth rates is yet to be satisfactorily explained.
Risk Factors for Adverse Outcome in Preterm Infants With Periventricular Hemorrhagic Infarction
Authors: Roze Elise , Kerstjens Jorien M. , Maathuis Carel G.B. , ter Horst Hendrik J. , Bos Arend F. 
Published: June 2008

OBJECTIVE. Our objective was to identify risk factors that were associated with mortality and adverse neurologic outcome at 18 months of age in preterm infants with periventricular hemorrhagic infarction.METHODS. This was a retrospective cohort study of all preterm infants who were &lt;37 weeks' gestation, had periventricular hemorrhagic infarction, and were admitted between 1995 and 2006. Ultrasound scans were reviewed for grading of germinal matrix hemorrhage, localization and extension of the infarction, and other abnormalities. Several clinical factors were scored. Outcome measures were mortality, cerebral palsy, and Gross Motor Function Classification System level. Odds ratios were calculated by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses.RESULTS. Of 54 infants, 16 (30%) died. Twenty-five (66%) of 38 survivors developed cerebral palsy: 21 mild (Gross Motor Function Classification System levels 1 and 2) and 4 moderate to severe (levels 3 and 4). Several perinatal and neonatal risk factors were associated with mortality. After multivariate logistic regression, only use of inotropic drugs and maternal intrauterine infection were predictors of mortality. In survivors, only the most extended form of periventricular hemorrhagic infarction was associated with the development of cerebral palsy but not with severity of cerebral palsy. Cystic periventricular leukomalacia and concurrent grade 3 germinal matrix hemorrhage were associated with more severe cerebral palsy.CONCLUSIONS. In preterm infants with periventricular hemorrhagic infarction, mortality occurred despite optimal treatment and was associated with circulatory failure and maternal intrauterine infection. In survivors, motor development was abnormal in 66%, but functional abilities were good in the majority. Extension and localization of the periventricular hemorrhagic infarction were not related to functional outcome.
Crossed‐Beam and Quantum Dynamics Studies of the Reaction Cl + CHD3
Authors: Nyman Gunnar , Zhou Jingang , Zhang Bailin , Liu Kopin 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThe ground‐state reaction of Cl + CHD3 was studied with joint experimental and theoretical efforts. Experiments were performed under crossed‐beam conditions using a time‐sliced velocity imaging detection method. By taking the images over the energy range of chemical significance—from threshold to about 9 kcal/mol—the reactive excitation functions as well as the dependence of product angular distributions and of the energy disposal on initial collision energies were obtained for both isotopic product channels. Theoretically, reduced dimensionality quantum dynamics calculations were performed for the HCl + CD3 channel, and the results are in excellent agreement with experimental findings. Comparisons with previously reported results on Cl + CH4/CD4, both experimental and theoretical, were also made to gain deeper insights into the dynamics of this benchmark atom + polyatomic reaction.