bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mixed modeling and multiple imputation for unobservable genotype clusters
Authors: Foulkes A. S. , Yucel R. , Reilly M. P. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractUnderstanding the genetic contributions to complex diseases will require consideration of interaction across multiple genes and environmental factors. At the same time, capturing information on allelic phase, that is, whether alleles within a gene are in cis (on the same chromosome) or in trans (on different chromosomes), is critical when using haplotypic approaches in disease association studies. This paper proposes a combination of mixed modeling and multiple imputation for assessing high‐order genotype–phenotype associations while accounting for the uncertainty in phase inherent in population‐based association studies. This method provides a flexible statistical framework for controlling for potential confounders and assessing gene–environment and gene–gene interactions in studies of unrelated individuals where the haplotypic phase is generally unobservable. The proposed method is applied to a cohort of 626 subjects with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) to assess the potential contribution of four genes, apolipoprotein‐C‐III, apolipoprotein‐E, endothelial lipase and hepatic lipase in predicting lipid abnormalities. A simulation study is also presented to describe the method performance. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Type A behaviour pattern is associated with cynicism and low self‐acceptance in medical students
Authors: Song You Hwi , Terao Takeshi , Nakamura Jun 
Published: September 2007

AbstractIn the present study, we investigated the associations between Type A behaviour pattern, depressive state, other psychological factors and biological factors, in particular lipid metabolism. Seventy Japanese medical college students (40 males and 30 females) were assessed for Type A behaviour pattern, depressive state and other psychological factors, and serum lipid concentrations were measured. By using Structured Interview, it was revealed that 21 (52.5 per cent) male students exhibited Type A behaviour pattern, whereas 8 (27.5 per cent) female students exhibited this pattern. Although there was no significant difference in terms of depressive state or serum lipid levels between students exhibiting Type A and non‐Type A behaviour pattern, Type A students had significantly higher cynicism and lower levels of self‐acceptance than non‐Type A students after controlling for age and gender. These findings suggest that Type A behaviour pattern is more prevalent among male than female Japanese medical students. The pattern may be associated with a high degree of cynicism and low self‐acceptance, but is not apparently related to serum lipid levels. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Associations between adolescents' health, stress and sense of coherence
Authors: Nielsen Anne M. , Hansson Kjell 
Published: September 2007

AbstractThis study analyses the associations between sense of coherence and health and between stress and health in adolescents. In addition, this study tests whether a high sense of coherence could modify the health effects of stress. The study was a Danish cross‐sectional analysis of 3258 adolescents from school classes in a national representative sample. The child, the main teacher and the school doctor completed a questionnaire for each child. The two dependent variables were recent self‐reported illness and symptoms. The associations of stress and of sense of coherence and their interaction on the two health measures were analysed by logistic regression analysis for each gender, with and without confounder control. Sense of coherence and stress were generally associated with health. Girls with a low sense of coherence who were exposed to stress reported recent illness twice as often as unstressed girls did. This difference disappeared in girls with a high sense of coherence. The corresponding regression analysis showed a significant interaction between stress and sense of coherence on recent illness and was compatible with a stress modifying effect of sense of coherence. For boys, there was no such significant interaction. For both girls and boys, there were no significant interactions on symptoms. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enabling research synergies through a doctoral research network for systems engineering
Authors: Rhodes Donna H. , Valerdi Ricardo 
Published: September 2007

AbstractAs contrasted with traditional engineering and science fields, doctoral research in systems engineering is characterized by several unique factors. These include the relatively young tradition of systems engineering academic programs, the necessity for hybrid research methodologies, the existence of strong links with industry and government, and a nontraditional makeup of students in regard to their background, experience levels, and career goals. The International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE) has set strategic objectives and policies to encourage doctoral level research in systems engineering, and has recently undertaken an initiative to create a doctoral student research network. This paper describes the motivations for and formation of the Systems Engineering and Architecting Doctoral Student Network (SEANET), and presents findings from a survey conducted at the 2006 inaugural workshop event. While limited, this survey gives insight into the demographics of students and underscores the essential role of a network in motivating, encouraging, and shaping doctoral research in systems engineering. Implications are discussed based on three key findings from the survey. These include: (1) The pool of systems engineering doctoral students is largely nontraditional; (2) students identified attending workshops and access to data as the two most pressing issues that professional societies can help with; and (3) doctoral students in systems engineering have a high diversity of career interests. Professional societies play an important role in encouraging and enabling systems engineering research, and sponsorship of a research network is an effective mechanism for this goal given that such societies can provide a neutral venue for this interchange. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Eng 10: 348–360, 2007
An approximate method for static and dynamic analyses of symmetric wall‐frame buildings
Authors: Bozdogan Kanat Burak 
Published: September 2007

AbstractIn this study an approximate method based on the continuum approach and transfer matrix method for static and dynamic analyses of symmetric wall‐frame buildings is presented. The whole structure is idealized as a sandwich beam in this method. Initially the differential equation of this equivalent sandwich beam is written; shape functions for each storey can then be obtained by the solution of differential equations. By using boundary conditions and storey transfer matrices obtained from these shape functions, system modes and periods can be calculated. The reliability of the study is shown using several examples. A computer program has been developed in MATLAB and numerical samples have been solved for demonstration of the reliability of this method. The results of the samples show the agreement between the present method and other methods given in the literature. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Acute Abdominal Pain: Diagnostic Impact of Immediate CT Scanning
Authors: Strömberg Cecilia , Johansson Gunnar , Adolfsson Anders 
Published: September 2007

AbstractBackgroundAcute abdominal pain is a common diagnostic problem. This study aimed to evaluate the routinely use of contrast enhanced computed tomographic (CT) scanning early in the diagnostic process.MethodsA retrospective review of 2,222 patients with acute abdominal pain who underwent contrast enhanced CT scanning within 24 h after admission. The diagnoses obtained were compared with the final diagnoses after 1 month.ResultsAfter CT scanning the following diagnoses were suggested as the primary cause of the abdominal pain: nonspecific abdominal pain 984 (44.3%), appendicitis 354 (15.9%), bowel obstruction 190 (8.6%), diverticulitis 182 (8.2%), gastrointestinal perforation 52 (2.3%), gallstone disease 64 (2.9%), pancreatitis 72 (3.2%), inflammatory bowel disease 13 (0.6%), intra‐abdominal malignancy 34 (1.5%), vascular disease (including 1 completely cured patient with paradoxical embolization in the superior mesenteric artery) 33 (1.5%), urological 131 (5.9%), gynecological 54 (2.4%), miscellaneous 31 (1.4%). In 28 cases a conclusive CT examination could not be carried out. The suggested diagnoses were correct in 2,151 cases (96.8%). In 16 cases (0.7%) an incorrect diagnosis was reported, leading to 7 unnecessary laparotomies. False negative reports were obtained in 27 cases (1.2%). After CT examination 500 patients could be discharged immediately.ConclusionsContrast‐enhanced CT scanning results in superior diagnostic precision in patients with acute abdominal pain. The present work supports the strategy to include this examination early in the routine diagnostic process.
Treatment of High‐output Enterocutaneous Fistulas with a Vacuum‐compaction Device. A Ten‐year Experience
Authors: Wainstein Daniel Edgardo , Fernandez Ernesto , Gonzalez Daniel , Chara Osvaldo , Berkowski Dario 
Published: September 2007

AbstractBackgroundEnterocutaneous fistulas arise as complications in 0.8%–2% of abdominal operations. The global mortality rate is 5%–37%, yet it may exceed 60% in the case of high‐output fistulas and when sepsis and malnutrition are involved. The objective of this prospective cohort study with retrospective data analyses was to analyze our ten‐year experience with a vacuum‐compaction device for the management of high‐output, postoperative enterocutaneous fistulas at the Department of General Surgery, E. Tornú Hospital, and the Intensive Care Unit, Churruca Hospital, Buenos Aires, Argentina.Patients and methodsNinety‐one patients presented 179 fistulas; 73 (69.2%) were men whose mean age was 48 years. Sepsis and malnutrition were present in 66 (72.5%). The mean initial fistula output was 1,485 ml/day. Conservative management was carried out according to diagnostic and therapeutic priority staging. A vacuum‐compaction system (SIVACO; Spanish acronym) was used to control output.ResultsOutput was entirely suppressed in 37 (40.7%) patients after 1–7 days of treatment, and reduced to less than 500 ml/day (average = 138) in 52 (57.1%) patients. Spontaneous closure was achieved in 42 (46.2%) patients, whereas 37 (40.7%) patients did not improve after 20–380 (average = 111) days of treatment. Those patients required surgical correction, which had an 83.8% success rate. Overall mortality was 16.5% (15 patients).ConclusionsThe vacuum‐compaction device proved effective for reducing fistula output in 89 of 91 patients (97.8%).
Expansion of bamboo forests caused by reduced bamboo‐shoot harvest under different natural and artificial conditions
Authors: Suzuki Shigeo , Nakagoshi Nobukazu 
Published: September 2007

AbstractTo elucidate the expansion of bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens Mazel ex Houzeau de Lehaie) forests, we used multiple linear regression analysis and determined whether there were site differences for data obtained in Hirasawa, Otaki‐machi, Chiba Prefecture, and Kofuki, Takehara City, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. Vegetation maps from 1984 and 2001 for Hirasawa, and from 1986, 1996, 2000, and 2006 for Kofuki, were compared, and the annual expansion rate of each P. pubescens forest was calculated. We evaluated nine indices, including original bamboo forest area, neighbouring vegetation, slope inclination and aspect, distance from roads, and shipment of bamboo shoots. Shipment of bamboo shoots was a positive factor for P. pubescens forest expansion, whereas the proportion of adjacent short vegetation, northness (the cosine of slope aspect), and area negatively affected the expansion in Hirasawa (R2 = 0.683). On the other hand, distance from roads and eastness (the sine of slope aspect) positively affected expansion, while slope inclination was a negative factor in Kofuki (R2 = 0.942). We calculated that P. pubescens forests expanded at about 2% per year in regions of reduced shipments of bamboo‐shoot harvest. We showed that not only natural conditions but also management factors affect P. pubescens forest expansion. Regional differences in natural and anthropogenic effects on expansion were also found.
Clinical trials update from the European Society of Cardiology Congress 2007: 3CPO, ALOFT, PROSPECT and statins for heart failure
Authors: Cleland John G.F. , Abdellah Ahmed Tageldien , Khaleva Olga , Coletta Alison P. , Clark Andrew L. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractThis article provides information and a commentary on trials relevant to the pathophysiology, prevention and treatment of heart failure, presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress 2007. Unpublished reports should be considered as preliminary data, as analyses may change in the final publication.In the 3CPO study, non‐invasive ventilation produced a more rapid resolution of symptoms in patients hospitalised with acute cardiogenic pulmonary oedema; but had no effect on survival, compared to standard oxygen therapy. The ALOFT study showed that the selective oral renin inhibitor aliskiren reduces plasma BNP levels and is well tolerated in patients with heart failure receiving ACE inhibitors or ARBs, although the study was not powered to show clinical benefit. In the PROSPECT study, no echocardiographic measure of mechanical dyssynchrony was identified that was useful for identifying patients more or less likely to respond to CRT. Low dose atorvastatin reduced the incidence of sudden cardiac death in a small placebo controlled study of patients with advanced chronic heart failure.
Risk factors of atherosclerosis and shoulder pain – Is there an association? A systematic review
Authors: Viikari‐Juntura Eira , Shiri Rahman , Solovieva Svetlana , Karppinen Jaro , Leino‐Arjas Päivi , Varonen Helena , Kalso Eija , Ukkola Olavi 
Published: September 2007

AbstractBackground: Shoulder pain is prevalent and a common cause of disability at work and daily activities. Some studies suggest an association between risk factors of atherosclerosis and shoulder pain and disorders.Aim: To assess associations between risk factors of atherosclerosis and shoulder pain or disorders and to discuss possible pathophysiological pathways for found associations.Methods: A systematic review was conducted searching Medline until June 2006. Two authors extracted data and assessed quality independently using the Cochrane criteria for the assessment of quality in non‐experimental studies with slight modifications. Due to heterogeneity of studies, meta‐analysis was not possible. Results were summarized and discussed paying attention to study design and quality.Results: Fifteen papers from 14 studies were included in the review. Diabetes was consistently associated with clinically defined shoulder disorders in population studies. Overweight or obesity was associated with the incidence of shoulder symptoms in three studies and with clinically defined shoulder disorders in one case control study. A few studies showed a preventive effect of physical exercise. Associations between smoking and shoulder disorders were seen only in studies on occupational populations.Conclusions: A consistent association between diabetes and shoulder disorders, some associations for weight‐related factors as well as a possible preventive effect from physical exercise and sports suggest a metabolic pathophysiological process in shoulder disorders. More prospective studies using appropriate analytical methods are needed.
Three‐dimensional power Doppler in the evaluation of painful leiomyomas and focal uterine thickening in pregnancy
Authors: Degani S. , Tamir A. , Leibovitz Z. , Shapiro I. , Gonen R. , Ohel G. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractObjective: To determine the usefulness of 3‐dimensional (3D) power Doppler ultrasound in distinguishing painful leiomyomas from focal myometrial contractions or nonpainful leiomyomas in pregnancy. Methods: A 2D section of the area of interest in the uterine wall was first obtained in 29 patients to determine whether the pain originated from a myoma or a uterine contraction. Then, volume acquisition was activated and Doppler indices (vascularization index, flow index, and vascularization–flow index) were calculated for thickened and normal uterine wall. Results: Of 15 patients found to have uterine myomas, 11 had multiple tumors and 4 had single tumors. In the remaining 14 patients the painful uterine thickening proved to be a focal contraction. Painful segments of uterine thickening were associated with lower Doppler indices. Painful myomas were found to have significantly lower indices than normal uterine wall (P = 0.008, 0.03, and 0.01 for VI, FI, and VFI, respectively, vs. 0.001, 0.003, and 0.01). However, the differences in indices between nonpainful myomas and uterine wall on the one hand, and nonpainful myomas and focal uterine contractions on the other, were not statistically significant. Conclusion: Three‐dimensional power Doppler ultrasound may be a sensitive and reliable tool for distinguishing painful uterine myomas from focal myometrial contractions and nonpainful myomas.
Inadequate office endometrial sample requires further evaluation in women with postmenopausal bleeding and abnormal ultrasound results
Authors: van Doorn H.C. , Opmeer B.C. , Burger C.W. , Duk M.J. , Kooi G.S. , Mol B.W.J. ,   Dutch Study in Postmenopausal Bleeding (DUPOMEB)
Published: September 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo determine whether further histologic assessment can be omitted after office sampling produced a nondiagnostic specimen.MethodsData were retrieved from a prospective cohort study of 913 women presenting with postmenopausal bleeding. This study was limited to women with an endometrial thickness either 5 mm or greater or that could not be measured, and in whom an endometrial biopsy performed in the office yielded nondiagnostic results.ResultsEndometrial thickness was nonreassuring or unknown in 516 women, of whom 403 (78.1%) underwent office endometrial sampling. In 66 women the amount of tissue obtained was not sufficient for pathologic characterization. Further investigation revealed an endometrial malignancy in 3 of these 66 women and atypical hyperplasia in 1.ConclusionIn women with postmenopausal bleeding and a nonreassuring transvaginal ultrasound evaluation, a nondiagnostic office endometrial sample does not rule out endometrial cancer and further endometrial sampling is advisable.
Romancing the salve: Sir Kenelm Digby and the powder of sympathy
Authors: HEDRICK ELIZABETH 
Published: September 2007

AbstractSir Kenelm Digby's A Late Discourse … Touching the Cure of Wounds by the Powder of Sympathy (1658) is usually read in the context of seventeenth-century explanations of the weapon-salve. The salve supposedly worked by being applied to the weapon that made a wound rather than to the wound itself. But Digby's essay was as much an effort to claim priority for a powdered version of the sympathetic cure as an explanation of how the cure worked. A close examination of Digby's claims in the Late Discourse in the context of his own earlier work and of works by his contemporaries shows his priority claim to have been false. It was recognized as such by his most knowledgeable associates. The story of Digby's fabrications offers a case study of the generic and rhetorical terms in which seventeenth-century English thinkers made and challenged natural-philosophical claims.
Organization and Legal Regimes Governing Seed Markets and Farmers' Rights in Ethiopia
Authors: Lightbourne Muriel 
Published: September 2007

AbstractIn 2005 the government of Ethiopia prepared many proclamations, regulations and guidelines dealing with biosafety, traditional knowledge and plant breeders' rights, with a view to implementing the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the Cartagena Protocol to the CBD on Biosafety (CPB), and to joining the World Trade Organization. In the course of the lengthy negotiations of the Food and Agriculture Organization International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, the Ethiopian government decided not to include coffee in the list, annexed to the treaty, of plants covered by the multilateral system of facilitated germplasm flows. The purpose of this paper is to analyse these texts and the potential bargaining power of Ethiopia regarding coffee germplasm transactions, after a rapid description of the general context of seed production and seed markets in Ethiopia. It concludes that policies aimed at improving germplasm and final product quality, and rewarding farmers for their contribution in this process, are paramount.
Acute epiglottitis: epidemiology, clinical presentation, management and outcome
Authors: Guldfred L-A , Lyhne D , Becker B C 
Published: September 2007

AbstractAims:To describe the incidence trends, clinical presentation, management and outcome of acute epiglottitis in a Danish population after the introduction of Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine.Methods:Retrospective review of the health records of all patients discharged with a diagnosis of acute epiglottitis from the otolaryngology department, Roskilde County Hospital, Denmark, from 1996 to 2005.Results:One infant and 34 adults were identified. The incidence of acute epiglottitis in children was 0.02 cases/100 000/year. Before introduction of the H influenzae type b vaccination (1983–1992), the mean national incidence of acute epiglottitis was 4.9 cases/100 000/year. The incidence of acute epiglottitis in adults was constant, with a mean value of 1.9 cases/100 000/year. Twenty-nine per cent of the patients required an artificial airway, and respiratory distress was found to be associated with airway intervention (p = 0.010). All patients recovered completely.Conclusions:In the H influenzae type b vaccine era, acute epiglottitis in children has almost disappeared. The incidence in the adult population has been constant. A discriminate approach to airway management seems safe in adults.
Hunan: Laboratory of Reform and Land of Revolution: Hunanese in the Making of Modern China
Authors: YANGWEN ZHENG 
Published: September 2007

AbstractHunan produced the largest number and most able leaders for the Chinese Communist Party. How could this land-locked, sleepy and conservative province produce so many revolutionaries? This article examines the consequences of three consecutive political theatres and their actors that turned Hunan into a laboratory of reform and land of revolution. It focuses on what three generations of Hunanese did that pushed Hunan into and kept the province in the national spotlight. The Hunanese, be they Qing loyalists, constitutional reformers, Han nationalists or communists, dominated China's political stage from the 1850s to the 1980s. They were patriotic and pragmatic in their patriotism. Would the Communist Revolution have been so fundamental and bloody had Champagne liberals or those with no militarist tradition controlled the helm? With the tide of Hunan gone, we must re-examine this province to see how it had shaped and changed the course of modern China.