bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Epidemiology and outcomes of nasopharyngeal carcinoma: Experience from a regional cancer center in Southern India
Authors: Haleshappa Rudresha Antapura , Thanky Aditi Harsh , Kuntegowdanahalli Lakshmaiah , Kanakasetty Govind Babu , Dasappa Lokanatha , Jacob Linu 
Published: September 2017

Abstract
Context: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a rare head and neck cancer with significant geographical variation. There are limited data on epidemiology and outcomes of NPC reported from Southern India. Settings and Design: Retrospective analysis. Materials and Methods: We analyzed our hospital data between January 2005 and December 2011 with NPC and analyzed their demographic parameters and outcomes with therapy. Results: A total 143 cases of NPC were identified. Median age at presentation was 35 years with male predominance. Majority (84%) of the cases had the WHO Type 3 histology. Nodal metastasis at presentation was seen in 90% of the cases, majority being bilateral. Distant metastasis was seen in 16% of the cases, most commonly at bone, lung, and liver. Concurrent chemoradiation with weekly cisplatin was offered to 84.7% of localized disease while 80% of these also received adjuvant chemotherapy. Complete remission and partial remission were achieved in 66.1% and 15.2% of the cases, respectively. Weekly cisplatin was well tolerated with Grade 3–4 toxicity seen in 22% of cases. At a median follow-up of 20 months, 2-year progression-free survival and overall survival were 67.2% and 79.5%, respectively. Statistical Analysis Used: SPSS software version 20. Conclusion: NPC is a rare head and neck malignancy in Southern India, presenting with advanced stage and more propensity to distant metastasis. It has good outcomes to concurrent chemoradiation with weekly schedule of cisplatin being well-tolerated regime. Further prospective studies to test this schedule and other novel agents in this potentially curable malignancy are warranted.
Human papillomavirus in head and neck cancer in India: Current status and consensus recommendations
Authors: Murthy Vedang , Calcuttawala Adnan , Chadha Kirti , d’Cruz Anil , Krishnamurthy Arvind , Mallick Indranil , Nair Sudhir , Teni Tanuja , Pawar Sagar , Talapatra Kaustav , Patil Asawari , Bhatt Amit , Chatterjee Sanjoy , Swain Monali , Narayanan Prasad , Ghadyalpatil Nikhil , Singhal Manish , Kuriakose Moni , Prabhash Kumar , Agarwal Jaiprakash , Parikh Purvish 
Published: September 2017

AbstractHuman papillomavirus (HPV) associated head and neck squamous cell cancers (HNSCC) have become increasingly common in the West, but the same cannot be said about India. These cancers have a different biology and confer a better prognosis, however, its current role in the management of patients in India is not clearly defined. At the 35th Indian Cooperative Oncology Network conference held in September 2016, a panel of radiation, surgical and medical oncologists, pathologists, and basic scientists from across the country having experience in clinical research with respect to HPV in HNSCC reviewed the available literature from India. All the ideas and facts were thereafter collated in this report. Various topics of controversy in dealing with the diagnosis and management of HPV-associated HNSCC have been highlighted in this report in context to the Indian scenario. Furthermore, the prevalence of the same and its association with tobacco and high-risk sexual behavior has been touched on. Conclusively, a set of recommendations has been proposed by the panel to guide the practicing oncologists of the country while dealing with HPV-associated HNSCC.
Gene Variant of the Bradykinin B2 Receptor Influences Pulmonary Arterial Pressures in Heart Failure Patients
Authors: Olson Thomas P. , Frantz Robert P. , Turner Stephen T. , Bailey Kent R. , Wood Christina M. , Johnson Bruce D. 
Published: September 2017

Background Pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) varies considerably in heart failure (HF) despite similar degrees of left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. Bradykinin alters vascular tone and common variations in the kinin B2 receptor (BDKRB2) gene exists. We hypothesized that genetic variation in this receptor would influence PAP in HF. Methods 131 HF patients (>1yr history systolic HF), without COPD, not currently smoking, BMI < 40, without atrial fibrillation completed the study which included a blood draw for genotyping and neurohormones (ACE, A-II, Bradykinin, ANP, BNP, and catecholamines), an echocardiogram for cardiac function and systolic PAP (PAPsys). Results Mean LVEF was 29% ∓ 12%, NYHA class 2 ∓ 1, age 56 ∓ 12 yr, BMI 28 ∓ 5 kg/m2. Forty-six patients (35%) were homozygous for the +9 allele, 58 (44%) were heterozygous (+9/-9) and 27 (21%) were homozygous for the -9 allele of the BDKRB2. PAPsys averaged 42 ∓ 13, 38 ∓ 12, and 35 ∓ 11 mmHg for +9/+9, +9/-9 and -9/-9, respectively (p = 0.03). There was a trend towards gene effect for plasma ACE with the highest values in +9/+9 and lowest in -9/-9 patients (9.5 ∓ 10.7, 7.1 ∓ 8.7, and 5.4 ∓ 6.4 U/L, respectively, p = 0.06). There were no differences in plasma bradykinin or A-II, LVEF, or NYHA across genotypes. Conclusion These data suggest the +9/+9 polymorphism of the BDKRB2 receptor influences pulmonary vascular tone in stable HF.
How Alexander von Humboldt's life story can inspire innovative soil research in developing countries
Authors: Bouma Johan 
Published: September 2017

Abstract. The pioneering vision of Alexander von Humboldt of science and society of the early 1800s is still highly relevant today. His open mind and urge to make many measurements characterizing the interconnected web of life are crucial ingredients as we now face the worldwide challenge of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Case studies in the Philippines, Vietnam, Kenya, Niger, and Costa Rica demonstrate, in Alexander's spirit, interaction with stakeholders and attention to unique local conditions, applying modern measurement and modeling methods and allowing inter- and transdisciplinary research approaches. But relations between science and society are increasingly problematic, partly as a result of the information revolution and post-truth, fact-free thinking. Overly regulated and financially restricted scientific communities in so-called developed countries may stifle intellectual creativity. Researchers in developing countries are urged to leapfrog these problems in the spirit of Alexander von Humboldt as they further develop their scientific communities. Six suggestions to the science community are made with particular attention to soil science. (The Humboldt lecture, presented by the 2017 recipient of the Alexander von Humboldt lecture, Johan Bouma, can be accessed at http://client.cntv.at/egu2017/ml1.)
Determination of Carotenoids in Infant, Pediatric, and Adult Nutritionals by HPLC with UV-Visible Detection: Single-Laboratory Validation, First Action 2017.04
Authors: Schimpf Karen J , Thompson Linda D , Pan Shang-Jing 
Published: September 2017

Abstract
This reversed-phase HPLC method uses C30 chromatography and UV-Vis spectroscopy to determine cis and trans isomers of lutein, β-carotene, and lycopene in infant, pediatric, and adult nutritionals. Samples are saponified with a mixture of potassium hydroxide, tetrahydrofuran, and methanol, and carotenoids are extracted from saponified samples with 75 + 25 hexane–methyl tertiary butyl ether (MtBE). After extraction, a portion of the organic layer is evaporated to dryness, and the residue is dissolved in 75 + 25 10% butylated hydroxytoluene in methanol–MtBE. Prepared samples are injected into a C30 HPLC column where cis and trans isomers of lutein, β-carotene, and lycopene are separated with a methanol–MtBE gradient and detected with UV-Vis spectroscopy at 445 nm. Total carotenoid concentrations are calculated by comparison of sample peak areas with the areas of trans carotenoid standards of known concentration. During a single-laboratory validation of this method, total lutein repeatability and intermediate precision ranged from 1.89 to 14.9 and 1.93 to 14.0%, respectively, in infant and adult nutritional matrixes with concentrations &gt;1 μg/100 g. Total β-carotene repeatability and intermediate precision ranged from 1.81 to 6.77 and 3.07 to 16.2%, respectively, in infant and adult nutritional matrixes with concentrations &gt;1 μg/100 g, and total lycopene repeatability and intermediate precision ranged from 3.01 to 6.37 and 4.29 to 10.3%, respectively, in infant and adult nutritional matrixes with concentrations &gt;1 μg/100 g. Mean overspike recoveries ranged from 90.3 to 95.3, 89.3 to 108, and 97.3 to 109% for lutein, β-carotene, and lycopene, respectively. The method also demonstrated good linearity. For lutein, r averaged 0.99991 over a standard range of approximately 10–250 µg/L trans-lutein. with average calibration errors of &lt;1%. For β-carotene and lycopene, r averaged 0.99993 and 0.9998 over standard ranges of approximately 25–500 and 5–100 µg/L with calibration errors of &lt;1 and &lt;1.5%, respectively. Lutein, β-carotene, and lycopene LOQs in ready-to-feed nutritionals were estimated to be 0.4, 0.1, and 0.3 µg/100 g, respectively. This method met AOAC Stakeholder Panel on Infant Formula and Adult Nutritionals Standard Method Performance Requirements and was approved as a First Action Official Method at the AOAC INTERNATIONAL 2017 midyear meeting.
Prevalence and factors associated with functional dependency in homebound elderly people in Brazil
Authors: Pampolim Gracielle , Lourenço Christiane , Silva Vanezia Gonçalves da , Coelho Maria Carlota De Rezende , Sogame Luciana Carrupt Machado 
Published: September 2017

Introduction: Population ageing is a worldwide reality that requires attention, and a concern for healthy and functional ageing is increasingly the focus of government policies and programmes.Objective: To identify the prevalence of homebound elderly people, and the influence of sociodemographic and economic characteristics on their functional dependency.Methods: Cross-sectional study with 178 homebound elderly people assisted by a family healthcare unit in Vitória, ES, Brazil. Functional independence was measured by the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) and the sociodemographic and economic variables were collected by a questionnaire developed by the authors. Binary logistic regression was used to determine the influence of the sociodemographic and economic characteristics on the risk of being functionally dependent.Results: Forty-eight percent of the participants were functional dependents, 80% were female, 72% belonged to the fourth age, 74% were white, 63% were widowed, 78% had retired, 90% had children, 83% had a caregiver, 52% had low education and 40% had low income. Logistic regression indicated that having a caregiver increased by 40 times the chance of being functionally dependent (OR = 40.2; 95%CI 4.8–355.4) and having between one to eight years of education decreased the chance of functional dependency (OR = 0.2; 95%CI 0.04-0.9).Conclusions: The prevalence of functional dependency was very high in this sample, and since the presence of a caregiver was the strongest and significant predictor of functional dependency, we suggest that guidance and support should be offered to caregivers, followed by a family healthcare strategy, to make consistent efforts with the objective of improving functional recovery and independence of homebound elderly.
In rats fed high-energy diets, taste, rather than fat content, is the key factor increasing food intake: a comparison of a cafeteria and a lipid-supplemented standard diet
Authors: Oliva Laia , Aranda Tània , Caviola Giada , Fernández-Bernal Anna , Alemany Marià , Fernández-López José Antonio , Remesar Xavier 
Published: September 2017

BackgroundFood selection and ingestion both in humans and rodents, often is a critical factor in determining excess energy intake and its related disorders.MethodsTwo different concepts of high-fat diets were tested for their obesogenic effects in rats; in both cases, lipids constituted about 40% of their energy intake. The main difference with controls fed standard lab chow, was, precisely, the lipid content. Cafeteria diets (K) were self-selected diets devised to be desirable to the rats, mainly because of its diverse mix of tastes, particularly salty and sweet. This diet was compared with another, more classical high-fat (HF) diet, devised not to be as tasty as K, and prepared by supplementing standard chow pellets with fat. We also analysed the influence of sex on the effects of the diets.ResultsK rats grew faster because of a high lipid, sugar and protein intake, especially the males, while females showed lower weight but higher proportion of body lipid. In contrast, the weight of HF groups were not different from controls. Individual nutrient’s intake were analysed, and we found that K rats ingested large amounts of both disaccharides and salt, with scant differences of other nutrients’ proportion between the three groups. The results suggest that the key differential factor of the diet eliciting excess energy intake was the massive presence of sweet and salty tasting food.ConclusionsThe significant presence of sugar and salt appears as a powerful inducer of excess food intake, more effective than a simple (albeit large) increase in the diet’s lipid content. These effects appeared already after a relatively short treatment. The differential effects of sex agree with their different hedonic and obesogenic response to diet.
Long‐Lead Prediction of the 2015 Fire and Haze Episode in Indonesia
Authors: Shawki Dilshad , Field Robert D. , Tippett Michael K. , Saharjo Bambang Hero , Albar Israr , Atmoko Dwi , Voulgarakis Apostolos 
Published: September 2017

AbstractWe conducted a case study of National Centers for Environmental Prediction Climate Forecast System version 2 seasonal model forecast performance over Indonesia in predicting the dry conditions in 2015 that led to severe fire, in comparison to the non‐El Niño dry season conditions of 2016. Forecasts of the Drought Code (DC) component of Indonesia's Fire Danger Rating System were examined across the entire equatorial Asia region and for the primary burning regions within it. Our results show that early warning lead times of high observed DC in September and October 2015 varied considerably for different regions. High DC over Southern Kalimantan and Southern New Guinea were predicted with 180 day lead times, whereas Southern Sumatra had lead times of up to only 60 days, which we attribute to the absence in the forecasts of an eastward decrease in Indian Ocean sea surface temperatures. This case study provides the starting point for longer‐term evaluation of seasonal fire danger rating forecasts over Indonesia.
Climate Impacts of CALIPSO‐Guided Corrections to Black Carbon Aerosol Vertical Distributions in a Global Climate Model
Authors: Kovilakam Mahesh , Mahajan Salil , Saravanan R. , Chang Ping 
Published: September 2017

AbstractWe alleviate the bias in the tropospheric vertical distribution of black carbon aerosols (BC) in the Community Atmosphere Model (CAM4) using the Cloud‐Aerosol and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observations (CALIPSO)‐derived vertical profiles. A suite of sensitivity experiments are conducted with 1x, 5x, and 10x the present‐day model estimated BC concentration climatology, with (corrected, CC) and without (uncorrected, UC) CALIPSO‐corrected BC vertical distribution. The globally averaged top of the atmosphere radiative flux perturbation of CC experiments is ∼8–50% smaller compared to uncorrected (UC) BC experiments largely due to an increase in low‐level clouds. The global average surface temperature increases, the global average precipitation decreases, and the ITCZ moves northward with the increase in BC radiative forcing, irrespective of the vertical distribution of BC. Further, tropical expansion metrics for the poleward extent of the Northern Hemisphere Hadley cell (HC) indicate that simulated HC expansion is not sensitive to existing model biases in BC vertical distribution.
Two‐Branch Break‐up Systems by a Single Mantle Plume: Insights from Numerical Modeling
Authors: Beniest A. , Koptev A. , Leroy S. , Sassi W. , Guichet X. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThermomechanical modeling of plume‐induced continental break‐up reveals that the initial location of a mantle anomaly relative to a lithosphere inhomogeneity has a major impact on the geometry and timing of a rift‐to‐spreading system. Models with a warmer Moho temperature are more likely to result in “plume‐centered” mode, where the rift and subsequent spreading axis grow directly above the plume. Models with weak far‐field forcing are inclined to develop a “structural‐inherited” mode, with lithosphere deformation localized at the lateral lithospheric boundary. Models of a third group cultivate two break‐up branches (both “plume‐centered” and “structural inherited”) that form consecutively with a few million years delay. With our experimental setup, this break‐up mode is sensitive to relatively small lateral variations of the initial anomaly position. We argue that one single mantle anomaly can be responsible for nonsimultaneous initiation and development of two rift‐to‐spreading systems in a lithosphere with a lateral strength contrast.
The Robust Relationship Between Extreme Precipitation and Convective Organization in Idealized Numerical Modeling Simulations
Authors: Bao Jiawei , Sherwood Steven C. , Colin Maxime , Dixit Vishal 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe behavior of tropical extreme precipitation under changes in sea surface temperatures (SSTs) is investigated with the Weather Research and Forecasting Model (WRF) in three sets of idealized simulations: small‐domain tropical radiative‐convective equilibrium (RCE), quasi‐global “aquapatch”, and RCE with prescribed mean ascent from the tropical band in the aquapatch. We find that, across the variations introduced including SST, large‐scale circulation, domain size, horizontal resolution, and convective parameterization, the change in the degree of convective organization emerges as a robust mechanism affecting extreme precipitation. Higher ratios of change in extreme precipitation to change in mean surface water vapor are associated with increases in the degree of organization, while lower ratios correspond to decreases in the degree of organization. The spread of such changes is much larger in RCE than aquapatch tropics, suggesting that small RCE domains may be unreliable for assessing the temperature‐dependence of extreme precipitation or convective organization. When the degree of organization does not change, simulated extreme precipitation scales with surface water vapor. This slightly exceeds Clausius‐Clapeyron (CC) scaling, because the near‐surface air warms 10–25% faster than the SST in all experiments. Also for simulations analyzed here with convective parameterizations, there is an increasing trend of organization with SST.
Controlled Layer Thinning and p‐Type Doping of WSe2 by Vapor XeF2
Authors: Zhang Rui , Drysdale Daniel , Koutsos Vasileios , Cheung Rebecca 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThis report presents a simple and efficient method of layer thinning and p‐type doping of WSe2 with vapor XeF2. With this approach, the surface roughness of thinned WSe2 can be controlled to below 0.7 nm at an etched depth of 100 nm. By selecting appropriate vapor XeF2 exposure times, 23‐layer and 109‐layer WSe2 can be thinned down to monolayer and bilayer, respectively. In addition, the etching rate of WSe2 exhibits a significant dependence on vapor XeF2 exposure pressure and thus can be tuned easily for thinning or patterning applications. From Raman, photoluminescence, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and electrical characterization, a p‐doping effect of WSe2 induced by vapor XeF2 treatment is evident. Based on the surface composition analysis with XPS, the causes of the p‐doping effect can be attributed to the presence of substoichiometric WOx (x < 3) overlayer, trapped reaction product of WF6, and nonstoichiometric WSex (x > 2). Furthermore, the p‐doping level can be controlled by varying XeF2 exposure time. The thinning and p‐doping of WSe2 with vapor XeF2 have the advantages of easy scale‐up, high etching selectivity, excellent controllability, and compatibility with conventional complementary metal‐oxide‐semiconductor fabrication processes, which is promising for applications of building WSe2 devices with versatile functionalities.
One‐Pot Synthesis of Antimony‐Embedded Silicon Oxycarbide Materials for High‐Performance Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Lee Yongho , Lee Kwan Young , Choi Wonchang 
Published: September 2017

AbstractSodium‐ion batteries have recently attracted intensive attention due to their natural abundance and low cost. Antimony is a desirable candidate for an anode material for sodium‐ion batteries due to its high theoretical capacity (660 mA h g−1). However, the utilization of alloy‐based anodes is still limited by their inherent huge volume changes and sluggish kinetics. The Sb‐embedded silicon oxycarbide (SiOC) composites are simply synthesized via a one‐pot pyrolysis process at 900 °C without any additives or surfactants, taking advantage of the superior self‐dispersion properties of antimony acetate powders in silicone oil. The structural and morphological characterizations confirm that Sb nanoparticles are homogeneously embedded into the amorphous SiOC matrix. The composite materials exhibit an initial desodiation capacity of around 510 mA h g−1 and maintained an excellent capacity retention above 97% after 250 cycles. The rate capability test reveals that the composites deliver capacity greater than 453 mA h g−1, even at the high current density of 20 C rate, owing to the free‐carbon domain of SiOC material. The electrochemical and postmortem analyses confirm that the SiOC matrix with a uniform distribution of Sb nanoparticles provides the mechanical strength without degradation in conductive characteristics, suppressing the agglomeration of Sb particles during the electrochemical reaction.
Child stunting is associated with weaker human capital among native Amazonians
Authors: Undurraga Eduardo A. , Behrman Jere R. , Emmett Susan D. , Kidd Celeste , Leonard William R. , Piantadosi Steven T. , Reyes‐García Victoria , Sharma Abhishek , Zhang Rebecca , Godoy Ricardo A. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractObjectivesWe assessed associations between child stunting, recovery, and faltering with schooling and human capital skills in a native Amazonian society of horticulturalists‐foragers (Tsimane').MethodsWe used cross‐sectional data (2008) from 1262 children aged 6 to 16 years in 53 villages to assess contemporaneous associations between three height categories: stunted (height‐for‐age Z score, HAZ<–2), moderately stunted (–2 ≤ HAZ≤–1), and nonstunted (HAZ>–1), and three categories of human capital: completed grades of schooling, test‐based academic skills (math, reading, writing), and local plant knowledge. We used annual longitudinal data (2002–2010) from all children (n = 853) in 13 villages to estimate the association between changes in height categories between the first and last years of measure and schooling and academic skills.ResultsStunting was associated with 0.4 fewer completed grades of schooling (∼24% less) and with 13–15% lower probability of showing any writing or math skills. Moderate stunting was associated with ∼20% lower scores in local plant knowledge and 9% lower probability of showing writing skills, but was not associated with schooling or math and writing skills. Compared with nonstunted children, children who became stunted had 18–21% and 15–21% lower probabilities of showing math and writing skills, and stunted children had 0.4 fewer completed grades of schooling. Stunted children who recovered showed human capital outcomes that were indistinguishable from nonstunted children.ConclusionsThe results confirm adverse associations between child stunting and human capital skills. Predictors of growth recovery and faltering can affect human capital outcomes, even in a remote, economically self‐sufficient society.