bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Left‐sided breast cancer loco‐regional radiotherapy with deep inspiration breath‐hold: Does volumetric‐modulated arc radiotherapy reduce heart dose further compared with tangential intensity‐modulated radiotherapy?
Authors: Pham Trang T , Ward Rachel , Latty Drew , Owen Catherine , Gebski Val , Chojnowski Jacek , Kelly Christopher , Ahern Verity , Tiver Kenneth , Stuart Kirsty , Wang Wei 
Published: April 2016

AbstractIntroductionLeft‐sided breast cancer radiotherapy has been associated with an increase in cardiac mortality. This study investigated the potential heart‐sparing effect of volumetric‐modulated arc radiotherapy (VMAT). We compared VMAT to tangential intensity‐modulated radiotherapy (t‐IMRT) in the loco‐regional treatment of left‐sided breast cancer, including internal mammary nodal irradiation, based on deep inspiration breath‐hold (DIBH) and free‐breathing (FB).MethodsRadiotherapy for 15 patients was re‐planned. Four plans were compared: t‐IMRT‐DIBH; VMAT‐DIBH; t‐IMRT‐FB; VMAT‐FB. Prescribed dose was 50 Gy in 25 fractions. T‐IMRT plans were generated using tangentially orientated fields. VMAT plans were generated using two partial arcs (average arc 190°).ResultsMean heart dose (MHD) was 5 ± 2.4 Gy, 5.7 ± 1.4 Gy, 9.7 ± 3.3 Gy and 8.1 ± 2.0 Gy for t‐IMRT‐DIBH, VMAT‐DIBH, IMRT‐FB and VMAT‐FB respectively. The difference in MHD between IMRT‐DIBH and VMAT‐DIBH was not significant (P = 0.14). VMAT‐DIBH significantly spared the volume of heart irradiated to doses of 20 Gy and above (p < 0.05), however, resulted in a significantly higher V5 Gy (P < 0.001), compared to t‐IMRT‐DIBH. VMAT‐DIBH resulted in higher combined lung mean (11 ± 0.8 Gy vs. 8.8 ± 1.1 Gy, P < 0.001) and higher contralateral breast mean dose (5 ± 1 Gy vs. 1.6 ± 1.2 Gy, P < 0.001) compared with t‐IMRT‐DIBH.ConclusionsOn average, there was no significant difference in MHD between VMAT‐DIBH and t‐IMRT‐DIBH. However, VMAT‐DIBH was found to benefit a select group of patients. For patients in whom the MHD was >6.3 Gy with t‐IMRT‐DIBH, the use of VMAT‐DIBH resulted in a benefit in reducing the MHD.
Radiological findings of perivascular epithelioid cell tumour (PEComa) of the falciform ligament
Authors: Handa Atsuhiko , Fujita Kazutoshi , Kono Tatsuo , Komori Koji , Hirobe Seiichi , Fukuzawa Ryuji 
Published: April 2016

SummaryPerivascular epithelioid cell tumour (PEComa) encompasses a group of mesenchymal tumours composed of histologically and immunohistochemically distinctive perivascular epithelioid cells. A subset of PEComa that typically arises from the falciform ligament and/or ligamentum teres is termed clear cell myomelanocytic tumour of the falciform ligament/ligamentum teres. To date, its imaging findings have not been described. Here, we report the first radiological description of a pathologically confirmed tumour. The patient was a 5‐year‐old girl with a palpable abdominal mass. US, CT, MR and FDG‐PET revealed a midline, well‐defined, solid anterior abdominal wall tumour below the rectus abdominis and contiguous with the umbilicus that was hypervascular and FDG avid. Awareness of these imaging findings facilitates the diagnosis of this distinctive tumour.
Spironolactone Attenuates Doxorubicin‐induced Cardiotoxicity in Rats
Authors: Liu Guangzhong , Liu Yongwu , Wang Renjun , Hou Tingting , Chen Chaoyi , Zheng Sijia , Dong Zengxiang 
Published: April 2016

SummaryIntroductionIn this study, we examined whether spironolactone (SP) could inhibit doxorubicin (DOX)‐induced cardiotoxicity in the rat heart.MethodsRats were randomized into four groups (n = 6): (1) the control group; (2) the SP group; (3) the DOX group; and (4) the SP + DOX group. The rats were evaluated for electrocardiography and cardiac function. The cardiac collagen, cardiomyocyte apoptosis, and the remodeling‐related proteins were determined.ResultsRats treated with DOX showed prolongation of QTc and decreased left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) and fractional shortening (FS) (P < 0.05) showed left ventricular end‐diastolic dimensions (LVEDD) and left ventricular end‐systolic dimensions (LVESD) were significantly increased (P < 0.05). SP prevented these pathophysiological alterations (P < 0.05). In DOX‐treated group, cardiac fibrosis, apoptotic cell number, and cardiac collagen volume fraction were higher than control group (P < 0.05); these effects were prevented by cotreatment of SP (P < 0.05). Moreover, the expressions of TGF‐β1 and phosphorylated‐Smad3 were increased after DOX treatment (P < 0.05) and significantly reduced by coadministration of SP (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThis study show that SP may have a protective effect on DOX‐induced cardiotoxicity.
Who Herds? Who Doesn't? Estimates of Analysts’ Herding Propensity in Forecasting Earnings
Authors: Huang Rong , Krishnan Murugappa (Murgie) , Shon John , Zhou Ping 
Published: April 2016

AbstractWe develop parametric estimates of the imitation‐driven herding propensity of analysts and their earnings forecasts. By invoking rational expectations, we solve an explicit analyst optimization problem and estimate herding propensity using two measures: First, we estimate analysts’ posterior beliefs using actual earnings plus a realization drawn from a mean‐zero normal distribution. Second, we estimate herding propensity without seeding a random error, and allow for nonorthogonal information signals. In doing so, we avoid using the analyst's prior forecast as the proxy for his posterior beliefs, which is a traditional criticism in the literature. We find that more than 60 percent of analysts herd toward the prevailing consensus, and herding propensity is associated with various economic factors. We also validate our herding propensity measure by confirming its predictive power in explaining the cross‐sectional variation in analysts’ out‐of‐sample herding behavior and forecast accuracy. Finally, we find that forecasts adjusted for analysts’ herding propensity are less biased than the raw forecasts. This adjustment formula can help researchers and investors obtain better proxies for analysts’ unbiased earnings forecasts.
Predictive Inference for Big, Spatial, Non‐Gaussian Data: MODIS Cloud Data and its Change‐of‐Support
Authors: Sengupta Aritra , Cressie Noel , Kahn Brian H. , Frey Richard 
Published: April 2016

SummaryRemote sensing of the earth with satellites yields datasets that can be massive in size, nonstationary in space, and non‐Gaussian in distribution. To overcome computational challenges, we use the reduced‐rank spatial random effects (SRE) model in a statistical analysis of cloud‐mask data from NASA's Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) instrument on board NASA's Terra satellite. Parameterisations of cloud processes are the biggest source of uncertainty and sensitivity in different climate models’ future projections of Earth's climate. An accurate quantification of the spatial distribution of clouds, as well as a rigorously estimated pixel‐scale clear‐sky‐probability process, is needed to establish reliable estimates of cloud‐distributional changes and trends caused by climate change. Here we give a hierarchical spatial‐statistical modelling approach for a very large spatial dataset of 2.75 million pixels, corresponding to a granule of MODIS cloud‐mask data, and we use spatial change‐of‐Support relationships to estimate cloud fraction at coarser resolutions. Our model is non‐Gaussian; it postulates a hidden process for the clear‐sky probability that makes use of the SRE model, EM‐estimation, and optimal (empirical Bayes) spatial prediction of the clear‐sky‐probability process. Measures of prediction uncertainty are also given.
Nigerian parents can harbour harmful views about the causes and treatment of childhood enuresis that result in child abuse
Authors: Esezobor Christopher Imokhuede , Balogun Mobolanle Rasheedat 
Published: April 2016

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to determine Nigerian parents' views about the causes and treatment of childhood enuresis.MethodsParents of children aged 5–17 years were individually interviewed in an urban community in Nigeria using a pretested questionnaire. Their responses about the causes and treatment of enuresis were grouped under common themes.ResultsWe included 448 respondents in the study: 75.5% were mothers, 44.2% had at least one child with enuresis and only 1.3% had spoken to a doctor about it. Enuresis was thought to be due to playing too much and drinking too much fluid at night by 69.7% and 21.2% of the respondents, respectively. The two most common treatment methods that parents were aware of for enuresis were waking to void (23.7%) and urinating on hot charcoal (20.8%). The most common methods that parents actually employed included waking to void (49.0%), punishing the child (36.9%) and doing nothing (28.8%).ConclusionMost of the respondents believed that playing too much and drinking or eating too much were responsible for childhood enuresis. Parents rarely discussed childhood enuresis with their doctors and some of the self‐help measures that were employed may be harmful and could constitute child abuse.
Livelihood diversification with certification‐supported farming: The case of land reform beneficiaries in the Philippines
Authors: Makita Rie 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThe promotion of intensive farming through organic and fair trade certification appears contradictory to the increasing significance of non‐farm income sources in rural Asia as well as in many other parts of the rural South. By observing a sugarcane producer co‐operative comprising land reform beneficiaries in the Philippines, this paper explores the reality of livelihood diversification as practised by member households of the certified co‐operative, focusing on the compatibility of certification‐supported farming with diversified activities. In this case, diversification at the household level progressed both away from farming and into farming. Behind the long‐term use of agricultural certification, there are compelling reasons for continuing both certification‐supported farming and diversified activities, and for employing mechanisms that further the compatibility at all phases between the former and the latter, and maximising income‐generating opportunities. The operation of communal land with agricultural certification may be an effective form of assistance to land reform beneficiaries who share a strong desire to be landowners.
Dams and state security: Damming the 3S rivers as a threat to Cambodian state security
Authors: Sithirith Mak 
Published: April 2016

AbstractState security is a key concern for countries when dealing with transboundary river governance issues. While there is a considerable amount of literature on transboundary river cooperation in general, there has been little on transboundary cooperation and the damming of shared rivers in terms of their impacts on state security. As a result, this article seeks to answer the following questions in relation to the lower Mekong basin: (i) How is the damming process embedded in transboundary cooperation? (ii) How does this type of cooperation contribute to peace and security in the study area – the 3S river basin? And, (iii) how can transboundary cooperation be improved so as to address state security issues? To answer these questions, this study reviews the relevant literature and uses two case studies, one of the Yali Dam in Vietnam and the second of the Lower Sesan 2 Dam in Cambodia. In doing so, the article examines dam developments in the lower Mekong basin, their environmental and human security impacts, and how they contribute to or threaten state security in Cambodia. It concludes that dams on international rivers induce insecurity among states downstream and that cooperation between riparian states is key to addressing this insecurity.
The introduction of oil palm in Northeast Thailand: A new cash crop for smallholders?
Authors: Somnuek Siriluk , Slingerland Maja M.A. , Grünbühel Clemens M. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractAs part of the Thai Government's objective to increase energy security through biodiesel, oil palm was introduced to Northeast Thailand in 2005. Nong Khai Province was selected as a pilot project because of its suitable environmental conditions. This study assesses the acceptance of policy interventions and socio‐economic conditions by adopters and non‐adopters. We found that total farmland size was significantly higher among oil palm producers than among non‐producers. Nevertheless, the area under oil palm cultivation did not increase in accordance with land size in the way rubber did. Oil palm and non‐oil palm farmers had almost equal amounts of rice area thereby providing household food security. Oil palm did not replace food crops. Farmers investing in oil palm tend to base their livelihood around on‐farm production, whereas non‐adopters tend to diversify with off‐farm income sources. Oil palm was found to be one component of a diversified farming system and an additional income source, albeit not the primary one. In conclusion, oil palm was a crop that had been tried by (wealthier) farmers with sufficient capital, and an aim to further diversify on‐farm household income. Oil palm is certainly not (yet) contributing substantially to household income in Thailand's Northeast.
Effects of resistance training with blood flow restriction on haemodynamics: a systematic review
Authors: Neto Gabriel R. , Novaes Jefferson S. , Dias Ingrid , Brown Amanda , Vianna Jeferson , Cirilo‐Sousa Maria S. 
Published: April 2016

SummaryThis study systematically reviewed the available scientific evidence on the changes promoted by low‐intensity (LI) resistance training (RT) combined with blood flow restriction (BFR) on blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR) and rate‐pressure product (RPP). Searches were performed in databases (PubMed, Web of Science™, Scopus and Google Scholar), for the period from January 1990 to May 2015. The study analysis was conducted through a critical review of contents. Of the 1 112 articles identified, 1 091 were excluded and 21 met the selection criteria, including 16 articles evaluating BP, 19 articles evaluating HR and four articles evaluating RPP. Divergent results were found when comparing the LI protocols with BFR versus LI versus high intensity (HI) on BP, HR and RPP. The evidence shows that the protocols using continuous BFR following a LIRT session apparently raise HR, BP and RPP compared with LI protocols without BFR, although increases significantly in BP seem to exist between the HI protocols when compared to LI protocols. Haemodynamic changes (HR, SBP, DBP, MBP, RPP) promoted by LIRT with BFR do not seem to differ between ages and body segments (upper or lower), although they are apparently affected by the width of the cuff and are higher with continuous BFR. However, these changes are within the normal range, rendering this method safe and feasible for special populations.
Host plant phenology may determine the abundance of an ecosystem engineering herbivore in a tropical savanna
Authors: VELASQUE MARIANA , DEL‐CLARO KLEBER 
Published: April 2016

1. Variation in plant phenology allows plants to escape from herbivory. Insect herbivores manipulate their host plants by producing shelters, which they inhabit, and are protected against natural enemies and/or unfavourable environmental conditions. Environmental modifications induced by living organisms are characterised as ecosystem engineering.2. In the Brazilian savanna, the interaction between the Malpighiaceae shrub, Byrsonima intermedia, and its main herbivore, the caterpillar Cerconota achatina, a shelter‐building organism, was studied.3. It was focused on whether the phenological development of the host plant affects the caterpillars' infestation, and whether C. achatina acts as an ecosystem engineer by building shelters. All plant variables (number of leaves, flowers, buds, fruits and herbivores) were measured fortnightly. Phenological data were correlated with climatic information. The impact of the caterpillars acting as ecosystem engineers was measured experimentally.4. Infestation levels of C. achatina covaried with the phenology of their host plant B. intermedia. It suggests that plant phenology might be an important factor in determining the abundances of this ecosystem engineer species.
Expression of RANK‐L and in part of PD‐1 on blasts in patients with acute myeloid leukemia correlates with prognosis
Authors: Schmohl Joerg Uwe , Nuebling Tina , Wild Julia , Kroell Tanja , Kanz Lothar , Salih Helmut Rainer , Schmetzer Helga 
Published: April 2016

AbstractBackgroundCo‐stimulatory receptor (COR) and ligand (COL) expression on immune effectors are known to be relevant for immunological interactions and might be of prognostic relevance if expressed on acute myeloid leukemia (AML) blasts as reported for receptors of the tumor necrosis factor receptor family.Aim and methodsAntigen expression profiling of COR (RANK, PD‐1), COL (RANK‐L, PD‐1L), and HLA‐ABC‐antigens on blasts from 90 AML‐patients at first diagnosis was performed by flow cytometry (SFI‐Level characterization) and findings were correlated with clinical parameters.ResultsRANK expression was higher in immature compared to mature FAB groups (P = 0.08). As a monocytic marker, we identified HLA‐ABC (P = 0.07). Prognostic analysis revealed a higher probability of overall survival in cases with lower RANK‐L expression (<1.6 and ≥1.6, 15.6 vs. 12.2 months, P = 0.008, hazard ratio 0.36, P = 0.008). No significant impact of PD‐1/L expression for patients’(pts) survival was seen but a correlation of PD‐1 with a secondary AML (P = 0.03). Prolonged disease‐free survival however correlated with higher PD‐1 expression (≥1.1 vs. <1.1, 31.4 vs. 12.7 months; P = 0.03).ConclusionOur study revealed that RANK‐L is a promising marker to forecast pts’ prognosis in AML. Immune checkpoint receptor PD‐1/L as well as RANK and HLA‐ABC did not show an impact on pts’ survival.
Extrastriate visual cortex in idiopathic occipital epilepsies: The contribution of retinotopic areas to spike generation
Authors: Meletti Stefano , Ruggieri Andrea , Avanzini Pietro , Caramaschi Elisa , Filippini Melissa , Bergonzini Patrizia , Monti Giulia , Vignoli Aglaia , Olivotto Sara , Mastrangelo Massimo , Santucci Margherita , Gobbi Giuseppe , Veggiotti Pierangelo , Vaudano Anna Elisabetta 
Published: April 2016

SummaryObjectivesTo provide insight into the pathophysiology of idiopathic childhood occipital epilepsies (ICOEs), by mapping the contribution of retinotopic visual areas to the generation and sustainment of epileptic activity.MethodsThirteen patients affected byICOEs (mean age = 10.9 years) underwent a video electroencephalography–functional magnetic resonance imaging (EEG‐fMRI) study. A flexible‐relatedfMRIanalysis was applied to estimate the shape of the blood oxygen level–dependent (BOLD) response in each patient. Second‐level analysis was performed using the interictal EEG discharge (IED)–specific response shape for theICOEgroup. The resultingfMRIt‐maps were warped to the Population‐Average, Landmark‐ and Surface‐based (PALS)‐B12 atlas in Caret. For localization purposes, functional results were plotted and compared against 19 retinotopic areas for each hemisphere. A correlation analysis was performed between the hemodynamic maps and electroclinical variables.ResultsThe shape of the group‐averaged hemodynamic response inICOEpatients showed an earlier time‐to‐peak and a more pronounced undershoot than the canonical hemodynamic response function (HRF). The random‐effect analysis showed positive hemodynamic changes in the bilateral temporooccipital network. With regard to the retinotopic subdivision of the visual cortex, the primary visual area was consistently spared. Conversely, an extensive involvement of the occipitotemporal cortex, including the fusiform gyrus, and the occipitoparietal areas was observed. Moreover, a linear relationship was detected between the occipital spike‐density andBOLDincreases at the postcentral gyrus and temporooccipital cortex.SignificanceOur data indicate that both the ventral and dorsal visual pathways are involved in spike generation inICOEs, to extents that vary between patients, and reinforce the concept of benign childhood seizure susceptibility syndrome as a substrate forICOEs. Finally, these results underscore the need for appropriate neuropsychological testing in these children, aimed at revealing selective impairments in functions subserved by both visual pathways.
Comparative transcriptome analysis of equine alveolar macrophages
Authors: Karagianni A.E. , Kapetanovic R. , Summers K.M. , McGorum B.C. , Hume D.A. , Pirie R.S. 
Published: April 2016

SummaryReasons for performing studyAlveolar macrophages (AMs) are the first line of defence against pathogens in the lungs of all mammalian species and thus may constitute appropriate therapeutic target cells in the treatment and prevention of opportunistic airway infections. Therefore, acquiring a better understanding of equine macrophage biology is of paramount importance in addressing this issue in relation to the horse.ObjectivesTo compare the transcriptome of equine AMs with that of equine peritoneal macrophages (PMs) and to investigate the effect of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on equine AM.Study designGene expression study of equine AMs.MethodsCells from both bronchoalveolar and peritoneal lavage fluid were isolated from systemically healthy horses that had been submitted to euthanasia. Cells were cryopreserved. RNA was extracted and comparative microarray analyses were performed in AMs and PMs, and in AMs treated and untreated with LPS. Comparisons with published data derived from human AM studies were made, with particular focus on LPS‐induced inflammatory status.ResultsThe comparison between AMs and PMs revealed the differential basal expression of 451 genes. Gene expression analysis revealed an alternative (M2) macrophage polarisation profile in AMs and a hybrid macrophage activation profile in PMs, a phenomenon potentially attributable to a degree of induced endotoxin tolerance. The gene expression profile of equine AMs following LPS stimulation revealed significant changes in the expression of 240 genes, including well‐known upregulated inflammatory genes. This LPS‐induced gene expression profile of equine AMs more closely resembles that of human rather than murine macrophages.ConclusionsThis study improves current understanding of equine macrophage biology. These data suggest that the horse may represent a suitable animal model for the study of human macrophage‐associated lung inflammation and data derived from human macrophage studies may have significant relevance to the horse.