bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
THE CHOICE OF DISCOUNT RATE FOR CLIMATE CHANGE POLICY EVALUATION
Authors: GOULDER LAWRENCE H. , WILLIAMS ROBERTON C. 
Published: January 2013

Nearly all discussions about the appropriate consumption discount rate for climate-change policy evaluation assume that a single discount rate concept applies. We argue that two distinct concepts and associated rates apply. We distinguish a social-welfare-equivalent discount rate (r SW ) appropriate for determining whether a given policy would augment social welfare (according to a postulated social welfare function) and a finance-equivalent discount rate (rF) suitable for determining whether the policy would offer a potential Pareto improvement. Distinguishing the two rates helps resolve arguments as to whether the choice of discount rate should be based on ethical considerations or empirical information (such as market interest rates), and about whether the discount rate should serve a prescriptive or descriptive role. Separating out the two rates also helps clarify disputes about the appropriate stringency of climate change policy. We find that the structure of leading numerical optimization models used for climate policy analysis may have helped contribute to the blurring of the differences between r SW and rF. In addition, we indicate that uncertainty about underlying ethical parameters or market conditions implies that both r SW and rF should decline as the time-horizon increases.
40
Ar/
39
Ar age constraints on the Haifanggou and Lanqi formations: When did the first flowers bloom?
Authors: Chang Su-Chin , Zhang Haichun , Hemming Sidney R. , Mesko Gary T. , Fang Yan 
Published: January 2013

Abstract

Well-preserved Mesozoic terrestrial fossils were discovered in the Haifanggou Formation and the overlying Lanqi Formation (or their correlative strata) in NE China. The recent discoveries of
Schmeissneria sinensis
and
Xingxueanthus sinensis
from the middle and upper Jurassic Haifanggou Formation provide evidence that the origin of angiosperms could be predate the Early Cretaceous. In addition to the finding of pre-Cretaceous angiosperms from the Haifanggou Formation, the overlying Lanqi Formation yields a rich and varied terrestrial flora. The high diversity and abundance of the palaeoflora from these formations provide a unique window to understand floral evolution and its diversification in the Mesozoic. Two tuff samples and one andesite sample collected from the Haifanggou and Lanqi formations near Beipiao City, Liaoning, NE China yield robust
40
Ar/
39
Ar age results. Our
40
Ar/
39
Ar age of 166.7 ± 1.0 Ma for plagioclases from one tuff interbedded in the fossiliferous horizons of the middle Haifanggou Formation provides accurate age calibration for the pre-Cretaceous angiosperms for the first time. Moreover, our age results for these fossil-bearing formations will improve our knowledge of the Jurassic environment in general, including the link between plants and atmospheric CO
2
.

Supplementary material:

Details of analysis procedures, Ar isotopic data corrected for blanks, mass discrimination, radioactive decay and J values are available at:
http://www.geolsoc.org.uk/SUP18575
.
Novel Role of Copper Transport Protein Antioxidant-1 in Neointimal Formation After Vascular Injury
Authors: Kohno Takashi , Urao Norifumi , Ashino Takashi , Sudhahar Varadarajan , McKinney Ronald D. , Hamakubo Takao , Iwanari Hiroko , Ushio-Fukai Masuko , Fukai Tohru 
Published: January 2013

Objective—
Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) migration is critically important for neointimal formation after vascular injury and atherosclerosis lesion formation. Copper (Cu) chelator inhibits neointimal formation, and we previously demonstrated that Cu transport protein antioxidant-1 (Atox1) is involved in Cu-induced cell growth. However, role of Atox1 in VSMC migration and neointimal formation after vascular injury is unknown.

Approach and Results—

Here, we show that Atox1 expression is upregulated in injured vessel, and it is colocalized with the Cu transporter ATP7A, one of the downstream targets of Atox1, mainly in neointimal VSMCs at day 14 after wire injury. Atox1
−/−
mice show inhibition of neointimal formation and extracellular matrix expansion, which is associated with a decreased VSMCs accumulation within neointima and lysyl oxidase activity. Mechanistically, in cultured VSMC, Atox1 depletion with siRNA inhibits platelet-derived growth factor–induced Cu-dependent VSMC migration by preventing translocation of ATP7A and small G protein Rac1 to the leading edge, as well as Cu- and Rac1-dependent lamellipodia formation. Furthermore, Atox1
−/−
mice show decreased perivascular macrophage infiltration in wire-injured vessels, as well as thioglycollate-induced peritoneal macrophage recruitment.

Conclusions—
Atox1 is involved in neointimal formation after vascular injury through promoting VSMC migration and inflammatory cell recruitment in injured vessels. Thus, Atox1 is a potential therapeutic target for VSMC migration and inflammation-related vascular diseases.
Supportive Care in Early Rehabilitation for Advanced‐Stage Radiated Head and Neck Cancer Patients
Authors: de Leeuw Jacqueline , van den Berg Manon G. A. , van Achterberg Theo , Merkx Matthias A. W. 
Published: January 2013

ObjectiveTo investigate the health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) and supportive follow‐up care needs 1 month posttreatment for patients with advanced‐stage (stage III or IV) radiated head and neck cancer (HNC) who were treated with curative intent.Study DesignAn exploratory, descriptive analysis of HRQoL data obtained from 3 treatment groups: conventional radiotherapy (RT, n = 21), surgery + radiotherapy (SRT, n = 10), and chemoradiation (CRT, n = 21).SettingThe head and neck oncology center of a university hospital.Subjects and MethodsFifty‐two patients completed the EORTC QLQ‐C30 and EORTC QLQ H&N35 self‐report questionnaires 1 month posttreatment. Descriptive statistics and clinically relevant differences between the groups were analyzed.ResultsThe HRQoL outcomes between groups differed. Clinically relevant difference was observed in the RT and CRT groups with respect to dry mouth, coughing, feeling ill, use of painkillers, and the use of nutritional supplements. The RT group differed from the other groups with respect to pain and swallowing. The CRT group differed from the other groups regarding role functioning.ConclusionHealth‐related quality of life differs between RT, SRT, and CRT patients 1 month posttreatment. The RT‐ and CRT‐treated patients reported higher impairment than the patients who were treated with SRT. Nutritional intake and oral function emphasize the importance of providing supportive care to radiated advanced‐stage HNC patients throughout the treatment trajectory and the need for continuation during the first few posttreatment months.
Keto acid-supplemented low-protein diet for treatment of adult patients with hepatitis B virus infection and chronic glomerulonephritis
Authors: Mou Shan , Li Jialin , Yu Zanzhe , Wang Qin , Ni Zhaohui 
Published: January 2013

Objectives An open-label, randomized, controlled, single-centre clinical trial to evaluate the effects of low-protein intake, with or without keto acid supplementation, on nutritional status and proteinuria, in patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and early stage chronic glomerulonephritis. Methods Patients with chronic glomerulonephritis and HBV infection were randomized to receive a low-protein diet (0.6–0.8 g/kg ideal body weight [IBW] per day) either without (LP group) or with (sLP group) keto acid supplementation (0.1 g/kg IBW per day), for 12 months. Nutritional, clinical and safety parameters were recorded. Results The study included 17 patients (LP group n = 9; sLP group n = 8). Proteinuria and microalbuminuria were significantly lower in the sLP group at 6 and 12 months compared with baseline, and at 12 months compared with the LP group. There were no significant differences in serum creatinine level or estimated glomerular filtration rate. Nutritional parameters (serum albumin and prealbumin) were significantly improved at 12 months, compared with baseline, in the sLP group. Conclusions Restriction of dietary protein intake to 0.6–0.8 g/kg IBW per day appears to have an acceptable safety profile. Supplementation with keto acids is associated with decreased urine protein excretion.
The “Bony Bankart Bridge” Technique for Restoration of Anterior Shoulder Stability
Authors: Millett Peter J. , Horan Marilee P. , Martetschläger Frank 
Published: January 2013

Background: Bony deficiency of the anteroinferior glenoid rim can cause recurrent glenohumeral instability. To address this problem, bony reconstruction is recommended in patients with glenoid bone loss more than 20% to 25%. Recent advances in shoulder surgery techniques allow for the arthroscopic reconstruction of glenoid bone defects to restore stability. Hypothesis: The all-arthroscopic “bony Bankart bridge” (BBB) technique for bony anterior glenohumeral instability can restore shoulder stability and provide good shoulder function as well as improve patient satisfaction for these difficult-to-treat cases. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A consecutive series of 15 patients with bony anterior shoulder instability were treated using the arthroscopic BBB technique. All patients were assessed with the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand–short version (QuickDASH), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, and Short Form-12 (SF-12) preoperatively and at final evaluation. In addition, a specific questionnaire evaluated patient satisfaction and possible complications. Results: Two women and 13 men were included in the study, with an average age of 44 years (range, 24-70 years). The average glenoid bone loss was 29% (range, 17%-49%). The mean duration of follow-up was 2.7 years (range, 2.0-4.4 years). At that time, the mean ASES score had improved from 81 (range, 50-98) to 98 (range, 88-100) ( P = .133). Although this change was not statistically significant because of low patient numbers, the amount of improvement was almost 3 times the minimal clinically important difference of 6.4 points as reported in previous studies. The mean SF-12 (physical component) improved from 46.8 to 56.2 at final follow-up ( P = .015). The mean QuickDASH score at final follow-up was 2.8 (range, 0-15.9), and the mean Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation score was 99 (range, 95-100). There were 14 (93%) stable shoulders and 1 (7%) failure with redislocation from a fall. Median patient satisfaction at final follow-up was 10 (range, 7-10) out of 10. Conclusion: The arthroscopic BBB technique for anterior instability with glenoid rim fracture successfully restores shoulder stability with a high median patient satisfaction (10/10) and a very low complication rate.
Design Comparison of the INBONE I Versus INBONE II Total Ankle System
Authors: Scott Ryan T. , Witt Bryan L. , Hyer Christopher F. 
Published: January 2013

Degenerative joint disease of the ankle is a debilitating etiology, in which treatment has been disputed in the literature among healthy active patients. Total ankle arthroplasty had recently gained popularity as long-term outcomes are being reported and advancement in the design of the implants themselves evolves. Multiple implants are available on today’s market including the INBONE (Wright Medical technologies, Arlington, TN) Total Ankle System. The second generation INBONE total ankle arthroplasty was launched and approved for use in the United States by the FDA in 2005. The second generation INBONE implant has a talar sulcus, allowing for a more biomechanically stable articulation between the polyethelene insert and the talar component (Figure 1). The initial INBONE implant had a flat articulation with the poly leading to instability. This paper will help to demonstrate the advantages of INBONE II versus INBONE I Total Ankle System in management of arthrosis of the ankle joint. Level of Evidence: Level V: Expert opinion
Sample sizes for clinical trials using sputum eosinophils as a primary outcome
Authors: Dasgupta Angira , Zhang Shiyuan , Thabane Lehana , Nair Parameswaran 
Published: January 2013

Clinical trials do not report sputum eosinophil data in a consistent method and this makes it difficult to compare across studies and to evaluate the sample sizes estimated in these studies. The objectives of the paper are: 1) to systematically review reporting of effect size and sample calculations in randomised controlled trials using sputum eosinophil count as a primary outcome and 2) to illustrate sample size estimation under different methods of data representation using data from an effective anti-eosinophil treatment strategy (mepolizumab).Randomised controlled trials in adults (excluding allergen provocation models) of treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease for the past 10 years were searched in Ovid MEDLINE and 20 studies were identified that met all the inclusion criteria. Only nine studies discussed sample size calculation.Change from baseline was used as an outcome in 11 studies and was expressed as change in absolute percentage count, percentage change from baseline or as fold changes.Assuming a minimal clinically important reduction of 15% in absolute terms, 18 subjects in each arm will be required to achieve 80% power using an ANCOVA analysis, which we recommend, to detect significance with an alpha error of 0.05.
Biomarker-enhanced triage in respiratory infections: a proof-of-concept feasibility trial
Authors: Albrich Werner C. , Rüegger Kristina , Dusemund Frank , Schuetz Philipp , Arici Birsen , Litke Alexander , Blum Claudine A. , Bossart Rita , Regez Katharina , Schild Ursula , Guglielmetti Merih , Conca Antoinette , Schäfer Petra , Schubert Maria , de Geest Sabina , Reutlinger Barbara , Irani Sarosh , Bürgi Ulrich , Huber Andreas , Müller Beat 
Published: January 2013

Concerns about inadequate performance and complexity limit routine use of clinical risk scores in lower respiratory tract infections. Our aim was to study feasibility and effects of adding the biomarker proadrenomedullin (proADM) to the confusion, urea >7 mmol·L−1, respiratory rate ≥30 breaths·min−1, blood pressure <90 mmHg (systolic) or ≤60 mmHg (diastolic), age ≥65 years (CURB-65) score on triage decisions and length of stay.In a randomised controlled proof-of-concept intervention trial, triage and discharge decisions were made for adults with lower respiratory tract infection according to interprofessional assessment using medical and nursing risk scores either without (control group) or with (proADM group) knowledge of proADM values, measured on admission, and on days 3 and 6. An adjusted generalised linear model was calculated to investigate the effect of our intervention.On initial presentation the algorithms were overruled in 123 (39.3%) of the cases. Mean length of stay tended to be shorter in the proADM (n=154, 6.3 days) compared with the control group (n=159, 6.8 days; adjusted regression coefficient -0.19, 95% CI -0.41–0.04; p=0.1). This trend was robust in subgroup analyses and for overall length of stay within 90 days (7.2versus7.9 days; adjusted regression coefficient -0.18, 95% CI -0.40–0.05; p=0.13). There were no differences in adverse outcomes or readmission.Logistic obstacles and overruling are major challenges to implement biomarker-enhanced algorithms in clinical settings and need to be addressed to shorten length of stay.
Dried plasma spots in the diagnosis of tuberculosis: IP-10 release assay on filter paper
Authors: Aabye Martine G. , Latorre Irene , Diaz Jessica , Maldonado Jose , Mialdea Irene , Eugen-Olsen Jesper , Ravn Pernille , Dominguez Jose , Ruhwald Morten 
Published: January 2013

Interferon (IFN)-γ release assays (IGRAs) are probably the most accurate tests for the detection of latentMycobacterium tuberculosisinfection, but IGRAs are labour intensive and the transport of samples over longer distances is difficult. IFN-γ-induced protein (IP)-10 is expressed at 100-fold higher levels than IFN-γ, and IP-10 release assays have comparable performance to IGRAs. The aim of this study was to explore the diagnostic potential of a novel IP-10 release assay based on dried plasma spots (DPS).The presence of IP-10 and IFN-γ was determined in plasma and in DPS by ELISA. Diagnostic algorithms for plasma and DPS tests for IP-10 were developed on a training cohort comprising 60 tuberculosis (TB) patients and 59 healthy controls. Diagnostic accuracy was assessed in a validation cohort comprising 78 TB patients and 98 healthy controls. Plasma was measured in Spain and DPS samples were sent to Denmark using the conventional postal service for analysis.IP-10 was readily detectable in both plasma and DPS, and correlation was excellent (r2= 0.95). QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube (QFT-TB) and IP-10 in DPS and plasma rendered comparable sensitivity (78%, 82% and 84%, respectively), specificity (100%, 97% and 97%, respectively) and indeterminate rates (p>0.55).The DPS-based IP-10 test has comparable diagnostic accuracy to the QFT-TB and samples can be sentviaconventional mail over long distances for analysis without affecting the results.
Lung function indices for predicting mortality in COPD
Authors: Boutou Afroditi K. , Shrikrishna Dinesh , Tanner Rebecca J. , Smith Cayley , Kelly Julia L. , Ward Simon P. , Polkey Michael I. , Hopkinson Nicholas S. 
Published: January 2013

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterised by high morbidity and mortality. It remains unknown which aspect of lung function carries the most prognostic information and if simple spirometry is sufficient.Survival was assessed in COPD outpatients whose data had been added prospectively to a clinical audit database from the point of first full lung function testing including spirometry, lung volumes, gas transfer and arterial blood gases. Variables univariately associated with survival were entered into a multivariate Cox proportional hazard model.604 patients were included (mean±sdage 61.9±9.7 years; forced expiratory volume in 1 s 37±18.1% predicted; 62.9% males); 229 (37.9%) died during a median follow-up of 83 months. Median survival was 91.9 (95% CI 80.8–103) months with survival rates at 3 and 5 years 0.83 and 0.66, respectively. Carbon monoxide transfer factor % pred quartiles (best quartile (>51%): HR 0.33, 95% CI 0.172–0.639; and second quartile (51–37.3%): HR 0.52, 95% CI 0.322–0.825;versuslowest quartile (<27.9%)), age (HR 1.04, 95% CI 1.02–1.06) and arterial oxygen partial pressure (HR 0.85, 95% CI 0.77–0.94) were the only parameters independently associated with mortality.Measurement of gas transfer provides additional prognostic information compared to spirometry in patients under hospital follow-up and could be considered routinely.
Collagen/β1 integrin interaction is required for embryoid body formation during cardiogenesis from murine induced pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Zeng Di , Ou Dong-Bo , Wei Ting , Ding Lu , Liu Xiong-Tao , Hu Xin-Lin , Li Xue , Zheng Qiang-Sun 
Published: January 2013

Abstract

Background
The interactions between stem cells and extracellular matrix (ECM) mediated by integrins play important roles in the processes that determine stem cell fate. However, the role of ECM/integrin interaction in the formation of embryoid bodies (EBs) during cardiogenesis from murine induced pluripotent stem cells (miPSCs) remains unclear.

Results
In the present study, collagen type I and β1 integrin were expressed and upregulated synergistically during the formation of miPSC-derived EBs, with a peak expression at day 3 of differentiation. The blockage of collagen/β1 integrin interaction by β1 integrin blocking antibody resulted in the production of defective EBs that were characterized by decreased size and the absence of a shell-like layer composed of primitive endoderm cells. The quantification of spontaneous beating activity, cardiac-specific gene expression and cardiac troponin T (cTnT) immunostaining showed that the cardiac differentiation of these defective miPSC-derived EBs was lower than that of control EBs.

Conclusions
These findings indicate that collagen/β1 integrin interaction is required for the growth and cardiac differentiation of miPSC-derived EBs and will be helpful in future engineering of the matrix microenvironment within EBs to efficiently direct the cardiac fate of pluripotent stem cells to promote cardiovascular regeneration.
Small RNA pyrosequencing in the protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica reveals strain-specific small RNAs that target virulence genes
Authors: Zhang Hanbang , Ehrenkaufer Gretchen M , Hall Neil , Singh Upinder 
Published: January 2013

Abstract

Background
Small RNA mediated gene silencing is a well-conserved regulatory pathway. In the parasite Entamoeba histolytica an endogenous RNAi pathway exists, however, the depth and diversity of the small RNA population remains unknown.

Results
To characterize the small RNA population that associates with E. histolytica Argonaute-2 (EhAGO2-2), we immunoprecipitated small RNAs that associate with it and performed one full pyrosequencing run. Data analysis revealed new features of the 27nt small RNAs including the 5′-G predominance, distinct small RNA distribution patterns on protein coding genes, small RNAs mapping to both introns and exon-exon junctions, and small RNA targeted genes that are clustered particularly in sections of genome duplication. Characterization of genomic loci to which both sense and antisense small RNAs mapped showed that both sets of small RNAs have 5′-polyphosphate termini; strand-specific RT-PCR detected transcripts in both directions at these loci suggesting that both transcripts may serve as template for small RNA generation. In order to determine whether small RNA abundance patterns account for strain-specific gene expression profiles of E. histolytica virulent and non-virulent strains, we sequenced small RNAs from a non-virulent strain and found that small RNAs mapped to genes in a manner consistent with their regulation of strain-specific virulence genes.

Conclusions
We provided a full spectrum analysis for E. histolytica AGO2-2 associated 27nt small RNAs. Additionally, comparative analysis of small RNA populations from virulent and non-virulent amebic strains indicates that small RNA populations may regulate virulence genes.