bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analytical validation of a human particle‐enhanced nephelometric assay for cystatinCmeasurement in feline serum and urine
Authors: Ghys Liesbeth F. E. , Meyer Evelyne , Paepe Dominique , Delanghe Joris , Daminet Sylvie 
Published: April 2014

BackgroundIn people and dogs, Cystatin C (CysC), a renal glomerular and tubular marker, seems superior to serum creatinine to estimate the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). A particle‐enhanced nephelometric immunoassay is available to measure human CysC, but there are no reports in cats.ObjectiveThe goal of this study was the validation of the human CysC nephelometric assay with feline serum and urine, and to perform a pilot study comparing serum and urine CysC between healthy cats and cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD).MethodsWestern blot analysis was used to assess cross‐reactivity between the polyclonal rabbit anti‐human CysC antibody and feline CysC. Imprecision and linearity were determined for feline serum and urine CysC. Serum and urine CysC were measured in 10 healthy and 10CKDcats.ResultsCross‐reactivity between the polyclonal rabbit anti‐human CysC antibody and feline CysC was demonstrated. Intra‐ and inter‐assay coefficients of variation in feline serum and urine were 1.3% and 0.4%, and 12.5%, and 4.1%, respectively. Cats with CKD had a significantly higher serum CysC concentration (1.24 [0.63–2.99] vs 0.79 [0.43–1.05] mg/L;P = .02) and urine CysC/urinary Creatinine (uCr) ratio (565.6 [0–1311] vs < 0.049/uCr mg/mol;P = .005) compared with healthy cats.ConclusionsThe human nephelometric assay showed satisfactory validation results for feline CysC. Cats with CKD had a significantly highersCysC concentration anduCysC/uCr ratio compared with healthy cats. Additional studies are necessary to evaluate CysC as an early marker of renal damage in cats.
Plasma biochemistry and urinalysis variables of koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) with and without oxalate nephrosis
Authors: Speight K. Natasha , Haynes Julie I. , Boardman Wayne , Breed William G. , Taggart David A. , Rich Brian , Woolford Lucy 
Published: April 2014

BackgroundOxalate nephrosis is a highly prevalent disease in the Mount Lofty Ranges koala population in South Australia, but associated clinicopathologic findings remain undescribed.ObjectivesThe aims of this study were to determine plasma biochemical and urinalysis variables, particularly for renal function and urinary crystal morphology and composition, in koalas with oxalate nephrosis.MethodsBlood and urine samples from Mount Lofty Ranges koalas with oxalate nephrosis were compared with those unaffected by renal oxalate crystal deposition from Mount Lofty and Kangaroo Island, South Australia and Moggill, Queensland. Plasma and urine biochemistry variables were analyzed using a Cobas Bio analyzer, and urinary oxalate by high‐performance liquid chromatography. Urinary crystal composition was determined by infrared spectroscopy and energy dispersive X‐ray analysis.ResultsAzotemia (urea > 6.6 mmol/L, creatinine > 150 μmol/L) was found in 93% of koalas with oxalate nephrosis (n = 15). All azotemic animals had renal insufficiency (urine specific gravity [USG] < 1.035), and in 83%, USG was < 1.030. Koalas with oxalate nephrosis were hyperoxaluric compared with Queensland koalas (P < .01). Urinary crystals from koalas with oxalate nephrosis had atypical morphology and were composed of calcium oxalate. Mount Lofty Ranges koalas unaffected by renal oxalate crystal deposition had renal insufficiency (43%), although only 14% had USG < 1.030 (n = 7). Unaffected Mount Lofty Ranges and Kangaroo Island koalas were hyperoxaluric compared with Queensland koalas (P < .01).ConclusionsKoalas with oxalate nephrosis from the Mount Lofty Ranges had renal insufficiency, hyperoxaluria, and pathognomonic urinary crystals. The findings of this study will aid veterinary diagnosis of this disease.
A scenario planning approach for disasters on Swiss road network
Authors: Mendes G. A. , Axhausen K. W. , Andrade J. S. , Herrmann H. J. 
Published: April 2014

We study a vehicular traffic scenario on Swiss roads in an emergency situation, calculating how sequentially roads block due to excessive traffic load until global collapse (gridlock) occurs and in this way displays the fragilities of the system. We used a database from Bundesamt für Raumentwicklung which contains length and maximum allowed speed of all roads in Switzerland. The present work could be interesting for government agencies in planning and managing for emergency logistics for a country or a big city. The model used to generate the flux on the Swiss road network was proposed by Mendes et al. [Physica A 391, 362 (2012)]. It is based on the conservation of the number of vehicles and allows for an easy and fast way to follow the formation of traffic jams in large systems. We also analyze the difference between a nonlinear and a linear model and the distribution of fluxes on the Swiss road.
HIGH CONSEQUENCE SYSTEMS AND SEMANTIC COMPUTING
Authors: WINTER VICTOR , CUKIC BOJAN , KHOSHGOFTAAR TAGHI , MORI KINJI , PAUL RAY , PÉREZ-LEGUÍZAMO CARLOS , SEDIGH SARVESTANI SAHRA , SLOAN JOHN C. , VOUK MLADEN , YEN I-LING 
Published: April 2014

Socioeconomic needs combined with technological advances are creating a demand for an increasing number of systems for which high-assurance is an essential attribute. These system designs, which increasingly include semantic computing components, span a broad spectrum of applications. They are incredibly diverse and their complexity is growing. The conditions under which these systems operate are such that system faults will occur and must be comprehensively accounted for in the systems' designs. This article investigates the landscape of high-assurance systems, the challenges these systems face, and what must be done to address those challenges. Challenges include societal needs, scientific frontiers, dynamics of technological evolution, and drivers of current research models.
ReaderCentric writing for the prosumer marketplace
Authors: Hailey David E. 
Published: April 2014

As usability experts describe the appropriate models for writing in digital, they consistently express the need to write in a user-centric format. While I agree with the importance of efficient navigation in Web content, I suggest that user-centric writing only applies to part of the content we find in a website. Other styles of writing are almost always required. Two additional styles are persuasion-centric and quality-centric writing. These two styles are required by almost all marketing writing and especially marketing writing for the prosumer community. In this article I extend the ideas found in user centered design to include user-centric, persuasion-centric, and quality-centric writing (which combination I call
ReaderCentric writing
).

I believe this impacts information architecture in a number of important ways, perhaps most notably in the way the various writing styles impact the mindset of the information architect.
I will explain why these writing models are important and demonstrate what happens when the models are ignored or not understood, plus how they may be successfully applied to marketing documents on the Internet. Finally, I will speculate on how information architecture may be adjusted to meet the needs of the content, writer, and reader.
Engaging complexity in usability through assemblage
Authors: Zobel Gregory 
Published: April 2014

In 2011, I faced a complex research problem: how could mobile device user experience (HCMVX) of visitors to Humboldt County, California, be measured and improved? Mobile visitors are visitors who actively use their smart mobile devices, like smart phones and iPads but not laptops, while on vacation. In 2011, there were no official records or policies regarding mobile visitors and little local awareness of mobile tourism in Humboldt County. No one had measured mobile visitors' experience in Humboldt County and few officials had any idea on how to improve these visitors' experiences. This information and policy gap also meant there was no clear way to contact mobile visitors or arrange for mobile usability tests. I faced a complex system with no clear starting point.
Traditional usability methods did not initially help because the majority of usability methods rely on clearly identified users, tasks, or goals. While I planned to use traditional usability methods once the users and usability problem(s) were identified, it was necessary to first locate and identify the users and their tasks and goals. Using Deleuze's assemblage concept, I approached the complex system of HCMVX, identified potential points of engagement, conducted field research and interviews, analyzed, and wrote up my results in less than six months. Local officials took my results and reshaped part of their policies and merchant training based on my data and conclusion. Deleuze's assemblage offers usability practitioners a means to approach complex systems and rapidly identify points of engagement.
Distensibility and Strength of the Pelvic Floor Muscles of Women in the Third Trimester of Pregnancy
Authors: Petricelli Carla Dellabarba , Resende Ana Paula Magalhães , Elito Júnior Julio , Araujo Júnior Edward , Alexandre Sandra Maria , Zanetti Miriam Raquel Diniz , Nakamura Mary Uchiyama 
Published: April 2014

Objective.The objective of this study was to compare the role of the pelvic floor muscles between nulliparous and multiparous women in the third trimester of pregnancy, by analyzing the relationship between electrical activity (surface electromyography—EMG), vaginal palpation (modified Oxford scale), and perineal distensibility (Epi-no).Methods.This was an observational cross-sectional study on a sample of 60 healthy pregnant women with no cervical dilation, single fetus, gestational age between 35 and 40 weeks, and maternal age ranging from 15 to 40 years. The methods used were bidigital palpation (modified Oxford scale, graded 0–5), surface EMG (electrical activity during maximal voluntary contraction), and perineal distensibility (Epi-no device). The Pearson correlation coefficient (r) was used to analyze the Epi-no values and the surface EMG findings. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare the median values from surface EMG and Epi-no, using the modified Oxford scale scores.Results.Among the 60 patients included in this study, 30 were nulliparous and 30 multiparous. The average maternal age and gestational age were 26.06 (±5.58) and 36.56 (±1.23), respectively. It was observed that nulliparous women had both higher perineal muscle strength (2.53 ± 0.57versus2.06 ± 0.64;P = 0.005) and higher electrical activity (45.35 ± 12.24 μV versus35.79 ± 11.66 μV;P = 0.003), while among the multiparous women, distensibility was higher (19.39 ± 1.92versus18.05 ± 2.14;P = 0.013). We observed that there was no correlation between perineal distensibility and electrical activity during maximal voluntary contraction (r = -0.193;P = 0.140). However, we found a positive relationship between vaginal palpation and surface electromyography (P = 0.008), but none between Epi-no values (P = 0.785).Conclusion.The electrical activity and muscle strength of the pelvic floor muscles of the multiparous women were damaged, in relation to the nulliparous women, while the perineal distensibility was lower in the latter group. There was a positive relationship between surface EMG and the modified Oxford scale.
Epstein–Barr Virus Serology as a Potential Screening Marker for Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma among High-Risk Individuals from Multiplex Families in Taiwan
Authors: Coghill Anna E. , Hsu Wan-Lun , Pfeiffer Ruth M. , Juwana Hedy , Yu Kelly J. , Lou Pei-Jen , Wang Cheng-Ping , Chen Jen-Yang , Chen Chien-Jen , Middeldorp Jaap M. , Hildesheim Allan 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Background: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is an Epstein–Barr virus (EBV)–associated cancer that is highly treatable when diagnosed early, with 5-year disease-free survival of approximately 90%. However, NPC is typically diagnosed at advanced stages, in which disease-free survival is &lt;50%. There is, therefore, a need for clinical tools to assist in early NPC detection, particularly among high-risk individuals.
Methods: We evaluated the ability of anti-EBV IgA antibodies to detect incident NPC among high-risk Taiwanese individuals. NPC cases (N = 21) and age- and sex-matched controls (N = 84) were selected. Serum collected before NPC diagnosis was tested for ELISA-based IgA antibodies against the following EBV peptides: EBNA1, VCAp18, EAp138, Ead_p47, and VCAp18 + EBNA1 peptide mixture. The sensitivity, specificity, and screening program parameters were calculated.
Results: EBNA1 IgA had the best performance characteristics. At an optimized threshold value, EBNA1 IgA measured at baseline identified 80% of the high-risk individuals who developed NPC during follow-up (80% sensitivity). However, approximately 40% of high-risk individuals who did not develop NPC also tested positive (false positives). Application of EBNA1 IgA as a biomarker to detect incident NPC in a previously unscreened, high-risk population revealed that 164 individuals needed to be screened to detect 1 NPC and that 69 individuals tested positive per case detected.
Conclusions: EBNA1 IgA proved to be a sensitive biomarker for identifying incident NPC, but future work is warranted to develop more specific screening tools to decrease the number of false positives.
Impact: Results from this study could inform decisions about screening biomarkers and referral thresholds for future NPC early-detection program evaluations. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(7); 1213–9. ©2014 AACR.
Circulating Estrogen Metabolites and Risk of Breast Cancer in Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Arslan Alan A. , Koenig Karen L. , Lenner Per , Afanasyeva Yelena , Shore Roy E. , Chen Yu , Lundin Eva , Toniolo Paolo , Hallmans Göran , Zeleniuch-Jacquotte Anne 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Background: It has been hypothesized that predominance of the 2-hydroxylation estrogen metabolism pathway over the 16α-hydroxylation pathway may be inversely associated with breast cancer risk.
Methods: We examined the associations of invasive breast cancer risk with circulating 2-hydroxyestrone (2-OHE1), 16α-hydroxyestrone (16α-OHE1), and the 2-OHE1:16α-OHE1 ratio in a case–control study of postmenopausal women nested within two prospective cohorts: the New York University Women's Health Study (NYUWHS) and the Northern Sweden Mammary Screening Cohort (NSMSC), with adjustment for circulating levels of estrone, and additional analyses by tumor estrogen receptor (ER) status. Levels of 2-OHE1 and 16α-OHE1 were measured using ESTRAMET 2/16 assay in stored serum or plasma samples from 499 incident breast cancer cases and 499 controls, who were matched on cohort, age, and date of blood donation.
Results: Overall, no significant associations were observed between breast cancer risk and circulating levels of 2-OHE1, 16α-OHE1, or their ratio in either cohort and in combined analyses. For 2-OHE1, there was evidence of heterogeneity by ER status in models adjusting for estrone (P ≤ 0.03). We observed a protective association of 2-OHE1 with ER+ breast cancer [multivariate-adjusted OR for a doubling of 2-OHE1, 0.67 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.48–0.94; P = 0.02)].
Conclusions: In this study, higher levels of 2-OHE1 were associated with reduced risk of ER+ breast cancer in postmenopausal women after adjustment for circulating estrone.
Impact: These results suggest that taking into account the levels of parent estrogens and ER status is important in studies of estrogen metabolites and breast cancer. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(7); 1290–7. ©2014 AACR.
Insomnia Subtypes and the Subsequent Risks of Stroke
Authors: Wu Ming-Ping , Lin Huey-Juan , Weng Shih-Feng , Ho Chung-Han , Wang Jhi-Joung , Hsu Ya-Wen 
Published: April 2014

Background and Purpose—
The studies assessing the impact of insomnia on stroke are still lacking. We aim to investigate insomnia in relation to subsequent stroke during the 4-year follow-up.

Methods—

Data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database were used. Enrollees with
International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision
,
Clinical Modification
diagnosis code for insomnia were compared with randomly selected, age- and sex-matched noninsomnia enrollees with subsequent hospitalization for stroke during the 4-year follow-up. All enrollees, insomniacs and noninsomniacs, did not have previous diagnosis of stroke, sleep apnea, and insomnia. Individuals with insomnia were further categorized into different subgroups based on their insomnia patterns to explore whether the risk of stroke varies by subtype. The risk of outcomes was assessed with Kaplan–Meier curves and the impact of insomnia was estimated using Poisson regression analysis and Cox proportional hazards models.

Results—

The study included 21 438 (mean age, 52±16 years) insomniacs and 64 314 matched noninsomniacs (mean age, 51±16 years). Compared with noninsomniacs, insomniacs had 54% higher risk of developing stroke (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.54; 95% confidence interval, 1.38–1.72). When breaking down into insomnia subgroups, the persistent insomniacs had a higher 3-year cumulative incidence rate of stroke than those in the remission group (
P
=0.024). The insomniacs-to-noninsomniacs incidence rate ratio for stroke was highest among those aged 18 to 34 years (incidence rate ratio, 8.06).

Conclusions—
Insomnia predisposes individuals to increased risk of stroke and this association is profound among young adults. Our results underscore the clinical importance of identifying and treating insomnia. A novel behavioral intervention targeting insomnia that may prevent stroke should be explored.
Vertebral Artery Hypoplasia
Authors: Thierfelder Kolja M. , Baumann Alena B. , Sommer Wieland H. , Armbruster Marco , Opherk Christian , Janssen Hendrik , Reiser Maximilian F. , Straube Andreas , von Baumgarten Louisa 
Published: April 2014

Background and Purpose—
Vertebral artery hypoplasia (VAH) is supposed to be a risk factor for posterior circulation ischemia (PCI), particularly in the territory of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA). The aim of our study was to determine whether VAH impedes perfusion in the dependent PICA territory even in the absence of manifest PCI.

Methods—
VA diameter was retrospectively measured in 934 consecutive patients who underwent whole-brain multimodal computed tomography because of suspected stroke. VAH was defined by a diameter of ≤2 mm and an asymmetry ratio of ≤1:1.7 of both VAs. We performed blinded computed tomography perfusion reading in patients with VAH without PCI (MRI-confirmed) and in control patients (ratio 1:2) with normal VAs. Four different perfusion maps were evaluated for a relative hypoperfusion in the PICA territory.

Results—

VAH was found in 146 of 934 patients (15.6%). It was more frequent on the right side (66.1%). Of 146 patients, 59 without PCI qualified for computed tomography perfusion analysis. Depending on the perfusion map, ≤42.4% (25/59) of patients with VAH, but only 7.6% (9/118) without VAH, showed an ipsilateral PICA hypoperfusion (
P
<0.001). Sensitivities in patients with VAH were as follows: time to drain 42.4% (25/59)>mean transit time 39.0% (23/59)>cerebral blood flow 25.4% (15/59). Cerebral blood volume was never affected.

Conclusions—
VAH is a frequent vascular variant that can lead to a relative regional hypoperfusion in the PICA territory. Additional research should clarify the pathophysiological role of VAH in PCI.
Clopidogrel Plus Aspirin Versus Warfarin in Patients With Stroke and Aortic Arch Plaques
Authors: Amarenco Pierre , Davis Stephen , Jones Elizabeth F. , Cohen Ariel A. , Heiss Wolf-Dieter , Kaste Markku , Laouénan Cédric , Young Dennis , Macleod Malcolm , Donnan Geoffrey A. , Bladin Christopher F. , Chambers Brian R. , Frayne Judith , Hankey Graeme J. , Levi Christopher R. , Read Stephen J. , Ravaud Philippe , Tatlisumak Turgut , Soinne Lauri , Laine Mika , Syvänne Mikko , Vikatmaa Pirkka , Lepäntalo Mauri , Mentré France , Gosset Simon , Churilov Leonid , De Broucker Thomas , Favrole Pascal , Mawet Jérôme , Mocquard Yves , Obadia Michael , Godefroy Olivier , Hosseini Hassan , Pico Fernando , Garnier Pierre , Malbec Marcel , Pinel Jean-François , Ille Olivier , Vadamme Xavier , Macian-Montoro Francisco , Servan Jérôme , Viallet François , Rosolacci Thierry , Lecoz Patrick , Clavelou Pierre , Detante Olivier , Cho Tae-Hee , Saudeau Denis , Michel Patrik , D’Ombrogio Suzette , Serisier David , Sturm Jonathon , Kimber Thomas , Marcus Romesh , Schwartz Ray , Helme Rob , Blacker David , Wood Jonathan 
Published: April 2014

Background and Purpose—
Severe atherosclerosis in the aortic arch is associated with a high risk of recurrent vascular events, but the optimal antithrombotic strategy is unclear.

Methods—
This prospective randomized controlled, open-labeled trial, with blinded end point evaluation (PROBE design) tested superiority of aspirin 75 to 150 mg/d plus clopidogrel 75 mg/d (A+C) over warfarin therapy (international normalized ratio 2–3) in patients with ischemic stroke, transient ischemic attack, or peripheral embolism with plaque in the thoracic aorta >4 mm and no other identified embolic source. The primary end point included cerebral infarction, myocardial infarction, peripheral embolism, vascular death, or intracranial hemorrhage. Follow-up visits occurred at 1 month and then every 4 months post randomization.

Results—

The trial was stopped after 349 patients were randomized during a period of 8 years and 3 months. After a median follow-up of 3.4 years, the primary end point occurred in 7.6% (13/172) and 11.3% (20/177) of patients on A+C and on warfarin, respectively (log-rank,
P
=0.2). The adjusted hazard ratio was 0.76 (95% confidence interval, 0.36–1.61;
P
=0.5). Major hemorrhages including intracranial hemorrhages occurred in 4 and 6 patients in the A+C and warfarin groups, respectively. Vascular deaths occurred in 0 patients in A+C arm compared with 6 (3.4%) patients in the warfarin arm (log-rank,
P
=0.013). Time in therapeutic range (67% of the time for international normalized ratio 2–3) analysis by tertiles showed no significant differences across groups.

Conclusions—
Because of lack of power, this trial was inconclusive and results should be taken as hypothesis generating.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00235248.