bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Copula‐Based Quantile Risk Measure Approach to Estimate the Optimal Hedge Ratio
Authors: Barbi Massimiliano , Romagnoli Silvia 
Published: April 2013

AbstractWe propose an innovative theoretical model to determine the optimal hedge ratio (OHR) with futures contracts as the minimizer of a quantile risk measure. This class of measures is very large and allows to recover the minimum‐VaR and the minimum‐expected shortfall hedge ratios as special cases. The copula representation of quantiles yields an accurate and flexible estimation of the dependence structure between the spot and the futures position. Employing data for the main UK and US indices, and EUR/USD and EUR/GBP exchange rates, we investigate the hedging effectiveness of our model compared to that of existing approaches. We document that our model improves upon the hedging performance of minimum‐VaR and minimum‐expected shortfall hedge ratios, provided that the copula shows an acceptable fit to the data. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Jrl Fut Mark 34:658–675, 2014
Observations of exosphere variations during geomagnetic storms
Authors: Bailey J. , Gruntman M. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractThe dominant neutral constituent in Earth's upper exosphere, atomic hydrogen (H), resonantly scatters solar Lyman‐alpha (121.567 nm) radiation, observed as the geocorona. We report here observations of an exospheric response to geomagnetic storms obtained using measurements of the geocorona by Lyman‐alpha detectors on the Two Wide‐angle Imaging Neutral‐atom Spectrometers mission. We introduce a new parameter, NH, the number of H atoms in the spherical shell from a geocentric distance of 3 to 8 Earth radii, to quantitatively characterize in a simplified way global exospheric conditions. Five geomagnetic storms observed during three months in the second half of 2011 are accompanied by abrupt temporary increases, spikes, of NH from 6% to 17%, lasting not longer than a day. These increases seem to show some correlation with the minimum Dst index reached during the peak of each storm.
Relationship between nicotine dependence and the endophenotype‐related trait of cognitive function but not acoustic startle reponses in Japanese patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Kishi Taro , Fukuo Yasuhisa , Okochi Tomo , Kawashima Kunihiro , Moriwaki Masatsugu , Furukawa Osamu , Musso Giovanna M. , Fujita Kiyoshi , Correll Christoph U. , Iwata Nakao 
Published: April 2013

ObjectivesWe investigated whether nicotine dependence affects these endophenotypes in Japanese schizophrenia patients and whether alpha4 and beta2 subunits of neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor genes (alpha4 subunit of the nAChR gene (CHRNA4)/beta2 subunit of the nAChR gene (CHRNB2)) were associated with nicotine dependence in patients (n = 100) and healthy controls (n = 107).MethodsFirst, in patients, we evaluated cognitive function, using the Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia, and acoustic startle responses. Second, we evaluated the severity of nicotine dependence, using the Tobacco Dependence Screener, the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence, and the Brinkman index in current smokers in both groups. Third, we evaluated the relationship between acoustic startle responses, cognitive function, and severity of nicotine dependence. Finally, using 12 tagging single‐nucleotide polymorphisms in each the CHRNA4/CHRNB2, we used multiple linear regression analysis to examine the association between nicotine dependence measures and each selected single‐nucleotide polymorphism.ResultsThe presence and severity of nicotine dependence were associated with verbal memory and executive function in schizophrenia patients. However, nicotine dependence was not correlated with any acoustic startle response. In addition, rs755203 and rs1044397 in CHRNA4 were associated with nicotine dependence in healthy controls.ConclusionsNicotine dependence might influence the level of verbal memory and executive function in schizophrenia patients. In addition, rs755203 and rs1044397 in CHRNA4 might play a role in the pathophysiology of nicotine dependence in healthy controls in the Japanese population. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bone marrow fat composition as a novel imaging biomarker in postmenopausal women with prevalent fragility fractures
Authors: Patsch Janina M , Li Xiaojuan , Baum Thomas , Yap Samuel P , Karampinos Dimitrios C , Schwartz Ann V , Link Thomas M 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACT

The goal of this magnetic resonance (MR) imaging study was to quantify vertebral bone marrow fat content and composition in diabetic and nondiabetic postmenopausal women with fragility fractures and to compare them with nonfracture controls with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus. Sixty-nine postmenopausal women (mean age 63 ± 5 years) were recruited. Thirty-six patients (47.8%) had spinal and/or peripheral fragility fractures. Seventeen fracture patients were diabetic. Thirty-three women (52.2%) were nonfracture controls. Sixteen women were diabetic nonfracture controls. To quantify vertebral bone marrow fat content and composition, patients underwent MR spectroscopy (MRS) of the lumbar spine at 3 Tesla. Bone mineral density (BMD) was determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) of the hip and lumbar spine (LS) and quantitative computed tomography (QCT) of the LS. To evaluate associations of vertebral marrow fat content and composition with spinal and/or peripheral fragility fractures and diabetes, we used linear regression models adjusted for age, race, and spine volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) by QCT. At the LS, nondiabetic and diabetic fracture patients had lower vBMD than controls and diabetics without fractures (p = 0.018; p = 0.005). However, areal bone mineral density (aBMD) by DXA did not differ between fracture and nonfracture patients. After adjustment for age, race, and spinal vBMD, the prevalence of fragility fractures was associated with −1.7% lower unsaturation levels (confidence interval [CI] −2.8% to −0.5%, p = 0.005) and +2.9% higher saturation levels (CI 0.5% to 5.3%, p = 0.017). Diabetes was associated with −1.3% (CI –2.3% to −0.2%, p = 0.018) lower unsaturation and +3.3% (CI 1.1% to 5.4%, p = 0.004) higher saturation levels. Diabetics with fractures had the lowest marrow unsaturation and highest saturation. There were no associations of marrow fat content with diabetes or fracture. Our results suggest that altered bone marrow fat composition is linked with fragility fractures and diabetes. MRS of spinal bone marrow fat may therefore serve as a novel tool for BMD-independent fracture risk assessment.
Proline/arginine-rich end leucine-rich repeat protein N-terminus is a novel osteoclast antagonist that counteracts bone loss
Authors: Rucci Nadia , Capulli Mattia , Ventura Luca , Angelucci Adriano , Peruzzi Barbara , Tillgren Viveka , Muraca Maurizio , Heinegård Dick , Teti Anna 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACT

hbdPRELP is a peptide corresponding to the N-terminal heparin binding domain of the matrix protein proline/arginine-rich end leucine-rich repeat protein (PRELP). hbdPRELP inhibits osteoclastogenesis entering pre-fusion osteoclasts through a chondroitin sulfate– and annexin 2–dependent mechanism and reducing the nuclear factor-κB transcription factor activity. In this work, we hypothesized that hbdPRELP could have a pharmacological relevance, counteracting bone loss in a variety of in vivo models of bone diseases induced by exacerbated osteoclast activity. In healthy mice, we demonstrated that the peptide targeted the bone and increased trabecular bone mass over basal level. In mice treated with retinoic acid to induce an acute increase of osteoclast formation, the peptide consistently antagonized osteoclastogenesis and prevented the increase of the serum levels of the osteoclast-specific marker tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase. In ovariectomized mice, in which osteoclast activity was chronically enhanced by estrogen deficiency, hbdPRELP counteracted exacerbated osteoclast activity and bone loss. In mice carrying osteolytic bone metastases, in which osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption were enhanced by tumor cell–derived factors, hbdPRELP reduced the incidence of osteolytic lesions, both preventively and curatively, with mechanisms involving impaired tumor cell homing to bone and tumor growth in the bone microenvironment. Interestingly, in tumor-bearing mice, hbdPRELP also inhibited breast tumor growth in orthotopic sites and development of metastatic disease in visceral organs, reducing cachexia and improving survival especially when administered preventively. hbdPRELP was retained in the tumor tissue and appeared to affect tumor growth by interacting with the microenvironment rather than by directly affecting the tumor cells. Because safety studies and high-dose treatments revealed no adverse effects, hbdPRELP could be employed as a novel biological agent to combat experimentally induced bone loss and breast cancer metastases, with a potential translational impact.
Validation of sub‐segmental visual scoring for the quantification of ischemic and nonischemic myocardial fibrosis using late gadolinium enhancement MRI
Authors: Fine Nowell M. , Tandon Shruti , Kim Han W. , Shah Dipan J. , Thompson Terry , Drangova Maria , White James A. 
Published: April 2013

PurposeTo determine the accuracy and reproducibility of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) MRI scar quantification using visual sub‐segmental analysis (VSSA) versus signal threshold‐based analysis in ischemic and nonischemic cardiomyopathy.Materials and MethodsOne‐hundred sixty‐one patients with abnormal LGE imaging underwent VSSA and signal threshold‐based analysis. VSSA was performed using a 68 sub‐segmental model. Signal threshold‐based analysis was performed using cutoffs of ≥2, ≥3, and ≥5 standard deviations (SD) above the mean signal of normal myocardium. Comparison of VSSA and signal threshold‐based analysis was performed by linear regression and Bland Altman plots.ResultsSeventy (44%) patients had ischemic scar, 76 (47%) had nonischemic scar, and 15 (9%) had a combined pattern. Correlation coefficients for VSSA versus signal threshold‐based analysis at ≥2, ≥3, and ≥5SD thresholds were r = 0.63, r = 0.79, r = 0.81 (P < 0.001) for all patients, r = 0.74, r = 0.81, r = 0.81 (P < 0.001) in those with ischemic scar, and r = 0.46, r = 0.69, r = 0.72 (P < 0.001) in those with nonischemic scar. Bland Altman analysis revealed no significant bias in total scar volume among all patients (−4.3 ± 7.9%), those with ischemic scar (−4.8 ± 7.8%), or those with nonischemic scar (−2.6 ± 7.6%). Intra‐observer and inter‐observer variability of the VSSA technique was excellent with a mean difference in total percent scar of 0.3% (−8.3–8.9%) and −0.4% (−9.5–8.5%), respectively.ConclusionA VSSA‐based model of myocardial scar quantification is accurate and reproducible in ischemic and nonischemic cardiomyopathy. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2013;38:1369–1376. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Impact of reduced k‐space acquisition on pathologic detectability for volumetric MR spectroscopic imaging
Authors: Sabati Mohammad , Zhan Jiping , Govind Varan , Arheart Kristopher L. , Maudsley Andrew A. 
Published: April 2013

PurposeTo assess the impact of accelerated acquisitions on the spectral quality of volumetric magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) and to evaluate their ability in detecting metabolic changes with mild injury.Materials and MethodsThe implementation of a generalized autocalibrating partially parallel acquisition (GRAPPA) method for a high‐resolution whole‐brain echo planar SI (3D‐EPSI) sequence is first described and the spectral accuracy of the GRAPPA‐EPSI method is investigated using lobar and voxel‐based analyses for normal subjects and patients with mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI). The performance of GRAPPA was compared with that of fully encoded EPSI for five datasets collected from normal subjects at the same scanning session, as well as on 45 scans (20 normal subjects and 25 mTBI patients) for which the reduced k‐space sampling was simulated. For comparison, a central k‐space lower‐resolution 3D‐EPSI acquisition was also simulated. Differences in individual metabolites and metabolite ratio distributions of the mTBI group relative to those of age‐matched control subjects were statistically evaluated using analyses divided into hemispheric brain lobes and tissue types.ResultsGRAPPA‐EPSI with 16‐minute scan time yielded robust and similar results in terms of MRSI quantitation, spectral fitting, and accuracy with that of fully sampled 3D‐EPSI acquisitions and was more accurate than central k‐space acquisition. Primary findings included high correlations (accuracy of 92.6%) between the GRAPPA and fully sampled results.ConclusionAlthough the reduced encoding method is associated with lower signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) that impacts the quality of spectral analysis, the use of the parallel imaging method can lead to the same diagnostic outcomes as the fully sampled data when using the sensitivity‐limited volumetric MRSI. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2014;39:224–234. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of fungicides on epiphytic yeasts associated with strawberry
Authors: Debode Jane , Van Hemelrijck Wendy , Creemers Piet , Maes Martine 
Published: April 2013

AbstractWe studied the effect of two commonly used fungicides on the epiphytic yeast community of strawberry. Greenhouse and field experiments were conducted applying Switch (cyprodinil plus fludioxonil) or Signum (boscalid plus pyraclostrobin) to strawberry plants. Yeasts on leaves and fruits were assessed on treated and untreated plants at several time points via plating and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) analysis. The yeast counts on plates of the treated plants were similar to the control plants. Unripe fruits had 10 times larger yeast concentrations than ripe fruits or leaves. Some dominant yeast types were isolated and in vitro tests showed that they were at least 10 times less sensitive to Switch and Signum as compared with two important fungal strawberry pathogens Botrytis cinerea and Colletotrichum acutatum, which are the targets for the fungicide control. DGGE analysis showed that the applied fungicides had no effect on the composition of the yeast communities, while the growing system, strawberry tissue, and sampling time did affect the yeast communities. The yeast species most commonly identified were Cryptococcus, Rhodotorula, and Sporobolomyces. These results point toward the potential applicability of natural occurring yeast antagonists into an integrated disease control strategy for strawberry diseases.
Palaeobiology of the Medieval Population of Albano (Rome, Italy): A Combined Morphological and Biomolecular Approach
Authors: Ciaffi R. , Lelli R. , Müldner G. , Stantcheva K. , Fischetti A. L. , Ghini G. , Craig O. E. , Milano F. , Rickards O. , Arcudi G. , Martínez‐Labarga C. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractRecent years have seen increased interest in skeletal populations from the Imperial Roman Age in Italy, but much less is known about diet and standards of living in the subsequent medieval period. To fill this gap, we conducted a morphological analysis of human remains from Albano, an Italian town near Rome, as well as a stable isotope analysis of bone collagen to reconstruct diet. The sample was recovered from a Medieval cemetery (1040–1220 cal. yr. BP) located in the gardens of the historicalPalazzo Doria Pamphiliin Albano. A minimum number of 40 individuals (31 adults and 9 sub‐adults) were examined using standard methods. Though the general health status of the population was good, signs ofcribra orbitaliaand diffuse enthesopathies were noted during the morphological examination.Stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analyses of the bone collagen from 24 adult humans and three faunal bones indicate that the diet of the population may be described as predominantly terrestrial and C3‐plant based although the data for some of the individuals suggest a modest consumption of C4‐(millet) based or aquatic proteins. No evidence of significant dietary differences between the sexes was found.The comparison of the isotope data from Albano with those from populations recovered in the same region is consistent with a shift from a terrestrial, possibly plant foods‐dominated subsistence in the Early Middle Ages to a diet with a higher contribution from animal proteins, both terrestrial and aquatic, in the Later Middle Ages. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
IFN-γ and TNF-α Synergistically Induce Mesenchymal Stem Cell Impairment and Tumorigenesis via NFκB Signaling
Authors: Wang Lei , Zhao Yinghua , Liu Yi , Akiyama Kentaro , Chen Chider , Qu Cunye , Jin Yan , Shi Songtao 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
An inflammatory microenvironment may cause organ degenerative diseases and malignant tumors. However, the precise mechanisms of inflammation-induced diseases are not fully understood. Here, we show that the proinflammatory cytokines interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) synergistically impair self-renewal and differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) via nuclear factor κB (NFκB)-mediated activation of mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 7 (SMAD7) in ovariectomized (OVX) mice. More interestingly, a long-term elevated levels of IFN-γ and TNF-α result in significantly increased susceptibility to malignant transformation in MSCs through NFκB-mediated upregulation of the oncogenes c-Fos and c-Myc. Depletion of either IFN-γ or TNF-α in OVX mice abolishes MSC impairment and the tendency toward malignant transformation with no NFκB-mediated oncogene activation. Systemic administration of aspirin, which significantly reduces the levels of IFN-γ and TNF-α, results in blockage of MSC deficiency and tumorigenesis by inhibition of NFκB/SMAD7 and NFκB/c-FOS and c-MYC pathways in OVX mice. In summary, this study reveals that inflammation factors, such as IFN-γ and TNF-α, synergistically induce MSC deficiency via NFκB/SMAD7 signaling and tumorigenesis via NFκB-mediated oncogene activation.
Hochrateabscheidung mit einem Mikrowellenplasma
Authors: Merli Stefan , Schulz Andreas , Walker Matthias , Stroth Ulrich , Hirth Thomas 
Published: April 2013

AbstractDie Entwicklung eines plasmatechnologischen Beschichtungsprozesses für den Kratzschutz auf Kunststoffen am Beispiel von Polycarbonat (PC) muss die Rahmenbedingungen der Großflächigkeit und der Hochrateabscheidung erfüllen. Der Beitrag präsentiert ein plasmatechnologisches Konzept, basierend auf dem skalierbaren Mikrowellenplasmaprinzip der Duo‐Plasmaline, das durch die hohe Plasmadichte eine sehr hohe stationäre Beschichtungsrate von mindestens 20 μm/min bei hoher Schichtqualität bereitstellt. Die abgeschiedenen Schutzschichten erzielen die Kratzfestigkeiten von Fensterglas.
Three‐Dimensional Metabolic and Radiologic Gathered Evaluation Using VR‐RENDER Fusion: A Novel Tool to Enhance Accuracy in the Localization of Parathyroid Adenomas
Authors: D’Agostino Jacopo , Diana Michele , Vix Michel , Nicolau Stephane , Soler Luc , Bourhala Khalil , Hassler Stephanie , Wu Hurng‐Sheng , Marescaux Jacques 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of a novel imaging modality, three‐dimensional (3D) metabolic and radiologic gathered evaluation (MeRGE), for localizing parathyroid adenomas (PAs).MethodsConsecutive patients presenting with primary hyperparathyroidism who underwent both thin‐slice cervical computed tomography (CT) and 99mTc‐sestamibi (MIBI) scanning were included. 3D‐CT reconstruction was obtained using VR‐RENDER, which was used to perform 3D virtual neck exploration (3D‐VNE). The MIBI scan was then fused with the 3D reconstruction to obtain 3D‐MeRGE. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were assessed. Parathyroid gland volume and preoperative parathormone (PTH) levels were analyzed as predictive factors of correct localization (i.e., correct quadrant).ResultsA total of 108 cervical quadrants (27 patients) were analyzed. Sensitivities were 79.31, 75.86, 65.51, and 58.61 % with 3D‐MeRGE, 3D‐VNE, MIBI, and CT, respectively. Specificity was highest with CT (94.93 %) followed by 3D‐VNE (92.4 %). MIBI and 3D‐MeRGE had the same specificity (88.6 %). 3D‐MeRGE and 3D‐VNE achieved higher accuracy than MIBI or CT alone. Mean PTH values were significantly higher in patients with lesions that were correctly identified (true positive, TP) than in those whose lesions were missed (false negative, FN) with 3D‐VNE (219.60 ± 212.77 vs. 98.75 ± 12.76 pg/ml; p = 0.01) and 3D‐MeRGE (217.69 ± 213.76 vs. 09.75 ± 20.48 pg/ml; p = 0.02). The mean parathyroid gland volume difference between TP and FN was statistically significant with all modalities except CT.Conclusions3D‐MeRGE and 3D‐VNE showed high accuracy for localization of PAs. 3D‐MeRGE performed better than MIBI or CT alone for detecting small adenomas and those with a low PTH level.
Results of a follow‐up study to the randomized Alzheimer's Disease Anti‐inflammatory Prevention Trial (ADAPT)
Authors:   The Alzheimer's Disease Anti‐inflammatory Prevention Trial Research Group
Published: April 2013

AbstractObjectivesThe Alzheimer's Disease Anti‐inflammatory Prevention Trial Follow‐up Study (ADAPT‐FS) was designed to evaluate the efficacy of naproxen and celecoxib for the primary prevention of Alzheimer's disease (AD) several years after cessation of treatment in ADAPT.MethodsADAPT was a randomized, double‐masked, multicenter clinical trial of naproxen or celecoxib vs placebo (1:1:1.5 assignment ratio) at six U.S.‐based clinics. The trial enrolled 2528 people between 2001 and 2004. Treatments were discontinued in December 2004 and participants were monitored regularly until 2007. In 2010 and 2011, ADAPT‐FS screened 1537 participants by telephone and, if indicated, examined them in person using standardized clinical assessments. The primary outcome was time to diagnosis of AD. Death index searches were performed for participants not located.ResultsEighty‐nine additional AD events were identified (24 celecoxib, 25 naproxen, and 40 placebo) yielding a total of 161 events (48 [6.6% of randomized participants] celecoxib, 43 [6.0%] naproxen, and 70 [6.5%] placebo) across ADAPT and ADAPT‐FS. Adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) comparing each treatment with placebo showed no overall reduction in risk of AD: HR celecoxib vs placebo, 1.03 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.72–1.50; P = .86); HR naproxen vs placebo, 0.92 (95% CI, 0.62–1.35; P = .66). There were 349 deaths (110 [15.2%] celecoxib, 96 [13.4%] naproxen, and 143 [13.2%] placebo). Risk of death was similar for the naproxen‐ and placebo‐assigned groups (HR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.76–1.28; P = .93) and slightly higher for celecoxib compared with the placebo‐assigned group (HR, 1.15; 95% CI, 0.90–1.48; P = .27).ConclusionsThese results acquired during a follow‐up of approximately 7 years (which included a median of less than 1.5 years of treatment) do not support the hypothesis that celecoxib or naproxen prevent AD in adults with a family history of dementia.