bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantification of visceral adipose tissue using lunar dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry in Asian Chinese
Authors: Lin Huandong , Yan Hongmei , Rao Shengxiang , Xia Mingfeng , Zhou Qi , Xu Hao , Rothney Megan P. , Xia Yi , Wacker Wynn K. , Ergun David L. , Zeng Mengsu , Gao Xin 
Published: February 2013

ObjectiveTo evaluate the new DXA VAT method on an Asian Chinese population by comparing to a reference method, computed tomography (CT).Design and MethodsIn total, 145 adult men and women volunteers, representing a wide range of ages (19‐83 years) and BMI values (18.5‐39.3 kg/m2) were studied with both DXA and CT.ResultsThe coefficient of determination (r2) for regression of CT on DXA values was 0.947 for females, 0.891 for males and 0.915 combined. The 95% confidence interval for r was 0.940‐0.969 for the combined data. The Bland–Altman test showed a VAT bias (CT as standard method) of 143 cm3 for females and 379 cm3 for males. Combined, the bias was 262 cm3 with 95% limits of agreement of −232 to 755 cm3. While the current DXA method moderately overestimates the VAT volume for the study subjects, a further analysis suggested that the overestimation could be largely contributed to VAT movement due to breath‐holding status.ConclusionsFor Asian Chinese, VAT measured with DXA is highly correlated to VAT measured with CT. Validation of the DXA VAT tool using a reference method (e.g., CT) needs to carefully control the breath‐holding protocol.
Factors determining uptake of invasive testing following first‐trimester combined testing
Authors: Lichtenbelt Klaske D. , Schuring‐Blom G. Heleen , van der Burg N. , Page‐Christiaens Godelieve C. M. L. , Knoers Nine V. , Schielen Peter C. J. I. , Koster Maria P. H. 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACTObjectiveThis study aims to analyze differences in characteristics between women who opted for invasive testing after first‐trimester combined testing and those who did not.MethodFollow‐up was performed in 20 215 combined tests conducted between 2007 and 2011 in the central region of the Netherlands. Multivariate logistic regression analysis compared variables (Down syndrome risk estimate, maternal age, previous Down syndrome pregnancy, IVF/ICSI, parity and nuchal translucency measurement) between different groups.Results65.4% of women with a Down syndrome risk estimate ≥1 in 200 opted for invasive 49 testing. In a multivariate model, women opting for invasive testing were significantly younger (odds ratio 0.92; 95% confidence interval 0.88–0.95) and less likely to have had IVF/ICSI (odds ratio 0.57; 95% confidence interval 0.37–0.87) than women opting out on invasive testing. In this high risk group, women <36 years opted for invasive testing more frequently, regardless of their Down syndrome risk estimate magnitude. Women ≥36 years let the magnitude of the risk estimate count significantly in their decision to opt for invasive testing.ConclusionBecause of the dissimilarity in the offer of prenatal screening and invasive diagnosis in the Dutch prenatal screening policy, women <36 years and women >36 years make different choices when confronted with similar Down syndrome risk estimates. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Breast cancer meanings: a cognitive‐developmental study
Authors: Travado Luzia , Reis Joaquim C. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractObjectiveThis study addresses the meanings women with breast cancer attach to their illness within a cognitive‐developmental framework. The aim of the present study was twofold: (i) to identify the content of women's meanings in five domains of breast cancer representation (identity, causes, consequences, timeline and controllability), and (ii) to verify if those meanings can be classified developmentally and propose a developmental sequence of meanings for breast cancer.MethodsFifty women treated for breast cancer, as outpatients by the Breast Surgery Multidisciplinary Team at Hospital S. José, Lisbon, Portugal, were randomly selected and interviewed using a semi‐structured method, in order to obtain data on the significance they attached to their illness.ResultsA typical breast cancer representation profile was identified: 74% of women know their diagnosis, 70% conceive its causes as external factors, 50% refer to emotional and functional changes as main consequences, 62% are expectant towards the future and 36% considered themselves cured. It was possible to classify women's illness meanings into different developmental levels: the majority of women acceded only to lower (level 2 = 36%) and intermediate levels (level 3 = 50%). A developmental sequence of meanings for breast cancer is presented.ConclusionsThe identification of women's illness meanings enhances understanding of the emotional reactions and coping processes they use in this stressful situation. Also, it enables the clinician to match clinical methodologies with the patient's developmental level. Cognitive and developmental approaches offer a useful framework for making decisions about prevention and clinical procedures with breast cancer women, which may benefit clinical outcomes. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Guidance of glial cells and neurites from dorsal root ganglia by laser induced periodic patterning of biphasic core/shell nanowires
Authors: Lee Juseok , Schwarz Lukas K. , Akkan Cagri K. , Miró Marina M. , Abad Oscar T. , Schäfer Karl‐Herbert , Veith Michael , Aktas Cenk 
Published: February 2013

AbstractModification of topography is an effective tool to control the cellular response such as cell function, adhesion and proliferation on surfaces. In this work, we present a novel method for fabrication of periodic surface structures by laser interference patterning (LIP) of biphasic Al/Al2O3 nanowires (NWs). These structures have a periodicity of 1–8 µm and a depth of 300–600 nm, depending on the incidence angle of the laser beam. Such hierarchical structures are composed of both micro‐ and nanofeatures. These periodic patterns lead to an alignment of glial cells and an axonal guidance from cultured dorsal root ganglia (DRG), along defined directions. The most pronounced alignment was seen at a periodicity of 2 µm. (a) Random growth of neurites on as‐deposited chaotic NWs. (b) Aligned growth of neurites on patterned NWs.
New magnetically ordered phases in YbRh2Si2
Authors: Schuberth Erwin , Tippmann Marc , Krellner Cornelius , Steglich Frank 
Published: February 2013

AbstractYbRh2Si2 is a widely studied heavy Fermion system with a variety of interesting properties, among them a quantum critical point at 60 mT for B // a,b‐plane 1. At low temperatures we previously found a new magnetically ordered phase below 2.2 mK 2 taking place in the well known antiferromagnetic phase which starts at 70 mK 3. In addition to this “A” phase, we now observe a second, weaker phase transition below 14 mK and 5 mT which we named B phase. To study these phases of YbRh2Si2 at the lowest possible temperatures, we measured the DC magnetization in magnetic fields up to 60 mT using a home made rf SQUID magnetometer. The A phase is very robust and extends at least up to a magnetic field of 23 mT. Above this field, it is suppressed to below our detection limit of 1 mK. The A transition is characterized by a reduced magnetic susceptibility in the ordered state and there is zero magnetization in the limit B → 0. From these findings, we expect it to be an antiferromagnetic ordered state. The experiments were performed in our low temperature cryostat at the Walther Meissner Institute in Garching which includes a 0.9‐mole PrNi5 nuclear demagnetization stage with a final temperature of 400 µK. The temperatures of the nuclear stage were measured by pulsed NMR on a Cu rod thermally anchored to it. YbRh2Si2 single crystals of very high quality have been grown in an Indium flux at the MPI CPfS Dresden. The samples were clamped in a 5 N Ag rod screwed to the nuclear stage and extending into the pick‐up coil of a conventional flux transformer. Their temperatures were always close to that of the nuclear stage. In addition, we performed specific heat measurements with the semiadiabatic heat‐pulse method.
Anomalous susceptibility in single crystals of EuCo2Si2 with trivalent Eu: Influence of excited J multiplets
Authors: Seiro Silvia , Kummer Kurt , Vyalikh Denis , Caroca‐Canales Nubia , Geibel Christoph 
Published: February 2013

AbstractWe present a detailed study on the physical properties of single crystals of the Eu3+ intermetallic EuCo2Si2. The Eu valence was confirmed by X‐ray absorption. At low temperatures, the anisotropic susceptibility can be explained by a Eu3+ Van Vleck contribution with a crystal field parameter $V_{2}^{0} = 355\,{\rm K}$, but at high temperatures the data exceed the Van Vleck values significantly. This excess susceptibility is possibly related to the magnetic exchange between the excited Eu multiplets and the conduction band. A γ of 9.6 mJ K−2 mol and a Debye temperature of 322 K were estimated from the low temperature specific heat data. The compound does not undergo any phase transition in the temperature range 2–300 K.
Four Coordination Polymers Containing 2, 6‐Naphthalenedi­carboxylic Acid and 1, 10‐Phenanthroline: Synthesis, Structure, and Magnetic Properties
Authors: Li Xiuhua , Fang Ming , Cui Ping , Zhao Bin 
Published: February 2013

Abstract[Co(phen)(NDA)0.5(H2O)3]·H2O·0.5NDA (a) (NDA = 2, 6‐naphthalenedicarboxylate ions, phen = 1, 10‐phenanthroline), and four novel coordination polymers (CPs), [M(phen)(NDA)]n [M = Co (1), Ni (2), Mn (3), and Cd (4)], were synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. They were structurally characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Compound a was obtained by hydrothermal condition of 80 °C, displaying a zero dimension structure, and three coordinated water molecules located on the central Co2+ ion. By decreasing the number of coordinated water molecules in a under high reaction temperature of 170 °C, the discrete motif of a was transferred into a 2D structure of 1. Employing the same synthesizing condition like that of 1, compounds 2–4 were prepared, of which 2 exhibited a 2D layer and compounds 3 and 4 feature novel 3D architectures. The magnetic susceptibilities of 1–3 were measured and discussed. There exist ferromagnetic coupling between the nearest metal ions in 1 and 2, and the best theoretical fitting parameters were J = 3.96 cm–1, g = 2.42 for 1 and J = 3.44 cm–1, g = 2.02 for 2. The study of the magnetic property of 3 shows the occurrence of weak antiferromagnetic interaction between Mn2+ with fitting parameters of J = –0.80 cm–1 and g = 2.03, appearing short‐range antiferromagnetic ordering around 9 K.
Anti‐adalimumab and anti‐infliximab antibodies developed in psoriasis vulgaris patients reduced the efficacy of biologics: Report of two cases
Authors: Matsumoto Yuka , Maeda Tatsuo , Tsuboi Ryoji , Okubo Yukari 
Published: February 2013

AbstractBiologics such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors are highly effective for treating severe psoriasis, and an increasing number of patients benefit from them. However, subsidiary subjects have arisen in the course of treatment which may directly impact the continued use of these drugs in a given case. In this article, we report two cases of psoriasis vulgaris refractory to treatment with both adalimumab and infliximab. We measured the serum drug concentration and absorbance value of antidrug antibodies using the sandwich enzyme‐linked immunoassay method. Antibodies to adalimumab and infliximab were detected in both patients. The low drug concentration and adverse clinical response observed corroborated these findings. Dosage and concomitant medication are considered to be important factors influencing the development of antibody formation. Therapeutic drug monitoring and measurement of antidrug antibodies will assist in maintaining a clinical response and in optimizing the response of patients being treated with biological therapies. The use of concomitant immunosuppressive medication should be considered for patients who will be treated with their second TNF inhibitor after having developed antidrug antibodies against their first TNF inhibitor.
Profile of patients with psoriasis associated with hepatitis C virus infection
Authors: Imafuku Shinichi , Nakayama Juichiro 
Published: February 2013

AbstractPsoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease associated with various complications such as arthritis, diabetes mellitus and hypertension. Hepatitis C is caused by chronic infection of hepatitis C virus (HCV), and eventually leads to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Although an association between psoriasis and HCV has been reported, there have been no large case series to date. The aim of the present study was to outline the profiles of HCV‐positive psoriatic patients. Patients with a diagnosis of psoriasis who visited Fukuoka University from 1991–2011 were sought in the database, and their medical records were manually checked for detailed information about serum liver enzymes, anti‐HCV antibodies, medical history, and treatments and outcomes of both psoriasis and hepatitis. There were 54 (7.5%) anti‐HCV antibody‐positive patients among the 717 psoriatic patients detected. Male predominance (male/female ratio, 44:10) and late onset (median age, 55 years) were the characteristics of the 54 patients. HCV infection preceded the onset of psoriasis definitely in 80% and probably in 11%. Interferon therapy exacerbated 70% of pre‐existing psoriasis cases, and induced de novo psoriasis in eight patients. Complication with diabetes mellitus was found in 35% of the patients. Our observations suggest that HCV infection can be an inducing factor for psoriasis. In hepatitis C patients, elevated tumor necrosis factor‐α is known to cause progression of hepatic disease and possibly induces psoriasis in patients with a certain predisposition.
Enhanced Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Inflammatory Cytokine Removal With Online Hemodiafiltration Over High‐Flux Hemodialysis in Sepsis‐Related Acute Kidney Injury Patients
Authors: Chancharoenthana Wiwat , Tiranathanagul Khajohn , Srisawat Nattachai , Susantitaphong Paweena , Leelahavanichkul Asada , Praditpornsilpa Kearkiat , Tungsanga Kriang , Eiam‐Ong Somchai 
Published: February 2013

Abstract: Hypercytokinemia plays a central role in pathogenesis and is related to the high mortality in sepsis‐related acute kidney injury (AKI). Besides the established cytokines, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is demonstrated as an important factor in enhancing vascular leakage in sepsis. This prospective randomized trial was conducted to compare the efficacy of cytokine removal between online hemodiafiltration (HDF), which combines convective and diffusive solute removal, and high‐flux hemodialysis (HD). Twenty‐eight sepsis‐related AKI patients were included and randomized into online HDF and high‐flux HD. The percentages of the reduction ratio in plasma cytokines were measured as primary outcomes. Other clinical parameters were determined as secondary outcomes. When compared with high‐flux HD, online HDF provided significantly greater percentages of the reduction ratio in plasma cytokine levels, including VEGF (P < 0.001), IL‐6 (P = 0.001), IL‐8 (P = 0.021), IL‐10 (P = 0.011), and tumor necrosis factor‐α (P = 0.029). There were no significant differences in intradialytic blood pressures. Online HDF revealed better renal recovery and shorter length of hospitalization than high‐flux HD. In conclusion, online HDF in sepsis‐related AKI could provide significantly better removal of VEGF and other cytokines and these were associated with better renal outcome than high‐flux HD. Thus, online HDF would offer a potential role in hypercytokinemic state in sepsis‐related AKI.
Contract farming and smallholder incentives to produce high quality: experimental evidence from the Vietnamese dairy sector
Authors: Saenger Christoph , Qaim Matin , Torero Maximo , Viceisza Angelino 
Published: February 2013

AbstractIn emerging markets for high‐value food products in developing countries, processing companies search for efficient ways to source raw material of high quality. One widely embraced approach is contract farming. But relatively little is known about the appropriate design of financial incentives in a small farm context. We use the example of the Vietnamese dairy sector to analyze the effectiveness of existing contracts between a processor and smallholder farmers in terms of incentivizing the production of high quality milk. A framed field experiment is conducted to evaluate the impact of two incentive instruments, a price penalty for low quality and a bonus for consistent high quality milk, on farmers’ investment in quality‐improving inputs. Statistical analysis suggests that the penalty drives farmers into higher input use, resulting in better output quality. The bonus payment generates even higher quality milk. We also find that input choice levels depend on farmers’ socio‐economic characteristics such as wealth, while individual risk preferences seem to be less important. Implications for the design of contracts with smallholders are discussed.
Valuing financial, health, and environmental benefits of Bt cotton in Pakistan
Authors: Kouser Shahzad , Qaim Matin 
Published: February 2013

AbstractData from a farm survey and choice experiment are used to value the benefits of Bt cotton in Pakistan. Unlike previous research on the economic impacts of Bt, which mostly concentrated on financial benefits in terms of gross margins, we also quantify and monetize health and environmental benefits associated with technology adoption. Due to lower chemical pesticide use on Bt cotton plots, there are significant health advantages in terms of fewer incidents of acute pesticide poisoning, and environmental advantages in terms of higher farmland biodiversity and lower soil and groundwater contamination. Farmers themselves value these positive effects at US$ 79 per acre, of which half is attributable to health and the other half to environmental improvements. Adding average gross margin gains of US$ 204 results in aggregate benefits of US$ 283 per acre, or US$ 1.8 billion for the total Bt cotton area in Pakistan.
Soil characteristics and Cyperus spp. occurrence along a toposequence
Authors: Koné Brahima , Touré Amadou , Amadji Guillaume L. , Yao‐Kouamé Albert , Angui Pascal Tehua , Huat Joël 
Published: February 2013

AbstractOn acrisol (locally named terre de barre in Republic of Benin, West Africa), weed and soil (0–20 cm depth) were sampled at the beginning and the end of the cropping period in 2009 to gain knowledge about interaction between nutsedge occurrence and soil parameters. The samples were taken along a toposequence at the Africa Rice Center experimental station according to the topographic positions of summit, upper slope, middle slope and foot slope. At each topographic position, a 1 m × 1 m quadrat was set to study Cyperus abundance using 0, 3 and 5 abundance indices scale. Weed species sampled were identified, oven‐dried and weighed. Soil particle sizes and organic C, total N, available P, K, Ca, Mg and extractable Fe contents were determined. Among the three species of Cyperus that were encountered, C. rotundus was the most frequent along the entire toposequence, while C. esculentus and C. sphacelatus were limited to the summit and upper slope, respectively. Sand, Fe and Pa contents of soil were influencing positively Cyperus spp. occurrence in opposition to C and Mg contents. But only the latest nutrients did so consistently and significantly. Thus, increasing organic matter and applying Mg fertilizer might enhance Cyperus control.
Smokers know little of their increased surgical risks and may quit on surgical advice
Authors: Webb Ashley R. , Robertson Nicola , Sparrow Maryanne 
Published: February 2013

AbstractBackgroundSmoking cessation before surgery improves perioperative outcomes and some smokers may quit if undergoing surgery. Quitting smoking in community settings is influenced by physician quit advice and knowledge of smoking hazards, but there are few data on whether this applies in perioperative settings.MethodSurvey on day of surgery of elective patients who reported being a smoker at the time of wait‐list placement. Duration of smoking abstinence before surgery (if any) and length timing of failed quit attempts was determined. Sources of any quit advice before surgery, including from physicians, and patient knowledge on hazards of smoking and surgery were questioned.ResultsWhile on the waiting list, 44/177 smokers reported quitting (>24 h) before surgery and 42/177 others made an attempt. Quitting was usually brief. Fewer than 40% of smokers answered yes (correct answer) to questions on whether smoking increased wound infection rates, worsened wound healing, increased anaesthetic complications or increased post‐operative pain. Incorrect answers (no) were less likely in quitters than those smoking until surgery (OR 0.41, 95% CI 0.25–0.68). Patients still smoking by admission recalled quit advice from a surgeon in 22.6% of cases, while wait‐list quitters recalled surgical quit advice in 43.2% of cases (OR 2.6 95% CI 1.2–5.4 P = 0.01). Effects of general practitioner quit advice were significant (OR 3.2 95% CI 1.5–6.8 P = 0.004) while anaesthetists, nurse and hospital brochure advice were not.DiscussionImproving patient knowledge of the perioperative risks of smoking and increased physician advice to quit may improve smoking abstinence at surgery.
Generalized Partially Linear Models for Incomplete Longitudinal Data In the Presence of Population‐Level Information
Authors: Chen Baojiang , Zhou Xiao‐Hua 
Published: February 2013

AbstractSummaryIn observational studies, interest often lies in estimation of the population‐level relationship between the explanatory variables and dependent variables, and the estimation is often done using longitudinal data. Longitudinal data often feature sampling error and bias due to nonrandom drop‐out. However, inclusion of population‐level information can increase estimation efficiency. In this article, we consider a generalized partially linear model for incomplete longitudinal data in the presence of the population‐level information. A pseudo‐empirical likelihood‐based method is introduced to incorporate population‐level information, and nonrandom drop‐out bias is corrected by using a weighted generalized estimating equations method. A three‐step estimation procedure is proposed, which makes the computation easier. Several methods that are often used in practice are compared in simulation studies, which demonstrate that our proposed method can correct the nonrandom drop‐out bias and increase the estimation efficiency, especially for small sample size or when the missing proportion is high. We apply this method to an Alzheimer's disease study.