bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The influence of coping response and health-related quality of life on perceived social support during cancer treatment
Authors: Costa-Requena Gema , Ballester Arnal Rafael , Gil Francisco 
Published: April 2014

AbstractObjective:In the biopsychosocial approach, perceived social support has served as a protective factor for psychological adjustment to cancer. This study aimed to determine the influence of different coping responses and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) domains on perceived social support during cancer treatment.Method:A cross-sectional analysis was carried out in a sample of 757 cancer outpatients. The Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey (MOS–SSS) was employed to assess perceived social support. The Mental Adjustment to Cancer (MAC) Scale measured coping response, and HRQoL was tested with the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form–36 (SF–36). Multivariate analyses were carried out to examine the extent to which coping and HRQoL were associated with perceived social support.Results:Coping response explained only 2% of the variance in perceived social support, but Hopelessness had a significant influence on perceived social support (p ≤ 0.01). HRQoL, physical, and mental domains made a significant contribution toward perceived social support, accounting for around 10% of total variance. More than coping response, HRQoL's physical and mental domains had an important influence on perceived social support during cancer treatment.Significance of Results:The findings of the current study report the importance of HRQoL domains in predicting perceived social support during cancer treatment, emphasizing the holistic and multidisciplinary approach to facilitate adjustment to cancer.
Unique behaviour of dinitrogen-bridged dimolybdenum complexes bearing pincer ligand towards catalytic formation of ammonia
Authors: Tanaka Hiromasa , Arashiba Kazuya , Kuriyama Shogo , Sasada Akira , Nakajima Kazunari , Yoshizawa Kazunari , Nishibayashi Yoshiaki 
Published: April 2014

AbstractIt is vital to design effective nitrogen fixation systems that operate under mild conditions, and to this end we recently reported an example of the catalytic formation of ammonia using a dinitrogen-bridged dimolybdenum complex bearing a pincer ligand, where up to twenty three equivalents of ammonia were produced based on the catalyst. Here we study the origin of the catalytic behaviour of the dinitrogen-bridged dimolybdenum complex bearing the pincer ligand with density functional theory calculations, based on stoichiometric and catalytic formation of ammonia from molecular dinitrogen under ambient conditions. Comparison of di- and mono-molybdenum systems shows that the dinitrogen-bridged dimolybdenum core structure plays a critical role in the protonation of the coordinated molecular dinitrogen in the catalytic cycle.
Fibrinogen plasma concentration is an independent marker of haemodynamic impairment in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Hennigs Jan K. , Baumann Hans Jörg , Lüneburg Nicole , Quast Gesine , Harbaum Lars , Heyckendorf Jan , Sydow Karsten , Schulte-Hubbert Bernhard , Halank Michael , Klose Hans 
Published: April 2014

AbstractFibrinogen has a crucial role in both inflammation and coagulation, two processes pivotal for the pathogenesis of pulmonary hypertension. We therefore aimed to investigate whether fibrinogen plasma concentrations a) are elevated in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) and b) may serve as a novel biomarker for haemodynamic impairment. In a dual-centre, retrospective analysis including 112 patients with PAH (n = 52), CTEPH (n = 49) and a control cohort of patients with suspected PAH ruled out by right heart catheterisation (n = 11), we found fibrinogen plasma concentrations to be increased in patients with PAH (4.1 ± 1.4 g/l) and CTEPH (4.3 ± 1.2 g/l) compared to control patients (3.4 ± 0.5 g/l, p = 0.0035 and p = 0.0004, respectively). In CTEPH patients but not in PAH patients fibrinogen was associated with haemodynamics (p < 0.036) and functional parameters (p < 0.041). Furthermore, fibrinogen was linked to disease severity (WHO functional class, p = 0.017) and independently predicted haemodynamic impairment specifically in CTEPH (p < 0.016). Therefore, fibrinogen seems to represent an important factor in CTEPH pathophysiology and may have the potential to guide clinical diagnosis and therapy.
Trapping photons on the line: controllable dynamics of a quantum walk
Authors: Xue Peng , Qin Hao , Tang Bao 
Published: April 2014

AbstractOptical interferometers comprising birefringent-crystal beam displacers, wave plates and phase shifters serve as stable devices for simulating quantum information processes such as heralded coined quantum walks. Quantum walks are important for quantum algorithms, universal quantum computing circuits, quantum transport in complex systems and demonstrating intriguing nonlinear dynamical quantum phenomena. We introduce fully controllable polarization-independent phase shifters in optical pathes in order to realize site-dependent phase defects. The effectiveness of our interferometer is demonstrated through realizing single-photon quantum-walk dynamics in one dimension. By applying site-dependent phase defects, the translational symmetry of an ideal standard quantum walk is broken resulting in localization effect in a quantum walk architecture. The walk is realized for different site-dependent phase defects and coin settings, indicating the strength of localization signature depends on the level of phase due to site-dependent phase defects and coin settings and opening the way for the implementation of a quantum-walk-based algorithm.
Incorporating the Spine Instability Neoplastic Score into a Treatment Strategy for Spinal Metastasis: LMNOP
Authors: Ivanishvili Zurab , Fourney Daryl R. 
Published: April 2014

Study Design Review. Objective To describe a decision framework that incorporates key factors to be considered for optimal treatment of spinal metastasis and highlight how this system incorporates the Spinal Instability Neoplastic Score (SINS). Methods We describe how treatment options for spinal metastasis have broadened in recent years with advancements in stereotactic radiosurgery, vertebral augmentation, and other minimally invasive techniques. We discuss classification-based approaches to the treatment of spinal metastasis versus principles-based approaches and argue that the latter may be more appropriate for optimal patient informed consent. Case examples are provided. Results Scoring systems at best produce an estimate of life expectancy but fall short in incorporating all of the relevant factors that determine which treatment(s) may be indicated. We advocate a principle-based decision framework called LMNOP that considers: (L) location of disease with respect to the anterior and/or posterior columns of the spine and number of spinal levels involved (contiguous or non-contiguous); (M) mechanical instability as graded by SINS; (N) neurology (symptomatic epidural spinal cord compression); (O) oncology (histopathologic diagnosis), particularly with respect to radiosensitivity; and (P) patient fitness, patient wishes, prognosis (which is mostly dependent on tumor type), and response to prior therapy. Conclusions LMNOP is the first systematic approach to spinal metastasis that incorporates SINS. It is easy to remember, it addresses clinical factors not directly addressed by other systems, and it is adaptable to changes in technology.
Pleiotropic Effects of Interleukin‐6 in a “Two‐Hit” Murine Model of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Authors: Goldman Julia L. , Sammani Saad , Kempf Carrie , Saadat Laleh , Letsiou Eleftheria , Wang Ting , Moreno‐Vinasco Liliana , Rizzo Alicia N. , Fortman Jeffrey D. , Garcia Joe G. N. 
Published: April 2014

Patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) exhibit elevated levels of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), which correlate with increased morbidity and mortality. The exact role of IL‐6 in ARDS has proven difficult to study because it exhibits either pro‐ or anti‐inflammatory actions in mouse models of lung injury, depending on the model utilized. In order to improve understanding of the role of this complex cytokine in ARDS, we evaluated IL‐6 using the clinically relevant combination of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and ventilator‐induced lung injury (VILI) in IL‐6−/– mice. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BAL), whole‐lung tissue, and histology were evaluated for inflammatory markers of injury. Transendothelial electrical resistance was used to evaluate the action of IL‐6 on endothelial cells in vitro. In wild‐type mice, the combination model showed a significant increase in lung injury compared to either LPS or VILI alone. IL‐6−/– mice exhibited a statistically significant decrease in BAL cellular inflammation as well as lower histologic scores for lung injury, changes observed only in the combination model. A paradoxical increase in BAL total protein was observed in IL‐6−/– mice exposed to LPS, suggesting that IL‐6 provides protection from vascular leakage. However, in vitro data showed that IL‐6, when combined with its soluble receptor, actually caused a significant increase in endothelial cell permeability, suggesting that the protection seen in vivo was likely due to complex interactions of IL‐6 and other inflammatory mediators rather than to direct effects of IL‐6. These studies suggest that a dual‐injury model exhibits utility in evaluating the pleiotropic effects of IL‐6 in ARDS on inflammatory cells and lung endothelium.
Molecules: A Very Short Introduction
Authors: Ball Philip 
Published: April 2014

AbstractMolecules: A Very Short Introduction investigates the nature of molecules and how molecular structures and activities underlie the properties of materials and the processes of life. A living cell is like a city teeming with molecular inhabitants that move, communicate, cooperate, and compete. This VSI considers how a single fertilized egg can grow into a multi–celled Mozart, what makes spider's silk insoluble in the morning dew, and how our understanding and synthesis of molecules has led to exciting new areas of research into the development of molecular machines and powerful yet tiny molecular computers.
Analogues of Etomidate
Authors: Pejo Ervin , Santer Peter , Jeffrey Spencer , Gallin Hilary , Husain S. Shaukat , Raines Douglas E. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract

Background:

R-etomidate possesses unique desirable properties but potently suppresses adrenocortical function. Consequently, efforts are being made to define structure–activity relationships with the goal of designing analogues with reduced adrenocortical toxicity. The authors explored the pharmacological impact of modifying etomidate’s chiral center using R-etomidate, S-etomidate, and two achiral etomidate analogues (cyclopropyl etomidate and dihydrogen etomidate).

Methods:
The γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptor modulatory potencies of drugs were assessed in oocyte-expressed α1(L264T)β3γ2L and α1(L264T)β1γ2L γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptors (for each drug, n = 6 oocytes per subtype). In rats, hypnotic potencies and durations of action were measured using a righting reflex assay (n = 26 to 30 doses per drug), and adrenocortical potencies were quantified by using an adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation test (n = 20 experiments per drug).

Results:
All four drugs activated both γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptor subtypes in vitro and produced hypnosis and suppressed adrenocortical function in rats. However, drug potencies in each model ranged by 1 to 2 orders of magnitude. R-etomidate had the highest γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptor modulatory, hypnotic, and adrenocortical inhibitory potencies. Respectively, R-etomidate, S-etomidate, and cyclopropyl etomidate were 27.4-, 18.9-, and 23.5-fold more potent activators of receptors containing β3 subunits than β1 subunits; however, dihydrogen etomidate’s subunit selectivity was only 2.48-fold and similar to that of propofol (2.08-fold). S-etomidate was 1/23rd as potent an adrenocortical inhibitor as R-etomidate.

Conclusion:
The linkage between the structure of etomidate’s chiral center and its pharmacology suggests that altering etomidate’s chiral center may be used as part of a strategy to design analogues with more desirable adrenocortical activities and/or subunit selectivities.
Blocking the Mineralocorticoid Receptor Improves Effectiveness of Steroid Treatment for Low Back Pain in Rats
Authors: Ye Ling , Xie Wenrui , Strong Judith A. , Zhang Jun-Ming 
Published: April 2014

Abstract

Background:
Localized inflammation of lumbar dorsal root ganglia (DRG) may contribute to low back pain. Local injections of corticosteroids used for low back pain are sometimes ineffective. Many corticosteroids activate not only the target glucocorticoid receptor (GR) but also the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR), which may have proinflammatory effects countering the effects of GR activation.

Methods:
A low back pain model was implemented in rats (n = 6 to 10 per group) by locally inflaming the L5 DRG. Sensory neuron excitability and mechanical hypersensitivity of the hind paws were measured. Tested steroids were applied locally to the inflamed DRG or orally.

Results:
The selective MR blocker eplerenone reduced pain behaviors when given orally starting at the time of surgery, or starting 7 days later. The highly GR-selective agonist fluticasone, applied locally to the inflamed DRG, was much more effective in reducing mechanical hypersensitivity. The MR/GR agonist 6-α methylprednisolone, commonly injected for low back pain, reduced mechanical hypersensitivity when applied locally to the DRG but was less effective than fluticasone. Its effectiveness was improved by combining it with local eplerenone. All tested steroids reduced hyperexcitability of myelinated sensory neurons (n = 71 to 220 cells per group) after inflammation, particularly abnormal spontaneous activity.

Conclusions:
This preclinical study indicates the MR may play an important role in low back pain involving inflammation. Some MR effects may occur at the level of the sensory neuron. It may be useful to consider the action of clinically used steroids at the MR as well as at the GR.
Shocks and credit choice in Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Castellani Davide 
Published: April 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to examine how shocks suffered by rural households in Ethiopia influence their decision to borrow and the source of credit.

Design/methodology/approach
– First, suppose a household faces a set of four borrowing alternatives: only formal borrowing, only informal borrowing, both formal and informal borrowing, and non-borrowing. Second, the paper assumes that the random component is independently and identically distributed in accordance with the extreme value distribution. These assumptions lead to the multinomial logit model. The paper estimates the model using data from a survey of 350 rural households in Southern Ethiopia.

Findings
– The paper finds that shocks are important factors in explaining both the decision to borrow and the source of credit. In particular, negative shocks that affect household's assets, such as the seizing of farmland and theft, or human capital, such as the death of the family head, reduce the probability of borrowing from formal lenders or from both formal and informal lenders at the same time. The study supports only to some extent the assumption that informal credit contributes to smooth consumption. Last, networking effect is very significant and demonstrates how the two markets interact.

Research limitations/implications
– A model that would consider dynamic consumption patterns would have been more appropriate. In fact, one of the limitations of the study is the reliance on a cross-section analysis and the data is limited to just one village. Further research would extend the data set geographically and across time.

Practical implications
– The formal lenders are not willing to provide contingent loans, maybe because of a limited ability to assess and diversify risk. Besides, the available formal credit products are not proper to finance long term risk management strategies but pesticides, fertilizers and improved seeds that are entirely used in every agricultural cycle. In this regard, proper risk transfer strategies and instruments, as well as better tailored loan products, are needed in order to increase outreach into the rural areas.

Originality/value
– To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first paper that investigates how shocks influence the decision to borrow and the source of credit in Ethiopia.
Farm capital structure choice: theory and an empirical test
Authors: Wu Feng , Guan Zhengfei , Myers Robert 
Published: April 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to provide a unified theoretical framework that explains farm capital structure choice.

Design/methodology/approach
– The framework accommodates different credit access scenarios and heterogeneous risk profiles of borrowers. It recognizes that the costs of capital are endogenously determined, reflecting the degree of credit risk and accessibility to credit markets. Based on the proposed model and the comparative statics derived thereof, the paper empirically tests the impacts of different factors on capital structure choice.

Findings
– Based on the theoretical framework, the paper derived the impacts of different factors on capital structure choice using comparative statics. Results suggest that the potential determinants of capital structure have varying effects at different ranges of leverage. Empirical evidence supports the theoretical model.

Originality/value
– Despite all of previous work on various aspects of farm capital structure choice, a framework that encompasses each of the different assumptions and scenarios is still lacking. The theoretical model integrates credit risk models and accommodates endogenous cost of capital, providing a comprehensive framework for studying farm capital structure choice and its determinants. The results provide insights that could help policy makers and lenders develop effective instruments to manage, monitor, and influence the financial leverage of farms at different quantiles of debt ratio.
Farm-level evidence on risk balancing behavior in the EU-15
Authors: de Mey Yann , van Winsen Frankwin , Wauters Erwin , Vancauteren Mark , Lauwers Ludwig , Van Passel Steven 
Published: April 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to present empirical evidence of risk balancing behavior by European farmers. More specifically, the authors investigate strategic adjustments in the level of financial risk (FR) in response to changes in the level of business risk (BR).

Design/methodology/approach
– The authors conducted a correlation relationship analysis and run several linear fixed effects regression models using the European Union (EU)-15 FADN panel data set for the period 1995-2008.

Findings
– Overall, the paper finds EU evidence of risk balancing. The correlation relationship analysis suggests that just over half of the farm observations are risk balancers whereas the other (smaller) half are not. The coefficient in our fixed effects regression suggests that a 1 percent increase in BR reduces FR by 0.043 percent and has a standard error so low that the existence of non-risk balancers is doubtful. The results reject evidence of strong-form risk balancing – inverse trade-offs between FR and BR keeping total risk (TR) constant – but cannot reject weak-form risk balancing – inverse trade-offs between FR and BR with some observed changes in TR. Furthermore, the extent of risk balancing behavior is found to differ between different European countries and across farm typologies.

Practical implications
– This study provides European policy makers a first insight into risk balancing behavior of EU farmers. When risk balancing occurs, BR-reducing agricultural policies induce strategic upwards leverage adjustments that unintentionally reestablish or even increase total farm-level risk.

Originality/value
– Making use of the large and unique FADN database, to the best of the authors knowledge, this study is the first that provides European (EU-15) evidence on risk balancing behavior, is conducted at an unprecedented large scale, and presents the first risk balancing evidence across countries and farming systems.
Measuring the efficiency of the Farm Credit System
Authors: Dang Trang , Leatham David , A. McCarl Bruce , Wu Ximing 
Published: April 2014

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to develop information on the relative efficiency of Farm Credit System (FCS) lenders. Also the evolution of relative efficiency is examined as influenced by the biofuel boom, the financial crisis, and farm income increases. The paper aims to discuss these issues.Design/methodology/approach– A stochastic frontier production function is used to estimate technical efficiency of FCS banks and associations.Findings– A significant difference is found in efficiency between large and small associations and banks. Larger asset bases and management compensation are found to be positively associated with efficiency. Banks are found to have higher technical efficiency than associations (66-46 percent). Association efficiency is found to be increasing indicating likely effects of recent consolidation. The financial crisis was not found to have a significant effect with the bioenergy and farm income booms being likely countervailing forces.Research limitations/implications– Further work is needed on the impact of the biofuel boom, increases in farm income, and new regulations.Practical implications– The study provides information and indications of strategies for FCS management including additional consolidation.Originality/value– This does an updated assessment of FCS efficiency taking into account changes in consolidation, lending practices, and economic conditions. Implications are developed for management actions such as more consolidation. The study also uses a more advanced methodology compared to older studies.