bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Three‐dimensional reconstruction of ductal carcinoma in situ with virtual slides
Authors: Booth Mary E , Treanor Darren , Roberts Nicholas , Magee Derek R , Speirs Valerie , Hanby Andrew M 
Published: September 2014

AimsThis study aimed to assess the feasibility of using virtual slides to create 3D histopathological reconstructions to aid in the study of the biology of DCIS.MethodsFour μm thick serial sections of formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissue from three cases were cut and mounted onto glass slides, stained with haematoxylin and eosin, then scanned. The three image stacks comprised 30, 115 and 100 scanned sections creating a similar number of virtual slides. The virtual slides were registered using custom 3D software to create 3D tissue volumes. The volumes were annotated to highlight distinct features and 3D visualisations (segmentations) were created to study these features in 3D.ResultsThe most time‐intensive step was the manual annotation of virtual slides 3D histopathological reconstructions were created of (i) DCIS surrounded by adjacent invasion; (ii) pure DCIS and (iii) a ‘normal’ lobule.Conclusion3D in silico reconstructions of DCIS were created and more extensive studies can now be done within a realistic timescale. We have identified structural similarities between a benign lobule and DCIS which support the view that much DCIS, apparently in a ‘duct’ is contained within and expanded lobule. This method has the potential to provide insights into the biology of DCIS.
Association of the tumor necrosis factor ‐308 A/G promoter polymorphism with Tourette syndrome
Authors: Keszler G. , Kruk E. , Kenezloi E. , Tarnok Z. , Sasvari‐Szekely M. , Nemoda Z. 
Published: September 2014

SummarySeveral lines of evidence suggest that certain subtypes of obsessive‐compulsive and tic disorders might be paediatric manifestations of post‐streptococcal autoimmunity caused by cross‐reactive autoantibodies. As tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is known to play a seminal role in coordinating the humoral immune response, TNF gene polymorphisms have been proposed as genetic risk factors both in obsessive‐compulsive disorder (OCD) and Tourette syndrome (TS). The aim of this study was to investigate two TNF promoter polymorphisms (‐238 A/G: rs361525 and ‐308 A/G: rs1800629) on the genetic susceptibility to OCD and TS in a child psychiatric sample (102 patients with OCD and 117 patients with TS). In the case–control set‐up, the genotype and allele frequencies were compared to a control group from the general population (n = 405). As a control child psychiatric sample, 194 children with attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder were also genotyped. Our results revealed that the TNF ‐308 G‐allele was more frequent in children with TS compared to controls (90.2% vs 84.8%, P = 0.037). For confirmation of this genetic association, a family‐based analysis, the transmission disequilibrium test was used, which showed preferential transmission of the G‐allele to patients with TS (nominal P‐value 0.011). Moreover, this allele was also transmitted more frequently to children with tic symptoms (nominal P‐value 0.039). No association was found between OCD or obsessive‐compulsive symptoms and the studied TNF polymorphisms. Based on these findings, the TNF ‐308 G‐allele can be associated with Tourette syndrome, highlighting the potential pathophysiological role of TNF dysregulation.
Let States Nominate Immigrants? Reconsidering US Immigrant Entry Policymaking
Authors: Thangasamy Andrew 
Published: September 2014

AbstractThe American model of immigration policy making with sole central government authority over the entry of immigrants without direct subnational input has not served subnational US interests well. In particular such a model has been inefficient in meeting labour and population needs in the US states. This article considers the problem of sole central government immigrant entry policy making in the US and examines alternative models from Canada and Australia for adoption in the US context.
The Political Economy of Policy Volatility in Latin America
Authors: Doyle David 
Published: September 2014

AbstractWhy are some Latin American states plagued by persistent policy volatility while the policies of others remain relatively stable? This article explores the political economy of natural resource rents and policy volatility across Latin America. It argues that, all else equal, resource rents will create incentives for political leaders, which will result in repeated episodes of policy volatility. This effect, however, will depend on the structure of political institutions. Where political institutions fail to provide a forum for intertemporal exchange among political actors, natural resource rents will result in increased levels of policy volatility. Alternatively, where political institutions facilitate agreement among actors, resource rents will be conducive to policy stability. This argument is tested on a measure of policy volatility for 18 Latin American economies between 1993 and 2008. The statistical tests provide support for the argument.
Influence of Ca/Al Ratio on Properties of Amorphous/Nanocrystalline Cu–Al–Ca–O Thin Films
Authors: Huang Bo‐Wei , Wen Cheng‐Yen , Lin Guan‐Wei , Chen Po‐Yuan , Jiang Yu‐Hao , Kao Peng‐Kai , Chi Chu‐Te , Chang Hung , Cheng I‐Chun , Chen Jian‐Zhang 
Published: September 2014

This article reports the characterization of thin films sputtered from CuAl1−xCaxO targets (x = 0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.15, and 0.2) at room temperature. All films exhibit amorphous/nanocrystalline structures. Their transparency increases slightly with the addition of Ca. Furthermore, the resistivity decreases as the Ca/Al atomic ratio increases. Transmission electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy mapping indicates that the composition is uniform throughout the films deposited from the highest Ca doping concentration target. Some nanocrystals are present at the top surface of the CuAl0.8Ca0.2O thin film as well as the interface region between the CuAl0.8Ca0.2O thin film and the glass substrate, whereas the interior of the film is pretty amorphous with some embedded nanocrystals. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy shows that the Cu2+/Cu+ atomic ratio increases with the Ca/Al atomic ratio, indicating the enhancement of p‐type conductivity from the nonisovalent Cu–O alloying.
In Situ Diffraction Study of the High‐Temperature Decomposition of t′‐Zirconia
Authors: Krogstad Jessica A. , Gao Yan , Bai Jianming , Wang Jun , Lipkin Don M. , Levi Carlos G. 
Published: September 2014

The mechanisms of phase destabilization upon aging of the metastable t′ phase of yttria‐stabilized zirconia (YSZ) are poorly understood, despite its broad application in thermal barrier coatings. To provide insight, synchrotron X‐ray diffraction (XRD) with a quadrupole lamp furnace is used to examine the temperature response, including thermal expansion and phase evolution, of a 9 mol% (8 wt%) YO1.5 t′‐8YSZ. The thermal expansion of equilibrated YSZ powders ranging from 0 to 18.4 mol% YO1.5 is also investigated to better understand the effect of composition on the thermal expansion anisotropy. The T0(c/t) temperature for t′‐8YSZ is estimated to be 1640°C. Full decomposition of the t′ phase into a coherent mixture of a Y‐lean tetragonal phase (t) and a Y‐rich cubic phase (c) that coarsen over time is observed at elevated temperatures; however, upon quenching, the t′ phase reappears in the diffraction profile. This supports our evolving understanding that the t′ phase observed by XRD in aged samples is a microstructural artifact due to the coherency strain between the t and c phases.
Building research initiative group: chronic illness management and adherence in transplantation (BRIGHT) study: study protocol
Authors: Berben Lut , Denhaerynck Kris , Dobbels Fabienne , Engberg Sandra , Vanhaecke Johan , Crespo‐Leiro Maria G. , Russell Cynthia L. , De Geest Sabina ,   the BRIGHT study consortium
Published: September 2014

AbstractAimThis article describes the rationale, design and methodology of the Building research initiative group: chronic illness management and adherence in transplantation (BRIGHT) study. This study of heart transplant patients will: (1) describe practice patterns relating to chronic illness management; (2) assess prevalence and variability of non‐adherence to the treatment regimen; (3) determine the multi‐level factors related to immunosuppressive medication non‐adherence.BackgroundThe unaltered long‐term prognosis after heart transplantation underscores an urgent need to identify and improve factors related to survival outcomes. The healthcare system (e.g. level of chronic illness management implemented) and patient self‐management are major drivers of outcome improvement.DesignThe study uses a survey design in 40 heart transplant centres covering 11 countries in four continents.MethodsTheoretical frameworks informed variable selection, which are measured by established and investigator‐developed instruments. Heart transplant recipients, outpatient clinicians and programme's directors complete a survey. A staged convenience sampling strategy is implemented in heart transplant centres, countries and continents. Depending on the centre's size, a random sample of 25–60 patients is selected (N estimated 1680 heart transplant recipients). Five randomly selected clinicians and the medical director from each centre will be invited to participate.ConclusionThis is the first multi‐centre, multi‐continental study examining healthcare system and heart transplant centres chronic illness management practice patterns and potential correlates of immunosuppressive medication non‐adherence. The knowledge gained will inform clinicians, researchers and healthcare policy makers at which level(s) interventions need to be implemented to improve long‐term outcomes for transplant recipients.
Shifting seas: the impacts of Pleistocene sea‐level fluctuations on the evolution of tropical marine taxa
Authors: Ludt William B. , Rocha Luiz A. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractAimPleistocene glacial cycles reduced global sea level by up to 130 m below present levels. These changes had profound impacts on coastal marine life, including a reduction of habitable area, changes in ocean currents, and shifts in water column thermal dynamics. We provide a comprehensive review of the impact of glacial sea‐level changes during the Pleistocene on tropical coastal marine life and a set of maps showing how coastlines worldwide changed during periods of low sea levels.LocationWe focused on coastal marine taxa within tropical latitudes, with deeper coverage of the world's major coral reef biogeographical provinces.MethodsWe examined recent and historical literature that alluded to the effects of Pleistocene sea‐level fluctuations in a variety of common marine clades. Data for shelf habitat area and map construction were obtained from the NOAA ETOPO1 database, with final manipulations carried out in Adobe Illustrator CS6.ResultsDrops in sea level led to a decrease in available coastal habitat and fragmented populations in many taxa, potentially resulting in high population genetic structuring. Habitable shelf area during sea‐level lows was reduced as much as 92% from present‐day values in some regions. Genetic evidence of population bottlenecks can be seen in many coastal marine taxa worldwide.Main conclusionsPleistocene sea‐level fluctuations seem to be linked to population bottlenecks worldwide, and influenced connections among populations separated by barriers that are affected by sea levels. Despite decreased habitat availability, very few species became extinct, and several species may have been formed due to restrictions in water (and consequently larval) flow between regions that are now connected. A variety of interdisciplinary studies have significantly increased our understanding of how Pleistocene sea‐level changes have shaped the marine landscape that we see today.
Explaining the Variation in Greenhouse Gas Emissions Between Households: Socioeconomic, Motivational, and Physical Factors
Authors: Nässén Jonas , Andersson David , Larsson Jörgen , Holmberg John 
Published: September 2014

SummaryConsumption‐accounted greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (GHGEs) vary considerably between households. Research originating from different traditions, including consumption research, urban planning, and environmental psychology, have studied different types of explanatory variables and provided different insights into this matter. This study integrates explanatory variables from different fields of research in the same empirical material, including socioeconomic variables (income, household size, sex, and age), motivational variables (proenvironmental attitudes and social norms), and physical variables (dwelling types and geographical distances). A survey was distributed to 2,500 Swedish households with a response rate of 40%. GHGEs were estimated for transport, residential energy, food, and other consumption, using data from both the survey and registers, such as odometer readings of cars and electricity consumption from utility providers. The results point toward the importance of explanatory variables that have to do with circumstances rather than motivations for proenvironmental behaviors. Net income was found to be the most important variable to explain GHGEs, followed by the physical variables, dwelling type, and the geographical distance index. The results also indicate that social norms around GHG‐intensive activities, for example, transport, may have a larger impact on a subject's emission level than proenvironmental attitudes.
Outcome after conservative management for mixed urinary incontinence
Authors: Wu Sandy Pei‐Ying , Lo Tsia‐Shu , Pue Leng Boi , Cortes Eileen Feliz M. , Lu Meng‐Hsuan , Al‐Kharabsheh Ahlam M. , Lin Yi‐Hao 
Published: September 2014

AbstractAimRecommended initial treatment for mixed urinary incontinence involves behavioral therapy, and drug and pelvic floor muscle exercises. Our objective is to evaluate the outcome of these conservative treatments in our patients with mixed urinary incontinence.MethodsA retrospective review was conducted in patients with mixed urinary incontinence who were offered sequential conservative treatment modalities comprised of medication and physiotherapy. Outcome was defined as a score of 1 or less for questions 2 and 3 on the six‐item Urodynamic Distress Inventory (UDI‐6) and seven‐item Incontinence Impact Questionnaire, in addition to clinical symptomatic improvement with no urgency, urge incontinence and voiding frequency of less than eight times per 24 h on a 3‐day bladder diary after treatment. Treatment outcome of patients opting for medication plus physiotherapy (M + P) were analyzed against patients preferring medication only (M).ResultsSixty‐two mixed urinary incontinent patients received an initial treatment with conservative measures with mean follow‐up of 14 months. A total of 61.2% (30/49) and 56.3% (9/13) subjects had improved symptoms in the M + P and M group, respectively. There was significant improvement in UDI‐6 total score in the M + P group after conservative treatment, despite no significant difference when compared to the M group. Only 6.45% required subsequent anti‐incontinence surgery after conservative treatment, amongst whom only half showed improvement after the surgery.ConclusionCombined treatment with medication and physiotherapy is highly recommended for patients with mixed urinary incontinence. Conservative measures should still precede any surgical intervention. Further studies are needed to evaluate the long‐term efficacy.
Pregnancy outcomes following different surgical approaches of myomectomy
Authors: Tian Yu‐cui , Long Teng‐fei , Dai Yin‐mei 
Published: September 2014

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to compare the feasibility, reliability, safety and pregnancy outcomes following transabdominal myomectomy (TAM) and laparoscopic myomectomy (LM) at Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital.Material and MethodsThe study included two parts: between January 2005 and December 2010, data on 157 patients were retrospectively collected; and between January 2011 and January 2013, 111 patients were prospectively collected. All of them had fertility requirements following myomectomy. Patients' demographics, leiomyomas' characteristics, perioperative data regarding surgical complications, relapses, subsequent pregnancy outcomes and obstetric characteristics were collected.ResultsThe patients' demographics and leiomyoma characteristics were comparable in the TAM and LM groups (P > 0.05). There was no significant difference in the average drop in hemoglobin between the two groups (P = 0.887), while the postoperative ileus duration, postoperative ambulation duration and dose of analgesia were significantly higher in the TAM group (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the overall relapse and subsequent cumulative pregnancy rates and obstetric complications between the two groups. The contraception interval after myomectomy was significantly longer (P = 0.038) after TAM, however the cesarean section rate only due to myomectomy history was higher (P = 0.034) after TAM than after LM. Four patients in the LM group were identified as having uterine scar defective repair on the site of the previous myomectomy scar during elective cesarean section, while this was not identified in any patient in the TAM group.ConclusionLM is a feasible treatment for women who have fertility requirements but suffer from leiomyoma. Although LM does not increase the rate of uterine rupture in the subsequent pregnancy, it is advisable for surgeons to limit the use of electrosurgery.
Improving the quality of rice straw by urea and calcium hydroxide on rumen ecology, microbial protein synthesis in beef cattle
Authors: Polyorach S. , Wanapat M. 
Published: September 2014

SummaryFour rumen‐fistulated beef cattle were randomly assigned to four treatments according to a 4 × 4 Latin square design to study the influence of urea and calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2] treatment of rice straw to improve the nutritive value of rice straw. Four dietary treatments were as follows: untreated rice straw, 50 g/kg urea‐treated rice straw, 20 g/kg urea + 20 g/kg calcium hydroxide‐treated rice straw and 30 g/kg urea + 20 g/kg calcium hydroxide‐treated rice straw. All animals were kept in individual pens and fed with concentrate at 0.5 g/kg of BW (DM), rice straw was fed ad libitum. The experiment was conducted for four periods, and each period lasted for 21 days. During the first 14 days, DM feed intake measurements were made while during the last 7 days, all cattle were moved to metabolism crates for total faeces and urine collections. The results revealed that 20 g/kg urea + 20 g/kg calcium hydroxide‐treated rice straw improved the nutritive value of rice straw, in terms of dry matter intake, digestibility, ruminal volatile fatty acids, population of bacteria and fungi, nitrogen retention and microbial protein synthesis. Based on this study, it could be concluded that using urea plus calcium hydroxide was one alternative method to improve the nutritive value of rice straw, rumen ecology and fermentation and thus a reduction of treatment cost.
Nerve-Sparing Approach Reduces Sexual Dysfunction in Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Radical Hysterectomy
Authors: Bogani Giorgio , Serati Maurizio , Nappi Rossella , Cromi Antonella , di Naro Edoardo , Ghezzi Fabio 
Published: September 2014

Abstract

Introduction
Although growing evidence suggests the beneficial effects of a nerve-sparing (NS) approach to surgery in cervical cancer patients, only limited data on NS laparoscopic radical hysterectomy (LRH) are available, and no studies have investigated the effects of NS-LRH on sexual function.

Aim
This study aims to determine whether the implementation of NS-LRH impacts on sexual function in cervical cancer patients.

Methods
Sexually active cervical cancer patients undergoing type C (class III) LRH between 2004 and 2013 were enrolled in this prospective study.

Main Outcome Measures
Preoperative and postoperative sexual function were assessed using a validated questionnaire, the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). The FSFI evaluates desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain.

Results
Forty patients undergoing radical hysterectomy (20 conventional LRH vs. 20 NS-LRH) represented the study group. Baseline characteristics were similar between groups (P &gt; 0.05). No differences in preoperative FSFI scores were recorded (P &gt; 0.05). We observed that both LRH and NS-LRH worsened postoperative FSFI scores (P &lt; 0.001). However, patients undergoing NS-LRH had higher postoperative FSFI scores than patients undergoing LRH (21.3 ± 9.4 vs. 14.2 ± 12.5; P = 0.04). Considering postoperative domain scores, we observed that desire, arousal, orgasm, and pain scores were similar between groups (P &gt; 0.05), while patients undergoing NS-LRH experienced higher lubrication (3.4 ± 2.3 vs. 1.7 ± 2.2; P = 0.02) and satisfaction (4.6 ± 3.9 vs. 2.8 ± 2.2; P = 0.004) scores in comparison with patients undergoing conventional LRH. No between-group differences in survival outcomes were found.

Conclusions
Both conventional LRH and NS-LRH impact negatively on patients' sexual function. However, the NS approach impairs sexual function less, minimizing the effects of radical surgery.
Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate vs adefovir dipivoxil in Chinese patients with chronic hepatitis B after 48 weeks: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Hou J. L. , Gao Z. L. , Xie Q. , Zhang J. M. , Sheng J. F. , Cheng J. , Chen C. W. , Mao Q. , Zhao W. , Ren H. , Tan D. M. , Niu J. Q. , Chen S. J. , Pan C. , Tang H. , Wang H. , Mao Y. M. , Jia J. D. , Ning Q. , Xu M. , Wu S. M. , Li J. , Zhang X. X. , Ji Y. , Dong J. , Li J. 
Published: September 2014

SummaryTenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) has demonstrated long‐term efficacy and a high barrier to resistance in multiple chronic hepatitis B (CHB) populations outside of China. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of TDF compared with adefovir dipivoxil (ADV) in Chinese patients with CHB during 48 weeks of treatment (ClinicalTrial.gov number, NCT01300234). A Phase 3, multicentred, randomized, double‐blind, controlled trial compared the efficacy and safety of TDF with ADV in Chinese patients with CHB. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients with HBV DNA <400 copies/mL in each treatment group at Week 48, using an unpooled Z‐test for superiority. Secondary endpoints included viral suppression, serologic response, histological improvement, normalization of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels and the emergence of resistance mutations. A total of 509 patients, 202 hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)‐positive and 307 HBeAg‐negative, with HBV DNA ≥105 copies/mL received either TDF 300 mg od or ADV 10 mg od. At Week 48, TDF demonstrated superior viral suppression compared with ADV in both HBeAg‐positive (76.7% vs 18.2%, P < 0.0001) and HBeAg‐negative (96.8% vs 71.2%, P < 0.0001) patients. The majority of patients in both treatment arms achieved ALT normalization (>85%). No resistance to TDF was observed. The frequency of adverse events was comparable between treatment arms (TDF 3.9% vs ADV 4.8%). In this double‐blind, randomized, clinical trial, TDF demonstrated superiority over ADV with respect to viral suppression in Chinese patients with CHB at 48 weeks of treatment and without the development of resistance.