bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Correlation of aspartate aminotransferase/platelet ratio index with hepatic venous pressure gradient in cirrhosis
Authors: Verma Vipin , Sarin Shiv Kumar , Sharma Praveen , Kumar Ashish 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundHepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) is a prognostic marker in cirrhosis, but is invasive. There is a need to validate a noninvasive marker to measure portal hypertension. Aspartate aminotransferase/platelet ratio index (APRI) is proposed as a good noninvasive estimator of hepatic fibrosis. Whether APRI could be used as noninvasive tool to measure portal hypertension has not been studied.AimTo correlate APRI with HVPG in patients with cirrhosis and to determine the diagnostic usefulness of the APRI in detection of high portal pressure.MethodsAPRI and HVPG were measured in consecutive patients of cirrhosis aged 18–75 years, with serum bilirubin <5 mg/dl, Child–Turcotte–Pugh (CTP) score ≤12, and without evidence of acute‐on‐chronic liver failure or flare.ResultsThis study included 74 patients (median age 47 years, range 20–70 years; 57 males, (77%). The aetiology of cirrhosis was: viral 33 (45%), alcohol 10 (14%), and cryptogenic and others 31 (42%). The median HVPG was 16 mmHg (range 2–28 mmHg). The median APRI was 1.19 (range 0.17–7.92). There was significant correlation between HVPG and APRI (Spearman's rho 0.365; p  = 0.001). The ROC curve to study the performance of APRI for predicting high portal pressure (HVPG >12 mmHg) had area under curve 0.716 (95% CI 0.574–0.858). An APRI of ≥1.09 had a sensitivity 66%, specificity 73%, positive predictive value 85%, negative predictive value 47%, and diagnostic accuracy 68% for predicting HVPG >12 mmHg.ConclusionsAPRI correlates fairly with HVPG in patients of cirrhosis. An APRI score of ≥1.09 seems to have an acceptable accuracy for prediction of high portal pressure. APRI is a fair, bedside, cost‐effective parameter for diagnosis of high portal pressure in patients with cirrhosis.
Variable induction of PRDM1 and differentiation in chronic lymphocytic leukemia is associated with anergy
Authors: Duckworth Andrew , Glenn Mark , Slupsky Joseph R. , Packham Graham , Kalakonda Nagesh 
Published: March 2014

Key PointsDifferentiation of CLL cells in response to IL-21 and cytosine guanine dinucleotide-enriched oligo-deoxynucleotides (CpG-ODN) is variable and linked to PRDM1 induction. The failure of CLL cells to express or induce PRDM1 correlates with anergy.
Development and characterization of a physiologically relevant model of lymphocyte migration in chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Walsby Elisabeth , Buggins Andrea , Devereux Stephen , Jones Ceri , Pratt Guy , Brennan Paul , Fegan Chris , Pepper Chris 
Published: March 2014

Key PointsWe have developed a novel in vitro system to model how shear force and transient interaction with endothelial cells alter chronic lymphocytic leukemia cell phenotype and behavior. We have used our model to investigate chronic lymphocytic leukemia cell migration and have determined the critical role for integrin α4β1 in this process.
Assessment of total hepatitis C virus (HCV) core protein in HCV-related mixed cryoglobulinemia
Authors: Russi Sabino , Sansonno Domenico , Mariggiò Maria Addolorata , Vinella Angela , Pavone Fabio , Lauletta Gianfranco , Sansonno Silvia , Dammacco Franco 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
Introduction
In hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related mixed cryoglobulinemia (MCG), the nonenveloped HCV core protein (HCV-Cp) is a constituent of the characteristic cold-precipitating immune complexes (ICs). A possible correlation between HCV-Cp, virologic, laboratory, and clinical parameters in both untreated MCG patients and those undergoing specific treatment was explored.

Methods
HCV-Cp was quantified by a fully automated immune assay. Correlations between HCV-Cp and HCV RNA, cryocrit, and virus genotype (gt) were investigated in 102 chronically HCV-infected MCG patients.

Results
HCV-Cp concentrations strongly correlated with HCV RNA levels in baseline samples. An average ratio of 1,425 IU and 12,850 IU HCV RNA per picogram HCV-Cp was estimated in HCV gt-1 and gt-2 patients, respectively. This equation allowed us to estimate that, on average, HCV-Cp was associated with the viral genome in only 3.4% of the former and in 35% of the latter group of patients. The direct relation between HCV-Cp and the cryocrit level suggests that the protein directly influences the amount of cryoprecipitate. Although the therapy with rituximab (RTX) as a single agent resulted in the enhancement of HCV-Cp levels, in patients treated with RTX in combination with a specific antiviral therapy (pegylated interferon-α plus ribavirin), the prompt and effective clearance of HCV-Cp was documented.

Conclusions
Our data provide evidence that HCV-Cp has a direct effect on the cold-precipitation process in a virus genotype-dependence in HCV-related MCG patients.
Theoretical Investigation on the Optical Properties of Diphosphine-protected Au8 Cluster Complexes
Authors: Hayashi Sachio , Tada Kohei , Sakata Kohei , Koga Hiroaki , Yamanaka Shusuke , Kawakami Takashi , Kitagawa Yasutaka , Okumura Mitsutaka 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
Herein, we have theoretically investigated the optical properties of the two Au8 complexes with different shapes of the Au8 cluster core. From the results of TD-DFT and DFT calculations, it was found that the shape of the Au8 clusters in the two Au8 complexes greatly influenced their optical properties, such as absorption and photoluminescence spectra. In particular, the intensities of their photoluminescence spectra are greatly decreased with an increase of the Au–Au bond length variation of the Au core cluster in the S1 states of the Au8 complexes.
Non Linear Analysis of S&P Index
Authors: Hanias Mike 
Published: March 2014

This paper applies non-linear methods to analyze and predict the daily open S&P index which is one of the most important stock index in the world. The aim of the analysis is to quantitatively show if the corresponding time series is a deterministic chaotic one and if one or more days ahead prediction can be achieved. These results make the present work a valuable tool for traders investors and funds.
Turismo y Desarrollo Económico en el Caribe: el auge de las “Industrias del Pecado”
Authors: Pantojas García Emilio 
Published: March 2014

En las últimas tres décadas las pequeñas econmías del Caribe han sido transformadas de exportadoras de productos primarios, a plataformas de exportación para manufacturas livianas (maquiladoras), a plataformas de servicios internacionales. Durante la primera década del siglo veintiuno los ejes dinámicos de la economía son el turismo y los centros financieros internacionales (offshore). Ligado a estos sectores han surgido un conjunto de actividades denominadas como “industrias del pecado”. Estas son actividades económicas de legalidad ambigua, asociadas a actividades informales o subterraneas y vistas por la sociedad como improductivas. Las “industrias del pecado” surgen como un intento de “captar divisas” y valor en un sector económico con bajo valor añadido. La alta proporción de insumos importados—desde la comida hasta el combustible, los paquetes turísticos “todo incluído” y cruceros limitan ingresos a la población en el sector turístico y de servicios internacionales. Se estudian los casos de tres de estas actividades, el turismo sexual, los juegos de azar y el “lavado de dinero,” y se examina su impacto económico y social para el desarrollo socioeconómico del Caribe.
Idempotent tropical matrices and finite metric spaces
Authors: Kambites M. , Johnson M. 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
There is a well-known correspondence between the triangle inequality for a distance function on a finite set, and idempotency of an associated matrix over the tropical semiring. Recent research has shed new light on the structure (algebraic, combinatorial and geometric) of tropical idempotents, and in this paper we explore the consequences of this for the metric geometry of tropical polytopes. We prove, for example, that every n-point metric space is realised by the Hilbert projective metric on the tropical vertices of a pure n-dimensional, tropical and convex polytope in tropical n-space. More generally, every n-point asymmetric distance function is realised by a residuation operator on the vertices of such a polytope. In the symmetric case, we show that the maximal group of tropical matrices containing the idempotent associated to a metric space is isomorphic to G × ℝ, where G is the isometry group of the space. From this we deduce that every group of the form G×ℝ with Gfinite arises as amaximal subgroup of a sufficiently large finitary full tropical matrix semigroup. In the process we also prove some new results about tropical idempotent matrices, and note some semigroup-theoretic consequences which may be of independent interest.
Geometric structures over non-reductive homogeneous 4-spaces
Authors: Calvaruso G. , Zaeim A. 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
We investigate the geometric properties of four-dimensional non-reductive pseudo- Riemannian manifolds admitting an invariant metric of signature (2; 2). In particular, we obtain the classification of Walker structures, self-dual and anti-self-dual metrics and para-Hermitian structures for all the invariant metrics of these manifolds. For the examples admitting an invariant parallel null plane distribution, we shall also obtain an explicit description of the invariant metrics in canonical Walker coordinates.
Preparation and properties of multilayered polymer/nanodiamond composites via an in situ technique
Authors: Ashraf Rozina , Kausar Ayesha , Siddiq Muhammad 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
Compared to conventional materials, nanocomposites of conjugated polymers are found to have excellent performance due to a larger exposed surface area. In this study, polyaniline (PANi), polypyrrole (PPy), polythiophene (PTh) and polyazopyridine (PAP)/nanodiamonds (NDs) composites were efficiently synthesized by in situ oxidative polymerization. Physical characteristics of fabricated nanocomposites were explored using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). FTIR indicated layer-by-layer oxidative polymerization of various matrices on functional ND (F-ND) surfaces. FESEM revealed the fibrillar (web-like) morphology of multilayered nanocomposites having a granular arrangement of NDs. TGA of multilayered F-NDs/PAP/PANi/PTh showed 10% degradation at an enhanced temperature of 482°C compared with F-NDs/PANi/PPy/PTh (471°C). Improvement in glass transition of layered material was observed from 99°C (NDs/PANi/PPy/PTh) to 121°C (NDs/PAP/PANi/PTh). Functional filler also contributed towards the enhancement in the conductivity of NDs/PAP/PANi/PTh (5.7 S cm-1) relative to NDs/PANi/PPy/PTh (3.7 S cm-1) systems. New conducting composites are potentially important in various applications, including polymer lithium-ion batteries.
A Novel HSF4 Gene Mutation Causes Autosomal-Dominant Cataracts in a Chinese Family
Authors: Lv Huibin , Huang Chen , Zhang Jing , Liu Ziyuan , Zhang Zhike , Xu Haining , You Yuchen , Hu Jinping , Li Xuemin , Wang Wei 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
Congenital cataracts are a significant cause of visual impairment or blindness in children. One-third of cases estimated to have a genetic cause. We carried out gene analysis and bioinformatics analysis to map the locus and to identify the underlying genetic defect in a 12-member, four-generation Chinese family affected with bilateral congenital cataracts. We screened individuals of the family and discovered a distinct missense mutation in HSF4 (a gene at this locus that encodes teat-shock transcription factor 4). Bioinformatics analysis was used to determine possible changes in the protein structure that could affect the phenotype. Sequencing of the candidate genes showed a heterozygous c.69 G→T change in the heat shock transcription factor 4 (HSF4) gene, which resulted in the substitution of a lysine with an asparagine (p. K23N). This mutation cosegregated with all affected individuals and was not observed in unaffected family members. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that the p. K23N mutation was predicted to be disease causing. This is the first report of the novel missense mutation, c.69 G→T (p. K23N), in exon 3 of the HSF4 locus on 16q21-q22 associated with bilateral congenital cataracts in a Chinese family. This novel mutation could enable propergenetic diagnostics and counseling in affected families and could lead to a better understanding of the structure and function of HSF4 in health and disease.
Genetic Linkage Mapping and Transmission Ratio Distortion in a Three-Generation Four-Founder Population ofPanicum virgatum(L.)
Authors: Li Guifen , Serba Desalegn D , Saha Malay C , Bouton Joseph H , Lanzatella Christina L , Tobias Christian M 
Published: March 2014

AbstractSwitchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.), a warm season, C4, perennial grass, is one of the predominant grass species of the North American tall grass prairies. It is viewed as a high-potential bioenergy feedstock species because it can produce large amounts of lignocellulosic material with relatively few inputs. The objectives of this project were to develop an advanced switchgrass population and use it for the construction of genetic linkage maps and trait characterization. A three-generation, four-founder population was created and a total of 182 progeny of this advanced population were genotyped, including a mixture of self-pollinated and hybrid individuals. The female map integrated both subpopulations and covered 1629 cM of the switchgrass genome, with an average map length of 91 cM per linkage group. The male map of the hybrid progeny covered 1462 cM, with an average map length of 81 cM per linkage group. Average marker density of the female and male maps was 3.9 and 3.5 cM per marker interval, respectively. Based on the parental maps, the genome length of switchgrass was estimated to be 1776 cM and 1596 cM for the female map and male map, respectively. The proportion of the genome within 5 cM of a mapped locus was estimated to be 92% and 93% for the female map and male map, respectively. Thus, the linkage maps have covered most of the switchgrass genome. The assessment of marker transmission ratio distortion found that 26% of the genotyped markers were distorted from either 1:1 or 3:1 ratios expected for segregation of single dose markers in one or both parents, respectively. Several regions affected by transmission ratio distortion were found, with linkage groups Ib-m and VIIIa-f most affected.
Prevention of Neonatal Hypothermia: A Skin-to-Skin Practices Education Project in Rural Uganda
Authors: Whitworth Elizabeth , Anderson Barbara A. , Buffington Sandra T. , Braun Jennifer 
Published: March 2014

PURPOSE: In low resource areas, neonatal hypothermia is an important source of neonatal morbidity. Separating newborns from their mothers at birth puts neonates at risk for hypothermia. The Teso Safe Motherhood Project (TSMP) in Soroti, Uganda provides birth center care for women in conflict areas of Northern Uganda. After conducting a needs assessment at TSMP, a continuing education project was developed to facilitate change in clinical practice to enhance prevention and recognition of neonatal hypothermia, including implementation of skin-to-skin practices at birth.STUDY DESIGN: This education project employed multiple learning strategies including pretest and posttest questionnaires, group discussion of cultural beliefs and practices, didactic education, participation in creative informational art, and demonstration, supervision, and return demonstration of skills.MAJOR FINDINGS: At the completion of the program, 100% of participants demonstrated a statistically significant increase in both knowledge and skills in the prevention and management of neonatal hypothermia (p = .011).MAIN CONCLUSION: The participants reported that this continuing education project enhanced their skills in neonatal hypothermia prevention and management. The cost-effective strategies employed in this project can be replicated in low resource settings, contributing to decreased mortality and morbidity from newborn hypothermia.
The Context and Consequences of Professional Indemnification of Home Birth Midwifery in Ireland
Authors: OBoyle Colm 
Published: March 2014

PURPOSE: The indemnification of home birth midwifery practice is a concern internationally. This article reports on recent changes in the indemnification of home birth in Ireland. A background history of maternity services in Ireland is given. Home birth midwives’ own perspective on the withdrawal of trade union indemnification and the instigation of a means of state indemnification are offered. The notion and expectation of professional clinical indemnification is discussed using Eliot Freidson’s theoretical framework on professionalism.STUDY DESIGN: Indemnification is just one concern identified in an ethnography of independent midwifery in Ireland carried out between 2006 and 2009. Participant observation and interview supply data from the midwives themselves in that period. Documentary sources including health service reports and changes in Irish statute also form part of the ethnography and this article. Subsequent developments in what has been called a “national home birth service” are reported.MAJOR FINDINGS: Home birth midwives report that professional clinical indemnification is impossible to access on the open market. They are unwilling to practice without it, not least because legislation in the European Union and Ireland, requires that midwifery attendance at birth is “adequately insured.” The midwives feel that indemnification neither improves their practice nor guarantees good practice. They feel caught in a dilemma that they are now effectively criminalized if they attend any woman outside the narrow suitability criteria set by the Irish Health Service Executive (HSE).CONCLUSION: State indemnification of home birth midwifery practice now in place in Ireland is very positive. The nominally “national” home births service, however, is entirely dependent on a small number of self-employed community midwives. The service is therefore not available to all of those considered eligible. The home birth midwives report frustration at the exclusionary effect of tying their indemnification to narrow suitability criteria. Freidson’s conception of professionalism demonstrates how it is contingent on government and market forces. Midwives’ professional concern to be “with woman” is shown here also to be vulnerable to these competing external factors.
Ethical Code and Professional Identity: A Survey on Italian Midwives
Authors: Vincifori Elena , Min Monica Molinar 
Published: March 2014

OBJECTIVE: The purpose is to describe the professional identity of Italian midwives as depicted by the Italian Midwives Ethical Code and expressed in everyday work.DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. The parameters explored to describe the key aspects of midwives’ professional identity are culture, competence, membership, and acknowledgment. The survey is carried out through a nonvalidated questionnaire. The instrument was delivered to 235 midwives of the districts of Como, Lecco, and Sondrio (Lombardia, Italy) working in hospitals, or in communities or as independent midwives.MAJOR FINDINGS: The response rate is 79.1%. Regarding “culture,” it has been found that the survey participants consider midwives’ autonomy to be relevant (50.0%). As to “competence,” they emphasized collaboration among professionals (60.8%). Concerning “membership,” the participants highlighted the role of midwives professional colleges (58.1%). As to “acknowledgment,” midwives expressed a high level of respect and cooperation among professionals (76.9%), but they consider midwifery to be a semiprofession (58.1%). Cross-tabulated analysis suggests that midwives, particularly those who achieved a diploma under the old academic regulations (p < .05) and those who work outside a hospital environment (p < .05), do not consider autonomy to be enough to establish midwifery as a fully fledged profession.MAIN CONCLUSION: The most widespread profile emerging from the survey results seems to be the so-called “hybrid midwife,” who experiences the contradiction between what can actually be achieved in a hospital environment and the core values of midwifery. It would be advisable to extend the survey to a wider sample and to further investigate aspects such as continuity of care, autonomy, and profession/professionalism employing qualitative research instruments, such as participant observation and in-depth interviews.
Grand Teton Candy Company: Connecting the Dots in a Fraud Investigation
Authors: Dee Carol Callaway , Durtschi Cindy , Mindak Mary P. 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACT
Grand Teton Candy Company (GTCC) is considering an initial public offering (IPO). To go public, GTCC will need an audit by a large accounting firm with a solid reputation and experience in audits of IPOs. As a precursor to the formal audit, Elsie Driggs, one of the owners of GTCC, has hired her brother's CPA firm to ensure the books are in order. Her brother notices some red flags of fraud, so he forms a team of young accountants from his firm to carefully comb through his sister's records to ensure she does not have problems when the formal audit takes place. You have been placed on the team and your task is to investigate your boss' suspicions that there is fraud at Grand Teton Candy Company. You are to prepare a written report for your boss that includes the name of the fraudster(s), what he or she did, and how the perpetrator(s) benefited from the crime.
Holographic grating inscription in DR1: DNA-CTMA thin films: the puzzle of time scales
Authors: Pawlik Grzegorz , Radosz Wojciech , Mitus Antoni , Mysliwiec Jaroslaw , Miniewicz Andrzej , Kajzar Francois , Rau Ileana 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
We study experimentally the dynamics of holographic inscription of gratings in DR1:DNA-CTMA thin films using a degenerate two-wave mixing (DTWM) setup in its initial phase (30 ms) and in a longer time interval (30 s). The temporal pattern of evolution of diffraction efficiency is complex, simple fitting procedures fail to reproduce the data. We point out that the complex dynamics can originate a large span of temporal scales, closely related to the microscale inhomogeneity of local free volume. Some of its hallmarks are found through Monte Carlo simulations.
A multi-property fluorescent probe for the investigation of polymer dynamics near the glass transition
Authors: Siekierzycka Joanna , Hippius Catharina , Würthner Frank , Williams René , Brouwer Albert 
Published: March 2014

AbstractIn addition to the commonly observed single molecule fluorescence intensity fluctuations due to molecular reorientation dynamics, a perylene bisimide-calixarene compound (1) shows additional on-off fluctuations due to its ability to undergo intramolecular excited state electron transfer (PET). This quenching process is turned on rather sharply when a film of poly(vinylacetate) containing 1 is heated above its glass transition temperature (T
g), which indicates that the electron transfer process depends on the availability of sufficient free volume. Spatial heterogeneities cause different individual molecules to reach the electron transfer regime at different temperatures, but these heterogeneities also fluctuate in time: in the matrix above T
g molecules that are mostly nonfluorescent due to PET can become fluorescent again on timescales of seconds to minutes.The two different mechanisms for intensity fluctuation, rotation and PET, thus far only observed in compound 1, make it a unique probe for the dynamics of supercooled liquids.