bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Copeptin is an independent prognostic factor for transplant‐free survival in cirrhosis
Authors: Kerbert Annarein J. C. , Weil Delphine , Verspaget Hein W. , Moréno José‐Philippe , van Hoek Bart , Cervoni Jean‐Paul , Di Martino Vincent , Coenraad Minneke J. , Thevenot Thierry 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBackground & AimsCopeptin is a stable cleavage product of the arginine vasopressin (AVP) precursor and is equimolarly secreted with AVP. Copeptin is currently considered a reliable prognostic marker in a wide variety of diseases other than cirrhosis. We aimed to investigate the association between severity of cirrhosis and copeptin concentrations and to confirm whether copeptin is of prognostic significance in cirrhosis.MethodsOne hundred and eighty‐four cirrhotic patients hospitalized in two tertiary referral centres were studied. Serum copeptin was measured in samples obtained at hospital admission. Differences in serum copeptin between Child‐Pugh classes were evaluated using the Kruskal–Wallis test. Cox proportional hazard regression and Kaplan–Meier analyses were performed to evaluate associations of copeptin and other possible prognostic factors with 6‐ and 12‐month mortality.ResultsMedian serum copeptin (interquartile range) increased significantly through Child‐Pugh classes A [5.4 (3.1–10.7) pmol/L], B [9.6 (6.0–17.3) pmol/L] and C [13.8 (5.8–34.1) pmol/L, P < 0.01]. Patients with serum copeptin >12.3 pmol/L displayed significantly higher mortality rates at 6 and 12 months as compared to those with serum copeptin ≤12.3 pmol/L (Log‐rank test: P < 0.01). Serum copeptin >12.3 pmol/L was significantly associated with mortality, particularly at 6 months, independently of age, clinical parameters and Model for End stage Liver Disease (MELD), MELD‐sodium and Child‐Pugh score.ConclusionsSerum copeptin concentration increases significantly along with the severity of cirrhosis as defined by the Child‐Pugh classification. A high serum copeptin concentration predicts survival, particularly at 6 months, independently of liver‐specific scoring systems in a heterogeneous population of hospitalized cirrhotic patients.
On Transferable Machines
Authors: Bidard Christian 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACTTo avoid the intricacies of pure joint production, it is usually assumed that machines cannot be transferred across industries. Salvadori, however, identified a case in which productive systems with transferable machines have the same properties as those with non‐transferable machines. We reinterpret Salvadori's condition and proceed to a comparative analysis of the two types of models, which explains why some properties still hold while others are lost.
Identification of invasive fungal diseases in immunocompromised patients by combining an Aspergillus specific PCR with a multifungal DNA‐microarray from primary clinical samples
Authors: Boch T. , Reinwald M. , Postina P. , Cornely O. A. , Vehreschild J. J. , Heußel C. P. , Heinz W. J. , Hoenigl M. , Eigl S. , Lehrnbecher T. , Hahn J. , Claus B. , Lauten M. , Egerer G. , Müller M. C. , Will S. , Merker N. , Hofmann W.‐K. , Buchheidt D. , Spiess B. 
Published: October 2015

SummaryThe increasing incidence of invasive fungal diseases (IFD), most of all invasive aspergillosis (IA) in immunocompromised patients emphasises the need to improve the diagnostic tools for detection of fungal pathogens. We investigated the diagnostic performance of a multifungal DNA‐microarray detecting 15 different fungi [Aspergillus, Candida, Fusarium, Mucor, Rhizopus, Scedosporium and Trichosporon species (spp.)] in addition to an Aspergillus specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. Biopsies, bronchoalveolar lavage and peripheral blood samples of 133 immunocompromised patients (pts) were investigated by a multifungal DNA‐microarray as well as a nested Aspergillus specific PCR assay. Patients had proven (n = 18), probable (n = 29), possible (n = 48) and no IFD (n = 38) and were mostly under antifungal therapy at the time of sampling. The results were compared to culture, histopathology, imaging and serology, respectively. For the non‐Aspergillus IFD the microarray analysis yielded in all samples a sensitivity of 64% and a specificity of 80%. Best results for the detection of all IFD were achieved by combining DNA‐microarray and Aspergillus specific PCR in biopsy samples (sensitivity 79%; specificity 71%). The molecular assays in combination identify genomic DNA of fungal pathogens and may improve identification of causative pathogens of IFD and help overcoming the diagnostic uncertainty of culture and/or histopathology findings, even during antifungal therapy.
Community‐Based Organizations and Institutional Work in the Remote Rural West
Authors: Abrams Jesse , Davis Emily Jane , Moseley Cassandra 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe institutional landscape for public land management in the U.S. West underwent a seismic shift in the 1990s as the long‐dominant resource extraction paradigm was replaced by the ecosystem management paradigm. Here we analyze the efforts of community‐based organizations (CBOs), entities that emerged in some locations across the West to help their respective communities navigate the transition from resource extraction to environmental stewardship. Despite their formal status as civil society actors, in practice CBOs came to fill various institutional gaps by taking on roles traditionally assigned to both the state and the private sector. We use a case study approach to examine how the Hayfork, California–based Watershed Research and Training Center engages in institutional work within a setting that is at once both open and constrained, as the rural community within which it operates lacks strong state‐ or industry‐led development trajectories while remaining constrained by the legacies of past institutions.
Nations or Sectors in the Age of Globalization: China's Policy Toward Foreign Direct Investment in Telecommunications
Authors: Hsueh Roselyn 
Published: October 2015

AbstractScholars debate whether states or markets drive economic policy in the context of internationalization. Unpacking the market–state dichotomy, liberal pluralists and institutionalists alike conduct sectoral analysis to examine economic policies and outcomes. They debate the relative importance of sectors versus factors and the impact of sectoral coalitions, structural characteristics, and institutional trajectories. Building on previous scholarship, this article argues that state imperatives, such as national security and technological advancement, are an important guide to understanding dominant patterns of economic policy, defined as state goals, government–business relations, and state methods. Beyond that, the organization of institutions and structural sectoral attributes influence the ways in which actual policy outcomes vary across sectors and time. Case studies of the liberalization and subsequent reregulation of foreign direct investment across subsectors of telecommunications in China substantiate this argument. Evidence from other industries further validates this explanatory model.
Legal But Costly: An Analysis of the EU GM Regulation in the Light of the WTO Trade Dispute Between the EU and the USA
Authors: Punt Maarten J. , Wesseler Justus 
Published: October 2015

AbstractIn this study, we investigate the new European Union (EU) regulations in the light of the ruling by the World Trade Organization (WTO) panel on the trade in genetically modified crops. To this end, we describe: the basic differences in approaches between the EU and the complaining parties with regard to genetically modified crops, what the main arguments were of the complaining parties as well as the defence of the EU, what the final judgement of the panel was and finally, we describe the current EU regulations. We then analyse to what extent, the arguments and conclusions of the panel still hold regarding the new EU legislation. We find that parts of the current EU legislation, that is, the safety bans as they are currently in place, are in breach of the WTO commitments. Moreover, the new approval procedures have the potential to also break these rules, although whether or not they will, depends on how the European Commission acts. Whether or not the EU will be challenged at the WTO remains an open question, as the decision to fight before the WTO may be more costly than working out new bilateral trade agreements.
Total nucleated cell and leukocyte differential counts in canine pleural and peritoneal fluid and equine synovial fluid samples: comparison of automated and manual methods
Authors: Brudvig Jean M. , Swenson Cheryl L. 
Published: October 2015

BackgroundRapid and precise measurement of total and differential nucleated cell counts is a crucial diagnostic component of cavitary and synovial fluid analyses.ObjectivesThe objectives of this study included (1) evaluation of reliability and precision of canine and equine fluid total nucleated cell count (TNCC) determined by the benchtop Abaxis VetScan HM5, in comparison with the automated reference instruments ADVIA 120 and the scil Vet abc, respectively, and (2) comparison of automated with manual canine differential nucleated cell counts.MethodsThe TNCC and differential counts in canine pleural and peritoneal, and equine synovial fluids were determined on the Abaxis VetScan HM5 and compared with the ADVIA 120 and Vet abc analyzer, respectively. Statistical analyses included correlation, least squares fit linear regression, Passing–Bablok regression, and Bland–Altman difference plots. In addition, precision of the total cell count generated by the VetScan HM5 was determined.ResultsAgreement was excellent without significant constant or proportional bias for canine cavitary fluid TNCC. Automated and manual differential counts had R2 < .5 for individual cell types (least squares fit linear regression). Equine synovial fluid TNCC agreed but with some bias due to the VetScan HM5 overestimating TNCC compared to the Vet abc. Intra‐assay precision of the VetScan HM5 in 3 fluid samples was 2–31%.ConclusionsThe Abaxis VetScan HM5 provided rapid, reliable TNCC for canine and equine fluid samples. The differential nucleated cell count should be verified microscopically as counts from the VetScan HM5 and also from the ADVIA 120 were often incorrect in canine fluid samples.
Study of Collagen Birefringence in Different Grades of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Using Picrosirius Red and Polarized Light Microscopy
Authors: Arun Gopinathan Pillai , Kokila Ganganna , Jyothi Mahadesh , Ananjan Chatterjee , Pradeep Linganna , Humaira Nazir Salroo 
Published: October 2015

Objectives. The present study was done to evaluate birefringence pattern of collagen fibres in different grades of oral squamous cell carcinoma using Picrosirius red stain and polarization microscopy and to determine if there is a change in collagen fibres between different grades of oral squamous cell carcinoma.Materials and Methods. Picrosirius red stained 5 μm thick sections of previously diagnosed different grades of squamous cell carcinoma and normal oral mucosa were studied under polarization microscopy for arrangement as well as birefringence of collagen fibres around tumour islands.Results. It was found that thin collagen fibres increased and thick collagen fibres decreased with dedifferentiation of OSCC (P<0.0001 ). It was observed that there was change in polarization colours of thick fibres from yellowish orange to greenish yellow with dedifferentiation of OSCC indicating loosely packed fibres (P<0.0001).Conclusion. There was a gradual change of birefringence of collagen from yellowish orange to greenish yellow from well to poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma, indicating that there is a change from mature form of collagen to immature form as tumour progresses. Studying collagen fibres with Picrosirius red for stromal changes around tumour islands along with routine staining may help in predicting the prognosis of tumour.
Teleconnections between the Peruvian Central Andes and Northeast Brazil during Extreme Rainfall Events in Austral Summer
Authors: Sulca Juan , Vuille Mathias , Silva Yamina , Takahashi Ken 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACT
Extreme precipitation events in the Peruvian Andes have significant socioeconomic impacts, yet their atmospheric dynamics are poorly understood. Here austral summer (December–March) wet and dry spells and their continental- and large-scale teleconnections are analyzed using reanalysis, gridded, and in situ precipitation data. Dry and wet spells in the Peruvian Andes show a pervasive dipole pattern with precipitation anomalies of the opposite sign over northeastern Brazil. Composite anomalies of various atmospheric fields during extreme precipitation events indicate that this dipole is related to large-scale adjustments in the upper-tropospheric Bolivian high–Nordeste low system, which in turn are modulated by northward-propagating extratropical Rossby wave trains. At upper- and midtropospheric levels, westerly wind anomalies over the Peruvian Andes suppress moisture flux from the Amazon during dry events, while wet events are characterized by opposite conditions. Yet, while easterly wind anomalies appear to be a prerequisite for heavy precipitation events in the region, they are not a sufficient forcing, as dry days can still occur during such periods. Dry spells in the Peruvian Andes appear to be linked to weakened convective activity over the western tropical Pacific, consistent with the previously documented El Niño influence over the region. Extreme dry and wet spells in northeastern Brazil only show a weak link to precipitation anomalies of the opposite sign over Peru but are strongly coupled with changes in the position and strength of the Nordeste low and the South Atlantic convergence zone.
Lung function in children in relation to ethnicity, physique and socioeconomic factors
Authors: Lum Sooky , Bountziouka Vassiliki , Sonnappa Samatha , Wade Angie , Cole Tim J. , Harding Seeromanie , Wells Jonathan C.K. , Griffiths Chris , Treleaven Philip , Bonner Rachel , Kirkby Jane , Lee Simon , Raywood Emma , Legg Sarah , Sears Dave , Cottam Philippa , Feyeraband Colin , Stocks Janet 
Published: October 2015

Can ethnic differences in spirometry be attributed to differences in physique and socioeconomic factors?Assessments were undertaken in 2171 London primary schoolchildren on two occasions 1 year apart, whenever possible, as part of the Size and Lung function In Children (SLIC) study. Measurements included spirometry, detailed anthropometry, three-dimensional photonic scanning for regional body shape, body composition, information on ethnic ancestry, birth and respiratory history, socioeconomic circumstances, and tobacco smoke exposure.Technically acceptable spirometry was obtained from 1901 children (mean (range) age 8.3 (5.2–11.8) years, 46% boys, 35% White, 29% Black-African origin, 24% South-Asian, 12% Other/mixed) on 2767 test occasions. After adjusting for sex, age and height, forced expiratory volume in 1 s was 1.32, 0.89 and 0.51 z-score units lower in Black-African origin, South-Asian and Other/mixed ethnicity children, respectively, when compared with White children, with similar decrements for forced vital capacity (p<0.001 for all). Although further adjustment for sitting height and chest width reduced differences attributable to ethnicity by up to 16%, significant differences persisted after adjusting for all potential determinants, including socioeconomic circumstances.Ethnic differences in spirometric lung function persist despite adjusting for a wide range of potential determinants, including body physique and socioeconomic circumstances, emphasising the need to use ethnic-specific equations when interpreting results.
Functional evidence for continued alveolarisation in former preterms at school age?
Authors: Yammine Sophie , Schmidt Anne , Sutter Oliver , Fouzas Sotirios , Singer Florian , Frey Urs , Latzin Philipp 
Published: October 2015

Prematurity is the most common disruptor of lung development. The aim of our study was to examine the function of the more vulnerable peripheral airways in former preterm children by multiple-breath washout (MBW) measurements.86 school-aged children, born between 24 and 35 weeks of gestation and 49 term-born children performed nitrogen MBW. Lung clearance index (LCI), and slope III-derived Scond and Sacin were assessed as markers for global, convection-dependent and diffusion–convection-dependent ventilation inhomogeneity, respectively.We analysed the data of 77 former preterm (mean (range) age 9.5 (7.2–12.8) years) and 46 term-born children (mean age 9.9 (6.0–15.9) years). LCI and Sacin did not differ between preterm and term-born children. Scond was significantly elevated in preterm compared to term-born participants (mean difference z-score 1.74, 95% CI 1.17–2.30; p<0.001), with 54% of former preterm children showing elevated Scond. In multivariable regression analysis Scond was significantly related only to gestational age (R2=0.37).Normal Sacin provides evidence for a functionally normal alveolar compartment, while elevated Scond indicates impaired function of more proximal conducting airways. Together, our findings support the concept of continued alveolarisation, albeit with “dysanaptic” lung growth in former preterm children.
Pilot randomised trial of a healthy eating behavioural intervention in uncontrolled asthma
Authors: Ma Jun , Strub Peg , Lv Nan , Xiao Lan , Camargo Carlos A. , Buist A. Sonia , Lavori Philip W. , Wilson Sandra R. , Nadeau Kari C. , Rosas Lisa G. 
Published: October 2015

Rigorous research on the benefit of healthy eating patterns for asthma control is lacking.We randomised 90 adults with objectively confirmed uncontrolled asthma and a low-quality diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) scores <6 out of 9) to a 6-month DASH behavioural intervention (n=46) or usual-care control (n=44). Intention-to-treat analyses used repeated-measures mixed models.Participants were middle-aged, 67% female and multiethnic. Compared with controls, intervention participants improved on DASH scores (mean change (95% CI) 0.6 (0, 1.1)versus−0.3 (−0.8, 0.2); difference 0.8 (0.2, 1.5)) and the primary outcome, Asthma Control Questionnaire scores (−0.2 (−0.5, 0)versus0 (−0.3, 0.3); difference −0.2 (−0.5, 0.1)) at 6 months. The mean group differences in changes in Mini Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire overall and subdomain scores consistently favoured the intervention over the control group: overall 0.4 (95% CI 0, 0.8), symptoms 0.5 (0, 0.9), environment 0.4 (−0.1, 1.0), emotions 0.4 (−0.2, 0.9) and activities 0.3 (0, 0.7). These differences were modest, but potentially clinical significant.The DASH behavioural intervention improved diet quality with promising clinical benefits for better asthma control and functional status among adults with uncontrolled asthma. A full-scale efficacy trial is warranted.
Circulating free DNA concentration is an independent prognostic biomarker in lung cancer
Authors: Tissot Claire , Toffart Anne-Claire , Villar Stéphanie , Souquet Pierre-Jean , Merle Patrick , Moro-Sibilot Denis , Pérol Maurice , Zavadil Jiri , Brambilla Christian , Olivier Magali , Couraud Sébastien 
Published: October 2015

Plasma circulating cell-free (cf)DNA is of interest in oncology because it has been shown to contain tumour DNA and may thus be used as liquid biopsy. In nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC), cfDNA quantification has been proposed for the monitoring and follow-up of patients. However, available studies are limited and need to be confirmed by studies with larger sample sizes and including patients who receive more homogenous treatments. Our objective was to assess the predictive and prognostic value of plasma cfDNA concentration in a large series of patients with NSCLC and treated with a standard chemotherapy regimen.We included samples from lung cancer patients recruited into the Pharmacogenoscan study. The cfDNA of 218 patients was extracted and quantified by fluorometry before and after two or three cycles of platinum-based chemotherapy. The association between baseline and post-chemotherapy concentrations and treatment response, assessed by RECIST (response evaluation criteria in solid tumours) or patient survival was analysed.Patients with high cfDNA concentrations (highest tertile) at baseline had a significantly worse disease-free and overall survival than those with lower concentrations (lowest and middle tertiles) (median overall survival 10 months (95% CI 10.7–13.9)versus14.2 months (95% CI 12.6–15.8), respectively; p=0.001). In multivariate analysis, increased baseline concentration of cfDNA was an independent prognostic factor. However, we did not find any association between cfDNA concentration and response to treatment.cfDNA may be a biomarker for the assessment of prognosis in NSCLC. However, total concentration of cfDNA does not appear to predict chemotherapy response.
Inhibition of MTA1 by ERα contributes to protection hepatocellular carcinoma from tumor proliferation and metastasis
Authors: Deng Lei , Yang Hui , Tang Junwei , Lin Zhe , Yin Aihong , Gao Yun , Wang Xuehao , Jiang Runqiu , Sun Beicheng 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
Background
Although expression of MTA1 inversely correlates with the nuclear localization of ERα, the effect and molecular mechanism of ERα regulation of MTA1 remain unknown.

Methods
Quantitative real-time PCR and western blot analyses were used to measure levels of MTA1. The effect on HCC cell proliferation and invasion was assessed by EdU incorporation assays and Transwell, respectively. ShRNA and dual-luciferase assays were used to investigate the regulatory relationship between MTA1 and ERα in cell lines.

Results
We found that MTA1 gene regulation by ERα may be influenced by nuclear corepressors. The MTA1 promoter has three functional ER-element half-sites that lead to decreased MTA1 transcription and expression. ERα overexpression suppressed the proliferation and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HCC). In addition, overexpression of MTA1 attenuated ERα-mediated suppression of the proliferation and invasion of HCC cells and tumor formation in vivo. These results suggested feedback regulation between ERα and MTA1. In summary, our results demonstrated that ERα suppressed proliferation and invasion of human HCC cells through downregulation of MTA1 transcription.

Conclusions
Our study is an improved description of the mechanisms of the suppressive effect of ERα on HCCs, adding understanding to the gender disparity of HCC progression.
The need for thorough phase II studies in medicines development for Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Gray Julian A. , Fleet David , Winblad Bengt 
Published: October 2015

AbstractAn important factor in the universal failure in phase III trials in mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease in the past decade is the lack of phase II clinical data prior to entering phase III, with common reliance on biomarker results alone. Conduction of two learn-confirm cycles according to the Sheiner model would allow go/no-go decision making to include reliable clinical efficacy data prior to conducting phase III and would likely bring the rate of late stage failure more into line with that of other neurological indications. In studies in earlier disease stages, combined phase IIB/III adaptive approaches merit consideration in view of the long timelines of each study, though advantages and disadvantages of this approach versus the classical development pathway still need careful assessment.
Generalized proximal-type methods for weak vector variational inequality problems in Banach spaces
Authors: Pu Lin-chang , Wang Xue-ying , Chen Zhe 
Published: October 2015

AbstractIn this paper, we propose a class of generalized proximal-type method by the virtue of Bregman functions to solve weak vector variational inequality problems in Banach spaces. We carry out a convergence analysis on the method and prove the weak convergence of the generated sequence to a solution of the weak vector variational inequality problems under some mild conditions. Our results extend some known results to more general cases.