bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Two single nucleotide polymorphisms in the von Hippel-Lindau tumor suppressor gene in Taiwanese with renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Wang Wen-Chung , Tsou Mei-Hua , Chen Hui-Ju , Hsu Wei-Fang , Lai Yen-Chein 
Published: September 2014

Abstract

Background
Renal cell carcinoma, a common malignant tumor arising from the kidney, occurs in 3.62 and 1.95 cases per one hundred thousand people among men and women, respectively, in Taiwan each year. Approximately 80% of cases are classified as clear-cell renal cell carcinoma. Inactivation of the von Hippel-Lindau tumor suppressor gene has been implicated in the tumorigenic pathway of renal cell carcinoma. Two single nucleotide polymorphisms, rs779805 and rs1642742, located in the promoter and 3′ untranslated regions of the von Hippel-Lindau gene are informative and implicated in the occurrence of renal cell carcinoma worldwide. The aim of this study is to clarify whether these polymorphisms are associated with renal cell carcinoma in Taiwanese. Genomic DNA was isolated from normal and tumor tissues of 19 renal cell carcinoma patients. The samples were screened for allelic polymorphisms by restriction fragment length polymorphism with BsaJ I and Acc I digestion. Reconfirmation was carried out by direct sequencing.

Results
Consistent with Knudson’s two-hit theory, AA to AG somatic mutations were observed in rs779805. In addition, loss of heterozygosity in both rs779805 and rs1642742 was demonstrated in 10 out of 15 RCC patients aged 50 or over. The G allele or AG heterozygote frequencies at these two loci were much higher in patient germline DNA when compared with the control group. After adjusting for age, the frequency of the G allele in both loci was much higher for late onset renal cell carcinoma in the Taiwanese population.

Conclusions
Our current results confirmed that the existence of G allele in both rs779805 and rs1642742 in the von Hippel-Lindau tumor suppressor gene is of importance in renal cell carcinoma tumorigenesis. However, more comprehensive and detailed research is needed to address the clinical relevance. Larger sample size is required to determine the exact power of correlation between these two genetic polymorphisms and renal cell carcinoma.
Role of pill-taking, expectation and therapeutic alliance in the placebo response in clinical trials for major depression
Authors: Leuchter Andrew F. , Hunter Aimee M. , Tartter Molly , Cook Ian A. 
Published: September 2014

BackgroundPill-taking, expectations and therapeutic alliance may account for much of the benefit of medication and placebo treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD).AimsTo examine the effects of medication, placebo and supportive care on treatment outcome, and the relationships of expectations and therapeutic alliance to improvement.MethodA total of 88 participants were randomised to 8 weeks of treatment with supportive care alone or combined with double-blind treatment with placebo or antidepressant medication. Expectations of medication effectiveness, general treatment effectiveness and therapeutic alliance were measured (trial registration at ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00200902).ResultsMedication or placebo plus supportive care were not significantly different but had significantly better outcome than supportive care alone. Therapeutic alliance predicted response to medication and placebo; expectations of medication effectiveness at enrolment predicted only placebo response.ConclusionsPill treatment yielded better outcome than supportive care alone. Medication expectations uniquely predicted placebo treatment outcome and were formed by time of enrolment, suggesting that they were shaped by prior experiences outside the clinical trial.
Limits to sustained energy intake. XXII. Reproductive performance of two selected mouse lines with different thermal conductance
Authors: Speakman John R. , Al-Jothery Aqeel H. , Król Elżbieta , Hawkins James , Chetoui Aurore , Saint-Lambert Alexander , Gamo Yuko , Shaw Suzanne C. , Valencak Teresa , Bünger Lutz , Hill William , Vaanholt Lobke , Hambly Catherine 
Published: September 2014

AbstractMaximal sustained energy intake (SusEI) appears limited, but the factors imposing the limit are disputed. We studied reproductive performance in two lines of mice selected for high and low food intake (MH and ML, respectively), and known to have large differences in thermal conductance (29% higher in the MH line at 21°C). When these mice raised their natural litters, their metabolisable energy intake significantly increased over the first 13 days of lactation and then reached a plateau. At peak lactation, MH mice assimilated on average 45.3 % more energy than ML mice (222.9±7.1 and 153.4±12.5 kJ day-1, N=49 and 24, respectively). Moreover, MH mice exported on average 62.3 kJ day-1 more energy as milk than ML mice (118.9±5.3 and 56.6±5.4 kJ day-1, N= subset of 32 and 21, respectively). The elevated milk production of MH mice enabled them to wean litters (65.2±2.1 g) that were on average 50.2% heavier than litters produced by ML mothers (43.4±3.0 g), and pups that were on average 27.2% heavier (9.9±0.2 and 7.8±0.2 g, respectively). Lactating mice in both lines had significantly longer and heavier guts compared to non-reproductive mice. However, inconsistent with the central limit hypothesis, the ML mice had significantly longer and heavier intestines than MH mice. An experiment where the mice raised litters of the opposing line demonstrated that lactation performance was not limited by offspring growth capacity. Our findings are consistent with the idea that the SusEI at peak lactation is constrained by the capacity of the mothers to dissipate body heat.
Case Report: Testicular artery pseudoaneurysm
Authors: Parker William P , Nangia Ajay K 
Published: September 2014

This is a case of an unusual cause of a testicular mass and the clinical features associated with its presentation and management. The patient presented with testicular pain and was found to have a testicular mass on ultrasound with a central 1cm anechoic region with arterial wave-form concerning for a pseudoaneurysm. The patient underwent orchiectomy with resolution of his symptoms. This case highlights the presentation of testicular artery pseudoaneurysm and outcome following orchiectomy.
Influential Factors and User Behavior of Mobile Reading
Authors: Zhou Yi , Wei Jianliang , Meng Fei , Jiang Fen 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
With the popularization of mobile Internet and smart terminals, mobile reading with diversity and mobility has become a hot issue in the industry and academia. This article comes up with a hypothetical model of mobile reading user acceptance behavior based on the technology acceptance model and unified theory of acceptance and use of technology and conducts an analysis of the reliability and validity of questionnaire data. Based on this, the model fitness is analyzed as well as the path hypotheses testing. We find that user-perceived ease of use greatly influences perceived usefulness (path coefficient=0.841), and user attitude (path coefficient=0.860) and behavioral intention (path coefficient=0.154) are significantly impacted by perceived usefulness. The impact of social influence on user attitude toward using mobile reading is significant (path coefficient=0.341), but the influence of perceived payment is not obvious. The moderating effect of living habit is not obvious because the absolute value of the critical ratio is under 2.58 with a significance level of 0.01.
Distributed non-singular dislocation technique for cracks in strain gradient elasticity
Authors: Mousavi S. Mahmoud , Paavola Juha , Baroudi Djebar 
Published: September 2014

AbstractThe mode III fracture analysis of a cracked graded plane in the framework of classical, first strain gradient, and second strain gradient elasticity is presented in this paper. Solutions to the problem of screw dislocation in graded materials are available in the literature. These solutions include various frameworks such as classical elasticity, and the first strain and second strain gradient elasticity theories. One of the applications of dislocations is the analysis of a cracked medium through distributed dislocation technique. In this article, this technique is used for the mode III fracture analysis of a graded medium in classical elasticity, which results in a system of Cauchy singular integral equations for multiple interacting cracks. Furthermore, the technique is modified for gradient elasticity. Owing to the regularization of the classical singularity, a system of non-singular integral equations is obtained in gradient elasticity. A plane with one crack is studied, and the stress distribution in classical elasticity is compared with those in gradient elasticity theories. The effects of the internal lengths, introduced in gradient elasticity theories, are investigated. Additionally, a plane with two cracks is studied to elaborate the interactions of multiple cracks in both the classical and gradient theories.
Structural relaxation around Cr3+ at the Na(Al1-x
Cr
x
)P2O7 octahedral site: an XRPD and EAS study
Authors: Ardit Matteo , Dondi Michele , Zanelli Chiara , Cruciani Giuseppe 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
The isovalent substitution of chromium for aluminium at octahedral site along the Na(Al1-x
Cr
x
)P2O7 pyrophosphate solid solution has been investigated by means of the combined application of X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) and electronic absorption spectroscopy (EAS). In agreement with the structural refinements, deconvolution of the optical spectra revealed a progressive decreasing of the crystal field strength parameter 10Dq moving toward the NaCrP2O7 end-member, meaning that the local chromium–oxygen bond distance increased along the join with the amount of chromium. The calculated structural relaxation coefficient around the substituent ion Cr3+ was ε=0.97 (i.e., very close to that predicted by the Hard Spheres model). A detailed comparison with compact crystal structures (i.e., perovskite, garnet, spinel, clinopyroxene, and corundum) as well as with other pyrophosphate compounds with II-NaMP2O7 structure-type (with M=Al, Cr, Fe, V, Ti, Mo and In) highlighted that compounds belonging to the Na(Al1-x
Cr
x
)P2O7 solid solution – characterized by a network connectivity which is basically a framework topology – undergo a structural relaxation that is confined within the first shell (i.e., occurs at the octahedral site), while P2O7 dimers act as rigid units.
Large Forgings: Microstructural Evolution and Residual Stresses Due to Quenching Treatments—A Combined Numerical and Experimental Approach
Authors: Boniardi Marco , Guagliano Mario , Casaroli Andrea , Andreotti Riccardo , Ballerini Filippo 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
Based on numerical and experimental data, an FEM model was implemented to simulate quench treatments on large forging components. After experimental validation of convection coefficient laws between water and component surface, time–temperature curves were determined for a large forged piece for different corss section of the component itself. Then superimposing these curves to the continuous cooling transformation diagram for the material, it was possible to identify the microstructural constituents of the steel after quenching. The component residual stress field was obtained by implementing the volumetric expansion law due to the phase transition during cooling. The ability to simulate the heat treatment of heavy size parts must be considered very useful due to quickly managing of all variables that govern the problem (initial and final temperatures, holding times, quenching mode, size, and geometry of components) and the possibility to predict final characteristics of the workpiece.
Modeling and Simulation of Carbide Precipitation During Tempering of Alloy Tool Steel
Authors: Deng Xiao-Hu , Ju Dong-Ying 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
In order to study the carbide transformation during tempering, a modified model has been proposed to simulate the phase composition and mechanical properties during the tempering process in tool steels. The model considers the simultaneous precipitation reactions of several carbides. The precipitation sequence and volume fraction of a carbide can be simulated quantitatively. In order to validate the model, we employed it to simulate the tempering process of SKD11 steel. The predicted volume fraction of retained austenite showed good agreement with measurement results. Furthermore, the calculated carbide results agreed well with the theoretical conclusions. The agreement indicates that the model is effective for simulation of the tempering process in tool steel.
Influence of Additive Chemistry on the Physical, Chemical, and Cooling Properties of Quenching Oils
Authors: Matijević Božidar , Pedišić Ljiljana 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
Quenching, the most common method of hardening metals, involves continuous cooling from a given austenitization temperature to achieve full transformation into martensite. Thus, optimal mechanical properties are obtained. The quenching media contains a base oil and different types of additives depending on application requirements. The cooling rate mainly depends on the thermal characteristics of metals, section thickness of workpieces, and heat-removal properties of the quenching medium. For the base oil, it is possible to use petroleum oils, synthetic oils, and natural oils separately or in combination. Petroleum base oils are widely used because of their thermal-oxidative stability advantages in comparison to natural oils, or lower prices in comparison to synthetic oils. There are numerous compounds available for potential use based on their functional properties. Environmental and safety requirements also exhibit a strong influence on additive selection. For this reason, the current use ofbarium-containing additives must be replaced with less harmful compounds. Petroleum basestocks should be replaced by renewable basestocks that are biodegradable, as is the current general trend in lubricant development. By changing the composition of quenching oils, base oils, and/or additives, the heat transfer characteristics are also changed. In this study, quenching oils with different types of additives are tested and the results regarding their physical and chemical properties as well as cooling characteristics are presented. Cooling curves of the tested oils have been evaluated according to ISO 9950:1995.
Epithelial‐mesenchymal transition spectrum quantification and its efficacy in deciphering survival and drug responses of cancer patients
Authors: Tan Tuan Zea , Miow Qing Hao , Miki Yoshio , Noda Tetsuo , Mori Seiichi , Huang Ruby Yun‐Ju , Thiery Jean Paul 
Published: September 2014

AbstractEpithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a reversible and dynamic process hypothesized to be co‐opted by carcinoma during invasion and metastasis. Yet, there is still no quantitative measure to assess the interplay between EMT and cancer progression. Here, we derived a method for universal EMT scoring from cancer‐specific transcriptomic EMT signatures of ovarian, breast, bladder, lung, colorectal and gastric cancers. We show that EMT scoring exhibits good correlation with previously published, cancer‐specific EMT signatures. This universal and quantitative EMT scoring was used to establish an EMT spectrum across various cancers, with good correlation noted between cell lines and tumours. We show correlations between EMT and poorer disease‐free survival in ovarian and colorectal, but not breast, carcinomas, despite previous notions. Importantly, we found distinct responses between epithelial‐ and mesenchymal‐like ovarian cancers to therapeutic regimes administered with or without paclitaxel in vivo and demonstrated that mesenchymal‐like tumours do not always show resistance to chemotherapy. EMT scoring is thus a promising, versatile tool for the objective and systematic investigation of EMT roles and dynamics in cancer progression, treatment response and survival.
Predictive value of maternal second-generation thyroid-binding inhibitory immunoglobulin assay for neonatal autoimmune hyperthyroidism
Authors: Abeillon-du Payrat Juliette , Chikh Karim , Bossard Nadine , Bretones Patricia , Gaucherand Pascal , Claris Olivier , Charrié Anne , Raverot Véronique , Orgiazzi Jacques , Borson-Chazot Françoise , Bournaud Claire 
Published: September 2014

ContextHyperthyroidism occurs in 1% of neonates born to mothers with active or past Graves' disease (GD). Current guidelines for the management of GD during pregnancy were based on studies conducted with first-generation thyroid-binding inhibitory immunoglobulin (TBII) assays.ObjectiveThis retrospective study was conducted in order to specify the second-generation TBII threshold predictive of fetal and neonatal hyperthyroidism, and to identify other factors that may be helpful in predicting neonatal hyperthyroidism.MethodsWe included 47 neonates born in the Lyon area to 42 mothers harboring measurable levels of TBII during pregnancy. TBII measurements were carried out in all mothers; bioassays were carried out in 20 cases.ResultsNine neonates were born with hyperthyroidism, including five with severe hyperthyroidism requiring treatment. Three neonates were born with hypothyroidism. All hyperthyroid neonates were born to mothers with TBII levels >5 IU/l in the second trimester (sensitivity, 100% and specificity, 43%). No mother with TSH receptor-stimulating antibodies (TSAb measured by bioassay) below 400% gave birth to a hyperthyroid neonate. Among mothers of hyperthyroid neonates, who required antithyroid drugs during pregnancy, none could stop treatment before delivery. Analysis of TBII evolution showed six unexpected cases of increasing TBII values during pregnancy.ConclusionMaternal TBII value over 5 IU/l indicates a risk of neonatal hyperthyroidism. Among these mothers, a TSAb measurement contributes to identify more specifically those who require a close fetal thyroid ultrasound follow-up. These results should be confirmed in a larger series.
Population Genetics Inference for Longitudinally-Sampled Mutants Under Strong Selection
Authors: Lacerda Miguel , Seoighe Cathal 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
Longitudinal allele frequency data are becoming increasingly prevalent. Such samples permit statistical inference of the population genetics parameters that influence the fate of mutant variants. To infer these parameters by maximum likelihood, the mutant frequency is often assumed to evolve according to the Wright–Fisher model. For computational reasons, this discrete model is commonly approximated by a diffusion process that requires the assumption that the forces of natural selection and mutation are weak. This assumption is not always appropriate. For example, mutations that impart drug resistance in pathogens may evolve under strong selective pressure. Here, we present an alternative approximation to the mutant-frequency distribution that does not make any assumptions about the magnitude of selection or mutation and is much more computationally efficient than the standard diffusion approximation. Simulation studies are used to compare the performance of our method to that of the Wright–Fisher and Gaussian diffusion approximations. For large populations, our method is found to provide a much better approximation to the mutant-frequency distribution when selection is strong, while all three methods perform comparably when selection is weak. Importantly, maximum-likelihood estimates of the selection coefficient are severely attenuated when selection is strong under the two diffusion models, but not when our method is used. This is further demonstrated with an application to mutant-frequency data from an experimental study of bacteriophage evolution. We therefore recommend our method for estimating the selection coefficient when the effective population size is too large to utilize the discrete Wright–Fisher model.
Stress-Induced Mutation Rates Show a Sigmoidal and Saturable Increase Due to the RpoS Sigma Factor in Escherichia coli
Authors: Maharjan Ram , Ferenci Thomas 
Published: September 2014

Abstract
Stress-induced mutagenesis was investigated in the absence of selection for growth fitness by using synthetic biology to control perceived environmental stress in Escherichia coli. We find that controlled intracellular RpoS dosage is central to a sigmoidal, saturable three- to fourfold increase in mutation rates and associated changes in DNA repair proteins.
Glycated Hemoglobin and All-Cause and Cause-Specific Mortality in Singaporean Chinese Without Diagnosed Diabetes: The Singapore Chinese Health Study
Authors: Bancks Michael P. , Odegaard Andrew O. , Pankow James S. , Koh Woon-Puay , Yuan Jian-Min , Gross Myron D. , Pereira Mark A. 
Published: September 2014

OBJECTIVE
Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is a robust biomarker of the preceding 2 to 3 months average blood glucose level. The aim of this study was to examine the association between HbA1c and mortality in a cohort of Southeast Asians.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Analysis of 7,388 men and women, mean age 62 years, from the Singapore Chinese Health Study who provided a blood sample at the follow-up I visit (1999–2004) and reported no history of diabetes, previous adverse cardiovascular events, or cancer. A total of 888 deaths were identified through 31 December 2011 via registry linkage. Participants represented a random study sample of potential control subjects for a nested case-control genome-wide association study of type 2 diabetes in the population. Hazard ratios (HRs) for all-cause and cause-specific mortality by six categories of HbA1c were estimated with Cox regression models.

RESULTS
Relative to participants with an HbA1c of 5.4–5.6% (36–38 mmol/mol), participants with HbA1c ≥6.5% (≥48 mmol/mol) had an increased risk of all-cause, cardiovascular, and cancer mortality during an average of 10.1 years of follow-up; HRs (95% CIs) were 1.96 (1.56–2.46), 2.63 (1.77–3.90), and 1.51 (1.04–2.18), respectively. No level of HbA1c was associated with increased risk of respiratory mortality. Levels &lt;6.5% HbA1c were not associated with mortality during follow-up. The results did not materially change after excluding observation of first 3 years post–blood draw.

CONCLUSIONS
HbA1c levels consistent with undiagnosed type 2 diabetes (≥6.5%) are associated with an increased risk of all-cause and cause-specific mortality in Chinese men and women.