bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Abnormal nuclear expression of Pygopus‐2 in human primary hepatocellular carcinoma correlates with a poor prognosis
Authors: Zhang Sheng , Li Jie , He Fei , Wang Xiao‐Min 
Published: December 2014

AimsPygopus‐2 (Pygo2) is a critical element of the canonical Wnt/β‐catenin transcriptional complex. The aim of the present study was to investigate the expression patterns and clinicopathological significance of Pygo2 in human primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).Methods and resultsReal‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis of the mRNA levels of Pygo2 in 50 paired HCC cancer/adjacent non‐cancerous tissues showed that Pygo2 mRNA expression was significantly higher in cancerous tissues (P = 0.009). Immunohistochemical analysis showed that abnormal Pygo2 protein expression in HCC patients was associated with age (P = 0.025), tumour size (P = 0.005), intra‐ or extra‐hepatic metastasis (P = 0.029), vascular invasion (P = 0.026) and tumour differentiation (P = 0.004). Patients with normal Pygo2 protein expression showed a longer survival time (P = 0.031) and a higher 1‐year survival rate (P = 0.032) than those with abnormal Pygo2 expression. Cox's proportional hazard regression model showed that abnormal Pygo2 protein expression was a risk factor associated with the prognosis of HCC patients (P = 0.043).ConclusionTo the best of our knowledge, this is the first report investigating Pygo2 expression patterns and their clinicopathological significance in HCC. Our findings suggest that Pygo2 may be an important predictor of poor outcome in HCC patients, and could serve as a novel biomarker for HCC.
Morphological and genetic classification of lung cancer: variation in practice and implications for tailored treatment
Authors: Cane Paul , Linklater Karen M , Nicholson Andrew G , Peake Michael D , Gosney John 
Published: December 2014

AimsTailored therapy of lung cancer requires high‐quality pathology. Tumours must be subtyped accurately and material preserved for genetic analysis upon which treatment is increasingly based. There is a presumption that pathologists have risen to this challenge, but the nature and degree of variation in practice and quality are unknown.Methods and resultsWe collected detailed information on 1507 consecutive, newly diagnosed patients referred to 19 UK lung cancer units, ranging from district general hospitals to specialist cardiothoracic units. In only four centres were pathologists handling thoracic biopsies enrolled in the thoracic external quality assessment (EQA) scheme. Achievement of a positive diagnosis of malignancy ranged from 53 to 88%. Variation in tumour subtypes was wide, and the proportion of biopsies classified as merely ‘non‐small‐cell lung cancer, not otherwise specified’ varied from 3 to 20%, despite almost universal use of immunochemistry. The proportion of tumours tested for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene mutation ranged from 12 to 92%.ConclusionsThere is considerable variation in practice among UK pathologists and arguably in the quality of pathology, raising questions about expertise, adherence to guidelines, rigour of EQA and, ultimately, the reliability of the pathology that underpins the management of lung cancer.
Flexibility in the timing of post‐breeding moult in passerines in the UK
Authors: Morrison Catriona A. , Baillie Stephen R. , Clark Jacquie A. , Johnston Alison , Leech David I. , Robinson Robert A. 
Published: December 2014

Higher temperatures resulting from climate change have led to predictions that the duration of the breeding season of many temperate bird species may be changing. However, the extent to which breeding seasons can be altered will also depend on the degree of flexibility in processes occurring at other points in the annual cycle. In particular, plasticity in the timing of post‐breeding moult (PBM) could facilitate changes in the timing of key events throughout the annual cycle, but little is known about the level of within‐ and between‐species plasticity in PBM. As part of the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) Ringing Scheme, many ringers routinely record moult scores of flight feathers, and these can be used to provide information on the annual progression of PBM for a range of species. Here we use ringing data to investigate patterns of PBM in 15 passerines, as well as data from the BTO Nest Record Scheme to relate these differences to the timing of breeding of these species across the UK. We find considerable variation in both the mean start (19 May–29 July) and duration (66–111 days) of PBM between species, but find no evidence that species starting PBM later in the season complete it any faster. However, there is considerable within‐species variation in PBM, particularly for multi‐brooded species; PBM starts later and is completed in less time when the duration of the breeding season (difference between first and last nests) is longer. This implies that a later end to breeding can be compensated for by faster PBM, and that advances in breeding could lead to earlier and slower PBM. Our findings suggest that adaptation of PBM in response to climate‐mediated changes in the timing and duration of the breeding season is possible. However, the requirement to complete PBM prior to migration or the onset of winter might constrain the extent to which breeding seasons can lengthen, especially for later nesting species.
Prior Antiplatelet Agent Use and Outcomes after Intravenous Thrombolysis with Recombinant Tissue Plasminogen Activator in Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Meta-Analysis of Cohort Studies and Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Pan Xiding , Zhu Yubing , Zheng Danni , Liu Yukai , Yu Feng , Yang Jie 
Published: December 2014

Background There is uncertainty surrounding the influence of prior antiplatelet agent use on outcomes after intravenous thrombolysis with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator in acute ischemic stroke. Aim We performed a systematic review with a final meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of prior antiplatelet use before intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator for acute ischemic stroke. Summary of review We searched PubMed and Embase databases from 1997 to 2014. Primary outcome was functional outcome at the end of follow-up; secondary outcomes were symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage and recanalization rate. The meta-analysis was performed with Review Manager 5·2 (Copenhagen: The Nordic Cochrane Centre, The Cochrane Collaboration, 2012). Eleven studies with a total of 19 453 patients were included. A total of 6517 (33·5%) patients who had received intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator were taking antiplatelet agent before stroke onset. Pooled analysis demonstrated a clear trend that previous anti-platelet users had a reduced probability of good outcome, although it was not conventionally statistically significant (OR 0·86; 95% CI 0·73–1·01; P = 0·06). There was no difference in recanalization rate between two groups (OR 1·23; 95% CI 0·30–4·99; P = 0·77). The risk of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage was significantly increased in the antiplatelet group (OR 1·65; 95% CI 1·44–1·90; P < 0·01). Conclusions In acute ischemic stroke patients receiving intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator therapy, prior antiplatelet agent use did not lead to a significant difference in functional outcome, although it significantly increased the risk of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage. Recanalization rate was not different between two groups. In the subgroup analysis, prior clopidogrel mono therapy may not increase the risk of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, which will need further studies to confirm.
Cultural perspective of urinary incontinence: similarities and differences between white elderly and Korean immigrant women
Authors: Kang Youngmi 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACTLittle is known about whether differences in help‐seeking behaviours for urinary incontinence (UI) between the general population and Korean immigrant women are associated with differences in meaning of having UI from a cultural perspective. The purpose of this paper is to examine the similarities and uniqueness associated with these two perspectives from both the US and Korean standpoints. Similar to the USA, UI in Korea has been constructed from a biological perspective. The cultural construction of UI in both the USA and Korea is grounded in sexism. Subtle differences exist in each country regarding ageism and shame. In this cultural construction of UI on sexism, ageism and shame, managing the signs and symptoms of UI necessitates an approach different from that used in countries such as the USA. Findings from this study will contribute to understanding the health in Korean immigrant women who have poor health care access and utilization owing to cultural constraints. Health policy for minorities and policy makers should consider the cultural variances and meaning of UI.
Solid‐State NMR Study of Mn2+ for Ca2+ Substitution in Thermally Processed Hydroxyapatites
Authors: Kolmas Joanna , Jabłoński Mateusz , Ślósarczyk Anna , Kolodziejski Waclaw 
Published: December 2014

In the present study calcium hydroxyapatites enriched at 0.08 wt% in Mn2+ ions (Mn–HA) and their unsubstituted forms (HA) were synthesized using the same standard wet chemical route. Mn‐HA and HA were both calcined at 800°C to give Mn‐HAc and HAc, respectively or sintered at 1250°C, to give Mn‐HAs and HAs, respectively. The influence of the heat treatment on physicochemical properties of Mn‐HA was investigated using powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD), scanning, and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM), and solid‐state nuclear magnetic resonance (ssNMR). Mn‐HAc and Mn‐HAs were compared to each other and to HAc and HAs, respectively. Assignment of the proton ssNMR peaks from high‐temperature‐treated apatites has been revised. It was found that Mn–HAc and HAc were nanocrystalline, while Mn‐HAs and HAs comprised micrometer sized, partially fused particles (SEM and TEM). PXRD and ssNMR demonstrated that the incorporation of Mn2+ into the crystal lattice of hydroxyapatite significantly facilitates its dehydroxylation and decomposition to oxyhydroxyapatite during calcination at 800°C, and induces its transformation to tetracalcium phosphate (TTCP) and alpha‐tricalcium phosphate (α‐TCP) at 1250°C. Contamination by CaO has also been detected. The 1H→31P NMR cross‐polarization experiments have indicated that the Mn2+ ions preferentially occupied the Ca(I) position in the crystallographic unit cell of Mn‐HAc. In Mn‐HAs, the Mn2+ ions were evenly distributed between the Ca(I) and Ca(II) positions.
Two‐Step Carbothermal Synthesis of AlN–SiC Solid Solution Powder Using Combustion Synthesized Precursor
Authors: Chu Aimin , Qin Mingli , ud‐din Rafi , Dong Yinghu , Guo Shibo , Qu Xuanhui 
Published: December 2014

In the present work, a two‐step carbothermal reduction method is employed to prepare the AlN–SiC solid solution (AlN–SiCss) powders by using a combustion synthesized precursor. The precursor is prepared by low‐temperature combustion synthesis (LCS) method using a mixed solution of aluminum nitrate, silicic acid, polyacrylamide, glucose, and urea. The synthesized LCS precursor exhibits a porous and foamy uniform mixture of Al2O3 + SiO2 + C consisting of flaky particles. The carbothermal reduction in the LCS precursor is carried out in two steps. First, the precursors are calcined at 1600°C in argon for 3 h. Subsequently, the precursors are further calcined at 1600°C–1900°C in nitrogen for 3 h. The results indicate that the precursor calcined at and above 1850°C in nitrogen for 3 h yields the single‐phase AlN–SiCss powders. The synthesized AlN–SiCss powder exhibits near‐spherical particles with diameter of 200–500 nm. The experimental and thermodynamical results reveal that the formation of AlN–SiCss occurs via the diffusion of AlN into SiC by virtue of formation of a highly defective β′ intermediate during the second step reaction.
Composition‐ and Temperature‐Dependent Large Strain in (1−x)(0.8Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3–0.2Bi0.5K0.5TiO3)– xNaNbO3 Ceramics
Authors: Dong Guangzhi , Fan Huiqing , Shi Jing , Li Mengmeng 
Published: December 2014

Ternary solid solutions of (1 − x)(0.8Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3–0.2Bi0.5K0.5TiO3)– xNaNbO3 (BNKT–xNN) lead‐free piezoceramics were fabricated using a conventional solid‐state reaction method. Pure BNKT composition exhibited an electric‐field‐induced irreversible structural transition from pseudocubic to ferroelectric rhombohedral phase at room temperature. Accompanied with the ferroelectric‐to‐relaxor temperature TF‐R shifted down below room temperature as the substitution of NN, a compositionally induced nonergodic‐to‐ergodic relaxor transition was presented, which featured the pinched‐shape polarization and sprout‐shape strain hysteresis loops. A strain value of ~0.445% (under a driving field of 55 kV/cm) with large normalized strain of ~810 pm/V was obtained for the composition of BNKT–0.04NN, and the large strain was attributed to the reversible electric‐field‐induced transition between ergodic relaxor and ferroelectric phase.
High‐Temperature Na2SO4 Deposit‐Assisted Corrosion of Silicon Carbide – I: Temperature and Time Dependence
Authors: Hagan Joseph M. , Opila Elizabeth J. 
Published: December 2014

Time and temperature dependence of Na2SO4‐induced hot corrosion were studied for sintered‐α (Hexoloy) as well as CVD‐SiC at temperatures between 900°C and 1100°C and at times from 0.75 to 96 h. The extent of corrosion was quantified using mass change measurements, removal of corrosion products using sequential water, HCl, and HF dissolution steps followed by ICP‐OES analysis, and by optical profilometry of corroded materials to characterize pitting on the sample surface. In addition, SEM, EDS, and XRD were used to better understand the morphology, distribution, and phase composition of corrosion products. It was found that hot corrosion of Hexoloy was more severe than that of high‐purity CVD‐SiC. Hot corrosion is initially rapid until a continuous silica layer is formed underneath the mixed silicate layer. Once a continuous silica layer was formed the temperature dependence of the corrosion rate was consistent with diffusion of oxygen through the silica layer.
Effect of Impairment‐Testing Disclosures on the Cost of Equity Capital
Authors: Paugam Luc , Ramond Olivier 
Published: December 2014

AbstractInformation risk – the uncertainty regarding the parameters of the distribution of firms’ future cash flows – generates valuation errors and is costly to investors who require a higher return to compensate for greater information risk. We argue that, on average, through their impairment‐testing disclosures, managers convey information that reduces information risk. Using disclosures from firms included in the SBF 250 index of Euronext Paris over the period 2006–2009, we document a negative association between impairment‐testing disclosures and implied cost of equity capital. We find that prospective entity‐specific impairment‐testing disclosures are negatively associated with cost of capital whereas descriptive disclosures exhibit no association with cost of capital. Additionally, we document that firms which avoid booking impairments when low performance indicators suggest a greater likelihood of impairments exhibit no association between impairment‐testing disclosures and cost of capital. This suggests that those firms’ disclosures are perceived as less accurate by investors. We also find that prospective impairment‐testing disclosures are negatively related to analysts’ forecast errors. Our study adds to the literature on the economic consequences of financial reporting and sheds light on the consequences of one accounting mechanism, namely impairment‐testing disclosures, ensuring conservatism of financial reporting.
Sex allocation, juvenile mortality and the costs imposed by offspring on parents and siblings
Authors: Kahn A. T. , Jennions Michael D. , Kokko Hanna 
Published: December 2014

AbstractGenerally, sex‐specific mortality is not expected to affect optimal patterns of sex allocation. Several authors have, however, made verbal arguments that this is not true if juvenile mortality is sex specific during the period of parental care. Here, we provide formal mathematical models exploring the effect of such mortality on optimal sex allocation. We confirm the prediction that biased production of the sex with higher mortality during care is favoured. Crucially, however, this is only true when juvenile mortality in the period of parental care frees up resources for their current/future siblings (i.e. the saved investment is transferable). Furthermore, we show that although optimal sex allocation is consistent with the theory of equal investment (as asserted by previous authors), thinking in terms of equal investment is not readily feasible in some scenarios. We also show that differences in early mortality overcome biased sex allocation such that the sex ratio at independence is generally, but not always, biased in the opposite direction from that at birth. Our models should prove useful to empiricists investigating the effect of sex‐specific juvenile mortality and antagonistic sibling interactions on sex allocation.
Abundance, diversity and geographic distribution of cassava mosaic disease pandemic‐associated Bemisia tabaci in Tanzania
Authors: Tajebe L. S. , Boni S. B. , Guastella D. , Cavalieri V. , Lund O. S. , Rugumamu C. P. , Rapisarda C. , Legg J. P. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractBemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae), one of the most economically important agricultural pests worldwide, is the vector of cassava mosaic geminiviruses that cause cassava mosaic disease (CMD). In East and Central Africa, a severe CMD pandemic that spread from Uganda in the late 1980s still continues to devastate cassava crops. To assess the association of distinct B. tabaci genetic groups with the CMD pandemic, mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I gene sequences were analysed from whiteflies collected during surveys conducted from 2010 to 2013 in Tanzania. Four genetic groups – Sub‐Saharan Africa 1 (SSA1), Mediterranean, Indian Ocean and East Africa 1, and a group of unknown whitefly species were identified. SSA1 comprised four subgroups: SSA1‐SG1, SSA1‐SG2, SSA1‐SG1/2 and SSA1‐SG3. SSA1‐SG1 was confined to the pandemic‐affected north‐western parts of Tanzania whilst SSA1‐SG2 and SSA1‐SG3 were found in the central and eastern parts not yet affected by the pandemic. The CMD pandemic front was estimated to lie in Geita Region, north‐western Tanzania, and to be spreading south‐east at a rate of ca 26 km/year. The pandemic‐associated B. tabaci SSA1‐SG1 predominated up to 180 km ahead of the CMD front indicating that changes in whitefly population characteristics precede changes in disease characteristics.
‘We don't have recipes; we just have loads of ingredients’: explanations of evidence and clinical decision making by speech and language therapists
Authors: McCurtin Arlene , Carter Bernie 
Published: December 2014

AbstractRationale, aims and objectivesResearch findings consistently suggest that speech and language therapists (SLTs) are failing to draw effectively on research‐based evidence to guide clinical practice. This study aimed to examine what constitutes the reasoning provided bySLTs for treatment choices and whether science plays a part in those decisions.MethodThis study, based inIreland, reports on the qualitative phase of a mixed‐methods study, which examined attitudes underpinning treatment choices and the therapy process.SLTs were recruited from community, hospital and disability work settings viaSLTmanagers who acted as gatekeepers. A total of three focus groups were run. Data were transcribed, anonymized and analysed using thematic analysis.ResultsIn total, 48 participants took part in the focus groups. The majority of participants were female, represented senior grades and had basic professional qualifications. Three key themes were identified: practice imperfect; practice as grounded and growing; and critical practice. Findings show that treatment decisions are scaffolded primarily on practice evidence. The uniqueness of each patient results in dynamic and pragmatic practice, constraining the application of unmodified therapies.ConclusionThe findings emerging from the data reflect the complexities and paradoxes of clinical practice as described bySLTs. Practice is pivoted on both the patient and clinician, through their membership of groups and as individuals. Scientific thinking is a component of decision making; a tool with which to approach the various ingredients and the dynamic nature of clinical practice. However, these scientific elements do not necessarily reflect evidence‐based practice as typically constructed.
AFFILIATED AGENTS, BOARDS OF DIRECTORS, AND MUTUAL FUND SECURITIES LENDING RETURNS
Authors: Adams John C. , Mansi Sattar A. , Nishikawa Takeshi 
Published: December 2014

AbstractUsing a manually collected U.S. index mutual fund sample, we find that funds with sponsor‐affiliated lending agents have lower annual returns on lent securities and that securities lending returns are significantly higher when funds administer their own lending programs. We also document that multiple board of director appointments, more director fund ownership, higher board independence, and lower excess director compensation are associated with higher lending returns. Overall, the evidence has implications for mutual fund boards as they consider lending proposals and for future regulatory actions.
INTERMEDIATION IN THE MARKET FOR EQUITY RESEARCH
Authors: Markov Stanimir , Tan Eng‐Joo 
Published: December 2014

AbstractWe study a unique setting in Singapore where an intermediary assigns firms willing to pay for coverage to research providers that also produce nonintermediated research. Our evidence suggests the intermediated model is a promising alternative to the traditional sell‐side model, which neglects small firms and suffers from conflicts of interest. Specifically, intermediation enhances coverage of small firms and sharply ameliorates optimism—“strong buys” account for one‐third of provider recommendations for nonparticipating firms but virtually none of their recommendations for participating firms. Furthermore, research quality is not compromised as the information content of intermediated and nonintermediated research reports are comparable.
INTERNATIONAL STOCK MARKET COMOVEMENT AND NEWS
Authors: Höchstötter Markus , Meyer Stephan , Riordan Ryan , Storkenmaier Andreas 
Published: December 2014

AbstractWe explore how news comovement drives a portion of stock return comovement using the Thomson Reuters international business news database. We develop a measure of news comovement similar in design to a well‐known measure of stock return comovement and find that news helps explain country‐level stock market comovement. Our results are novel in that we find that more news comovement is related to higher stock market comovement. The explanatory power of news comovement is found to be particularly strong in countries that have low total market capitalization, are more corrupt, and have lower accounting standards.