bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Serum calcitonin negative medullary thyroid carcinoma: a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Trimboli Pierpaolo , Giovanella Luca 
Published: March 2015

AbstractGenerally, calcitonin (CT) values below the upper reference limit rule-out medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) with very high accuracy. However, sparse cases of serum-calcitonin-negative MTC (CT-NEG-MTC) have been reported. Here we reviewed CT-NEG-MTC reported in literature, discussed the potential causes and proposed a practical laboratory and clinical approach. A comprehensive literature search was conducted by using the terms “medullary thyroid carcinoma” AND “non-secreting calcitonin” OR “undetectable calcitonin”. The search was updated until December 2014. Original articles that described CT-NEG-MTC were eligible for inclusion. Only MTC cases with preoperative CT below the upper reference limit were included in the present review. Eleven papers with 18 CT-NEG-MTC cases (age 50 years, size 26 mm) were retrieved. Four patients with poorly differentiated MTC died within 3 years. Different CT assays were employed and different reference values were adopted. Preoperative serum CT values were below the institution cut-off levels in all cases, and undetectable in four patients. In some papers negative CT results were confirmed by additional tests. Further laboratory investigations were performed in some of the included studies. In patients with well founded suspicious of MTC and within the reference limits/undetectable CT other laboratory investigations [carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), procalcitonin, CT stimulation, CT in washout of nodule’s aspiration] have to be performed. Surgical approach to CT-NEG-MTC does not differ from those secreting CT. Postoperative follow-up of these rare cases should include periodical imaging and measurement of all potential markers. Patients with poorly differentiated MTC are at higher risk of disease-related death, and require more aggressive follow-up strategy.
Ras activation revisited: role of GEF and GAP systems
Authors: Hennig Anne , Markwart Robby , Esparza-Franco Manuel A. , Ladds Graham , Rubio Ignacio 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
Ras is a prototypical small G-protein and a central regulator of growth, proliferation and differentiation processes in virtually every nucleated cell. As such, Ras becomes engaged and activated by multiple growth factors, mitogens, cytokines or adhesion receptors. Ras activation comes about by changes in the steady-state equilibrium between the inactive guanosine diphosphate (GDP)-bound and active guanosine triphosphate (GTP)-bound states of Ras, resulting in the mostly transient accumulation of Ras-GTP. Three decades of intense Ras research have disclosed various families of guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) and GTPase activating proteins (GAPs) as the two principal regulatory elements of the Ras-GDP/GTP loading status. However, with the possible exception of the GEF Sos, we still have only a rudimentary knowledge of the precise role played by many GEF and GAP members in the signalling network upstream of Ras. As for GAPs, we even lack the fundamental understanding of whether they function as genuine signal transducers in the context of growth factor-elicited Ras activation or rather act as passive modulators of the Ras-GDP/GTP cycle. Here we sift through the large body of Ras literature and review the relevant data for understanding the participation and precise role played by GEFs and GAPs in the process of Ras activation.
Quis custodiet ipsos custodes? Should Justice Beware: A Review of Voice Identification Evidence in Light of Advances in Biometric Voice Identification Technology
Authors: Singh Charanjit 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThe debate relating to the quality of voice identification evidence in the United Kingdom continues against the backdrop of advances being made in the use of biometric voice identification evidence (BIVE) and the technology (BVIT). Anecdotal evidence shows that BVIE is being adduced in criminal prosecutions across the United Kingdom (UK) predominantly in cases involving terror crimes. This also suggests that the courts are willing to accept BVIE as being reliable even though experts in the fields of phonetics and law disagree as to its veracity. The argument against admission rests on the lack of sophistication in the traditional ear-witness voice identification methods of acoustic and auditory analysis (AAA), and now biometrics because of its infancy. Experts therefore argue that scientific reliability should be demanded from such evidence if it is to be used for criminal prosecutions and this not currently achieved. Therefore, a number of issues arise as a result of this. For example, the potential erosion of civil rights, the legal implications that relate to obtaining and using mixed biometric voice identification evidence (MBVIE) – this is the evidence of an ear-witness verified using BVIT. Related to this is the notion that the jury and lawyers need to be educated on how such evidence should be received and used. Presently, there insufficient guidance on where the UKs courts should draw the line in admitting potentially hazardous evidence such as this. Exactly when BVIE becomes unreliable in a legal and scientific sense remains unclear. This significantly contributes to the debate surrounding the codification of evidence law and the introduction of a reliability test, along the lines of that used in other jurisdictions including the United States of America, to mitigate the risks that lie in admitting unreliable evidence. The purpose of this article is to contrast ear-witness and BVIE by exploring the contemporary debates that surround their admission and the notional extent to which BVIT is being used to police the UK. Furthermore, to review whether the advances made in BVIT can contribute to the reliability of the evidence by reducing error rates and false-positive identification.
Nearest-Neighbor Estimation for ROC Analysis under Verification Bias
Authors: Adimari Gianfranco , Chiogna Monica 
Published: March 2015

AbstractFor a continuous-scale diagnostic test, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve is a popular tool for displaying the ability of the test to discriminate between healthy and diseased subjects. In some studies, verification of the true disease status is performed only for a subset of subjects, possibly depending on the test result and other characteristics of the subjects. Estimators of the ROC curve based only on this subset of subjects are typically biased; this is known as verification bias. Methods have been proposed to correct verification bias, in particular under the assumption that the true disease status, if missing, is missing at random (MAR). MAR assumption means that the probability of missingness depends on the true disease status only through the test result and observed covariate information. However, the existing methods require parametric models for the (conditional) probability of disease and/or the (conditional) probability of verification, and hence are subject to model misspecification: a wrong specification of such parametric models can affect the behavior of the estimators, which can be inconsistent. To avoid misspecification problems, in this paper we propose a fully nonparametric method for the estimation of the ROC curve of a continuous test under verification bias. The method is based on nearest-neighbor imputation and adopts generic smooth regression models for both the probability that a subject is diseased and the probability that it is verified. Simulation experiments and an illustrative example show the usefulness of the new method. Variance estimation is also discussed.
Japan’s News Media, The Information Disclosure Law, and The Fukushima Nuclear Disaster
Authors: Repeta Lawrence 
Published: March 2015

AbstractOfficial investigations that followed the Fukushima Nuclear Disaster revealed that it could have been prevented by reasonable safety measures. Investigators concluded that close relationships between government officials and industry executives led to very weak regulatory oversight and the failure to address the risk of violent earthquakes and tsunami such as those that struck the Fukushima Nuclear Power Station on March 11, 2011. News reporters conducted their own investigations in the months following the disaster. Japan’s information disclosure law provided an invaluable tool that enabled them to obtain government records related to regulation of Japan’s nuclear power plants. This article describes some of the stories they produced. Appearing on the front pages of newspapers with daily circulations in the millions, this work provided an authoritative inside view of the failed regulatory process to the Japanese people. The work of the investigative bodies and the news media drove the demand for change that led to disbanding of the regulatory agencies that failed and their replacement by an entirely new regulatory body. This article highlights the importance of “right to know” laws such as Japan’s information disclosure law in creating the opportunity for news reporters and others to demand the release of otherwise confidential government records that can enlighten everyone on matters of great public interest.
Sulfonylurea in the treatment of neonatal diabetes mellitus children with heterogeneous genetic backgrounds
Authors: Zhang Miaoying , Chen Xiuli , Shen Shuixian , Li Tang , Chen Linqi , Hu Min , Cao Lingfeng , Cheng Ruoqian , Zhao Zhuhui , Luo Feihong 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThe pathogenic base of neonatal diabetes mellitus (NDM) is highly heterogeneous. Sulfonylurea (SU) has been successfully applied in majority of NDM patients with KWe identified 16 patients with NDM. These patients underwent SU titration and were followed after successful SU monotherapy. All patients were sequenced for all exons and adjacent intron-exon junctions ofOf the 16 patients, 15 (94%) reached glycemic goal (7–10 mmol/L) after SU monotherapy except one patient with theOur study showed that SU monotherapy resulted in satisfactory glycemic control in most of the patients with NDM whose genetic defects are heterogeneous. The usage of SU may be considered as first-line therapy for patients with NDM in developing countries where effective genetic screening is not established.
Welfare Luck Egalitarianism and Expensive Tastes
Authors: Holtug Nils 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
In his classic paper “Equality of What? Part 1: Equality of Welfare”, Ronald Dworkin argued that we should reject the notion that welfare is the currency of egalitarian justice. One reason is that this notion implies we should compensate individuals for expensive tastes they have deliberately cultivated. However, several egalitarians have objected that Dworkin conflates the resource/welfare and the luck/choice distinction. In particular, welfare luck egalitarianism implies that expensive tastes that are deliberately cultivated may not be compensable. In response to this criticism, Dworkin has more recently argued that welfare luck egalitarianism in fact collapses into ordinary welfare egalitarianism, or relies on an account of luck that is either incoherent or at least cannot provide a basis for egalitarian redistribution. Therefore, according to Dworkin, welfare luck egalitarianism does not solve the problem of expensive tastes. In the current article, I critically assess these recent arguments of Dworkin’s about the inadequacy of welfare luck egalitarianism. I argue that Dworkin has not shown that this notion collapses into ordinary welfare egalitarianism, or that it harbours a problematic account of luck.
On the interaction between gold and silver metal atoms and DNA/RNA nucleobases – a comprehensive computational study of ground state properties
Authors: Espinosa Leal Leonardo Andres , Lopez-Acevedo Olga 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
The interaction between metal atoms and nucleobases has been a topic of high interest due to the wide scientific and technological implications. Combining density functional theory simulations with a literature overview, we achieved an exhaustive study of the ground state electronic properties of DNA/RNA nucleobases interacting with gold and silver atoms at three charge states: neutral, cationic, and anionic. We describe the nature of the stability and electronic properties in each hybrid metallic structure. In addition to the metal interacting with the five isolated nucleobases, we included their respective DNA-WC base pairs and one case with the protonated sugar-phosphate backbone. As a general trend, we discerned that the energetic ordering of isomers follows simple electrostatic rules as expected from previous studies. Also, we found that although the metal localizes almost all of the extra charge in the anionic system, a donation of charge is shared almost equally in the cationic system. Furthermore, the frontier orbitals of the cationic system tend to have more effects from the pairing and inclusion of the backbone than the anionic system. Finally, the electronic gap varies greatly among all of the considered structures and could be further used as a fingerprint when searching DNA-metal hybrid structures.
Synthesis and structure of new microporous Nd(III) silicates of the rhodesite group
Authors: Munhá Rui F. , Ananias Duarte , Paz Filipe A. Almeida , Rocha João 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
The synthesis and structural characterization of two novel trivalent neodymium microporous silicates whose structures are reminiscent of the structure of mineral montregianite of the rhodesite group, and their infrared light-emission properties are reported. The compound KNa2Nd[Si8O19]·5H2O (1) crystallizes in the orthorhombic Pmma space group: a = 23.9016(17) Å, b = 6.9980(5) Å, c = 6.5474(5) Å. Heating 1 at 200 °C for 40 min affords a new partially dehydrated phase, KNa2Nd[Si8O19]·2.8H2O (2), also crystallizing in the orthorhombic Pmma space group: a = 23.923(4) Å, b = 6.9950(11) Å, c = 6.5474(10) Å. Compound 2 is the hydrated phase with the lowest content of water molecule reported to date in the rhodesite mineral series.
A New Device for Measuring the Supercritical CO2 Permeability in Porous Rocks Under Reservoir Conditions
Authors: Ye Bin , Ye Weimin , Zhang Feng , Xu Long 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
This paper describes a newly developed device for measuring the CO2 permeability coefficient in porous rocks under reservoir conditions, in which the pressure and temperature of injected CO2 are usually beyond the critical point of 7.38 MPa and 31.8°C. The device consists of a pressure cell, a syringe pump for CO2, a pressure amplifier, a heating unit, and a measurement system. Two buffer tanks are set at the inlet and outlet of the seepage chamber to maintain stable CO2 injection and back pressures during testing. The supercritical CO2 flowing through the rock sample is depressurized to the gaseous phase to measure its flow rate at low pressure. An average flow rate over time is used to calculate the permeability coefficient of CO2 in the rock sample. A performance test was conducted to demonstrate the detailed characteristics of the device. A sample application using silt rock for testing proved that the device can effectively measure the permeability coefficient of supercritical CO2 in porous rock.
Scintigraphic assessment of renal function in steel plant workers occupationally exposed to lead
Authors: Wron´ska‐Nofer Teresa , Pisarska Anna , Trzcinka‐Ochocka Małgorzata , Hałatek Tadeusz , Stetkiewicz Jan , Braziewicz Janusz , Nofer Jerzy‐Roch , Waąsowicz Wojciech 
Published: March 2015

Scintigraphic assessment of renal function in steel plant workers occupationally exposed to lead: Teresa Wrońska‐Nofer, et al. Department of Toxicology and Carcinogenesis, Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, PolandObjectiveOccupational exposure to lead may produce kidney damage, but existing data on the dose range associated with nephrotoxicity are inconclusive. We here assessed renal function under conditions of low to moderate lead exposure using renal scintigraphy.MethodsFifty‐three male foundrymen (exposed group) and fourty male office workers (control group) from a steel plant were included in the study. Glomerular and tubular renal function were assessed by means of 99mTc‐DTPA and 99mTc‐EC clearance, respectively. Urinary markers of glomerular dysfunction (albumin) and tubular damage (α1‐microglobulin (α1M), β2‐microglobulin (β2M), retinol‐binding protein (RBP), N‐acetyl‐β‐glucosaminidase (NAG) activity) were determined using latex beads tests or colorimetry. The lead concentration in blood was measured with atomic absorption spectrometry.ResultsThe blood lead concentrations were 145.8 (121.3−175.3) and 39.3 (35.1−44.1) µg/l (geometric mean, 95th CI, p<0.001) in the exposed and control groups, respectively. Subjects exposed to lead presented with increased 99mTc‐DTPA clearance (158.3 (148.4−168.8) vs. 135.9 (127.9−144.4) ml/min; p<0.01) and urinary albumin excretion (7.61 (6.28−9.22) vs. 4.78 (4.05−5.65) mg/g creatinine; p<0.001). 99mTc‐EC clearance and excretion of α1M, β2M, RBP and NAG were not significantly different between the groups. Significant correlations between 99mTc‐DTPA clearance and blood lead concentrations (r=0.45; p<0.01) and between urinary albumin excretion and blood lead concentrations (r=0.71; p<0.001) were noted.ConclusionsUse of renal scintigraphy in present study revealed measurable alterations of renal function under the conditions of lowlevel lead exposure and suggest that increased glomerular filtration may be an early indicator of kidney damage in subjects occupationally exposed to lead.
Co-Sleeping and Bed Sharing in Australian Maternity Units: An Electronic Survey of Midwifery Clinicians’ Knowledge, Practice, and Education
Authors: Drever-Smith Cassia , Bogossian Fiona , New Karen 
Published: March 2015

BACKGROUND: There is little published research regarding co-sleeping and bed sharing in maternity units. As primary carers of mothers and infants, midwives’ knowledge and practice may influence co-sleeping and bed sharing.AIM: To assess clinical midwives’ knowledge and practice surrounding co-sleeping and bed sharing in maternity units in the initial postpartum period.METHODS: A nationwide electronic survey assessed clinical knowledge and self-reported clinical practice and personal experiences of co-sleeping and bed sharing.FINDINGS: Eighty-six registered midwives from 48 hospitals responded to the survey. The majority responded with best practice to hypothetical scenarios. Mother–infant co-sleeping/bed sharing in maternity units was observed by 64% of midwives. All midwives reported providing some education to parents and most (80%) had received education on co-sleeping/bed sharing.CONCLUSION: Co-sleeping and bed sharing are relatively common in postnatal maternity units. Clinical practice documents should be consistent with the UNICEF guidelines, and midwives should be supported to implement best practice.
An Atlas of Mars Sedimentary Rocks as seen by HIRISE
Authors: Beyer Ross A. , Stack Kathryn M. , Griffes Jennifer L. , Milliken Ralph E. , Herkenhoff Ken E. , Byrne Shane , Holt John W. , Grotzinger John P. 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
Images of distant and unknown places have long stimulated the imaginations of both explorers and scientists. The atlas of photographs collected during the Hayden (1872) expedition to the Yellowstone region was essential to its successful advocacy and selection in 1872 as America’s first national park. Photographer William Henry Jackson of the Hayden expedition captured the public’s imagination and support, returning home with a treasure of images that confirmed the existence of western landmarks previously regarded as glorified myths: the Grand Tetons, Old Faithful, and strange pools of boiling hot mud. Fifty years later, photographer Ansel Adams began his long legacy of providing the public with compilations of iconic images of natural wonders that many only see in prints.
Photography in space has provided its own bounty. Who can forget the first image of Earthrise taken by astronaut William Anders in 1968 from Apollo 8; the solemnity of the first photos of the surface of the Moon from the Apollo 11 astronauts; and the startling discovery of the tallest mountain in the solar system (Olympus Mons) on the surface of Mars in images sent from Mariner 9? The images from Mariner 9 also allowed for a game-changing discovery. Earlier, based on very limited Mariner 4 data that covered less than 10% of the planet’s surface, Chapman et al. (1968) speculated that “If substantial aqueous erosion features—such as river valleys— were produced during earlier epochs of Mars, we should not expect any trace of them to be visible
Source-to-Sink
Authors: Kocurek Gary , Ewing Ryan C. 
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACT
Eolian dune fields on Earth and Mars evolve as complex systems within a set of boundary conditions. A source-to-sink comparison indicates that although differences exist in sediment production and transport, the systems largely converge at the dune-flow and pattern-development levels, but again differ in modes of accumulation and preservation. On Earth, where winds frequently exceed threshold speeds, dune fields are sourced primarily through deflation of subaqueous deposits as these sediments become available for transport. Limited weathering, widespread permafrost, and the low-density atmosphere on Mars imply that sediment production, sediment availability, and sand-transporting winds are all episodic. Possible sediment sources include relict sediments from the wetter Noachian; slow physical weathering in a cold, water-limited environment; and episodic sediment production associated with climatic cycles, outflow events, and impacts. Similarities in dune morphology, secondary airflow patterns over the dunes, and pattern evolution through dune interactions imply that dune stratification and bounding surfaces on Mars are comparable to those on Earth, an observation supported by outcrops of the Burns formation. The accumulation of eolian deposits occurs on Earth through the dynamics of dry, wet, and stabilizing eolian systems. Dry-system accumulation by flow deceleration into topographic basins has occurred throughout Martian history, whereas wet-system accumulation with a rising capillary fringe is restricted to Noachian times. The greatest difference in accumulation occurs with stabilizing systems, as manifested by the north polar Planum Boreum cavi unit, where accumulation has occurred through stabilization by permafrost development. Preservation of eolian accumulations on Earth typically occurs by sediment burial within subsiding basins or a relative rise of the water table or sea level. Preservation on Mars, measured as the generation of a stratigraphic record and not time, has an Earth analog with infill of impact-created and other basins, but differs with the cavi unit, where preservation is by burial beneath layered ice with a climatic driver.