bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Early detection of nasopharyngeal carcinoma by plasma Epstein‐Barr virus DNA analysis in a surveillance program
Authors: Chan K. C. Allen , Hung Emily C. W. , Woo John K. S. , Chan Paul K. S. , Leung Sing‐Fai , Lai Franco P. T. , Cheng Anita S. M. , Yeung Sze Wan , Chan Yin Wah , Tsui Teresa K. C. , Kwok Jeffrey S. S. , King Ann D. , Chan Anthony T. C. , van Hasselt Andrew C. , Lo Y. M. Dennis 
Published: February 2013

AbstractBACKGROUND:Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is prevalent in Southeast Asia. Over the last decade, plasma Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) DNA has been developed as a tumor marker for NPC. In this study, the authors investigated whether plasma EBV DNA analysis is useful for NPC surveillance.METHODS:In total, 1318 volunteers ages 40 to 60 years were prospectively recruited. Plasma EBV DNA and serology for viral capsid antigen immunoglobulin A (IgA) were measured. Participants who had detectable plasma EBV DNA or positive IgA serology underwent nasal endoscopic examination and a follow‐up plasma EBV DNA analysis in approximately 2 weeks. All participants were followed for 2 years to record the development of NPC.RESULTS:Three individuals with NPC were identified at enrolment. All of them were positive for EBV DNA and remained positive in follow‐up analysis. Only 1 of those patients was positive for EBV serology. In 1 patient who had NPC with a small tumor confined to the mucosa, the tumor was not detectable on endoscopic examination. Because of a 2‐fold increase in plasma EBV DNA on the follow‐up analysis, that patient underwent magnetic resonance imaging, which revealed the tumor. Among the participants who did not have NPC but had initially positive plasma EBV DNA results, approximately 66% had negative EBV DNA results after a median of 2 weeks.CONCLUSIONS:Plasma EBV DNA analysis proved useful for detecting early NPC in individuals without a clinical suspicion of NPC. Repeating the test in those who had initially positive results differentiated those with NPC from those who had false‐positive results. Cancer 2013. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Weak‐Field, Multiple‐Cycle Carrier Envelope Phase Effects in Laser Excitation
Authors: Renziehausen Klaus , Hader Kilian , Jakubetz Werner , Engel Volker 
Published: February 2013

AbstractAlthough the absolute or carrier envelope phase (CEP) of a laser pulse is usually assumed to be effective for ultrashort and/or ultrastrong pulses only, it is demonstrated that these limitations can eventually be removed. Therefore, the excitation of a model positively charged homonuclear diatomic molecule, in which four electronic states are coupled by the laser field, is studied. In an initial step, nuclear wave packets in two dissociative states are prepared. Upon reaching the fragment channel, a weak pulse interacts with the system and prepares CEP‐dependent asymmetries associated with electron density localized on one or the other fragmentation product.
EX‐ANTE AND EX‐POST MEASUREMENT OF EQUALITY OF OPPORTUNITY IN HEALTH: A NORMATIVE DECOMPOSITION
Authors: Donni Paolo Li , Peragine Vito , Pignataro Giuseppe 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACTThis paper proposes and discusses two different approaches to the definition of inequality in health: the ex‐ante and the ex‐post approach. It proposes strategies for measuring inequality of opportunity in health based on the path‐independent Atkinson equality index. The proposed methodology is illustrated using data from the British Household Panel Survey; the results suggest that in the period 2000–2005, at least one‐third of the observed health equalities in the UK were equalities of opportunity. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Single‐port endoscopic thyroidectomy via a submental approach: Report of an initial experience
Authors: Ding Zheng , Deng XianZhao , Fan YouBen , Wu Bo 
Published: February 2013

BackgroundBased on our experience of trans‐areola single‐site endoscopic thyroidectomy and a preclinical study in the porcine model, we attempted to develop a new approach called trans‐submental single‐port endoscopic thyroidectomy (TSSPET).MethodsTwo female patients (43 and 27 years old, respectively) were selected for TSSPET. Both were preoperatively diagnosed with benign thyroid nodule by ultrasonography and fine‐needle aspiration cytology (FNAC). Two mini‐incisions were made in the submental area. The isthmectomy was performed for 1 patient and a right lobectomy for the other.ResultsThis procedure was successfully accomplished in 2 cases. The operative time was 108 minutes and 150 minutes, respectively. No complications occurred. Postoperative hospital stay was 2 days. After 3 months, cosmetic result was satisfactory.ConclusionOur initial experience demonstrates that the TSSPET is feasible and safe for selected patients. Nevertheless, large series and comparative studies could be necessary to further confirm its effectiveness. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 36: E60–E64, 2014
Stepwise Elution of a Three‐phase Solvent System in Centrifugal Partition Extraction: A New Strategy for the Fractionation and Phytochemical Screening of a Crude Bark Extract
Authors: Hamzaoui Mahmoud , Renault Jean‐Hugues , Nuzillard Jean‐Marc , Reynaud Romain , Hubert Jane 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACTIntroductionTree bark represents an interesting source of bioactive molecules for the discovery of new pharmaceutical agents. However, the detailed screening of secondary metabolites in crude bark extracts is often hampered by the presence of tannins, which are difficult to separate from other plant constituents.ObjectiveIn the present study, a new centrifugal partition extraction (CPE) method was developed in order to fractionate a crude bark extract of Anogeissus leiocarpus Guill. & Perr. (Combretaceae).MethodsA three‐phase solvent system composed of n‐heptane, methyl tert‐butyl ether, acetonitrile and water was optimised for the stepwise elution at 20 mL/min of different phytochemical classes according to their hydrophobicity. Onedimensional and two‐dimensional NMR analyses of the simplified fractions were then performed in order to characterise potentially interesting metabolites.ResultsIn one step, 5 g of the initial crude extract were efficiently fractionated to yield highly simplified fractions that contained triterpenes, ellagic acid derivatives, flavonoids and phenolic compounds. All undesired compounds, that is, the highly abundant water‐soluble tannins (78.8%), were totally removed and each run was rapidly achieved in 90 min on a the multi‐gram scale and with low solvent volumes.ConclusionCentrifugal partition extraction in the elution mode using a three‐phase solvent system can thus be proposed as an efficient and cost‐effective alternative for a rapid fractionation of crude bark extracts and for an effective screening of potentially active secondary metabolites. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Density dynamics in some quantum systems
Authors: Khatua Munmun , Chakraborty Debdutta , Chattaraj Pratim Kumar 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThe quantum domain behavior of classical nonintegrable systems is well‐understood by the implementation of quantum fluid dynamics and quantum theory of motion. These approaches properly explain the quantum analogs of the classical Kolmogorov–Arnold–Moser type transitions from regular to chaotic domain in different anharmonic oscillators. Field‐induced tunneling and chaotic ionization in Rydberg atoms are also analyzed with the help of these theories. Quantum fluid density functional theory may be used to understand different time‐dependent processes like ion‐atom/molecule collisions, atom‐field interactions, and so forth. Regioselectivity as well as confined atomic/molecular systems and their reactivity dynamics have also been explained. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Relative magnitudes of sources of uncertainty in assessing climate change impacts on water supply security for the southern Adelaide water supply system
Authors: Paton F. L. , Maier H. R. , Dandy G. C. 
Published: February 2013

Key Points
Characterizing uncertainty for climate change impacted water supply security
Developing a water supply security scenario‐based sensitivity approach
Illustrating the planning value of the approach using a real‐life case study
Routine Use of Simultaneous Laparoendoscopic Approach in Patients with Confirmed Gallbladder and Bile Duct Stones: Fit for Laparoscopy Fit for “Rendezvous”
Authors: Tommasi Cinzia , Bencini Lapo , Bernini Marco , Naspetti Riccardo , Cavallina Giulia , Manetti Roberto , Talamucci Luca , Farsi Marco 
Published: February 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of the present work was to determine the feasibility and efficacy, in terms of equipment coordination and timing, of the laparoendoscopic intraoperative rendezvous technique (RVT) for the treatment of gallbladder and common bile duct stones (CBDS).MethodsThe procedure was considered in 269 unselected patients with a suspicion or preoperative imaging demonstration of CBDS who were fit for laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). Common bile duct stones were confirmed by intraoperative laparoscopic cholangiography (IOC) in only 113 of these patients (42 %). In 17 (15 %) patients the planned procedure was aborted because of organizational problems, mainly the unavailability of endoscopists in the urgent setting. The remaining 96 patients (84 %) underwent a formal attempt at RVT. Intraoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC) was performed, during LC, by means of a guidewire that reached the duodenum through the cystic duct.ResultsIn 18 patients (19 %) the complete procedure failed, either because of difficulty in passing the guidewire through the papilla or because of other technical difficulties that required conversion to laparotomy. An intraoperative ERC was completed in six patients in the classical way (no guidewire) without conversion. No mortality and few complications were recorded (3 % overall: 1 perforation and 2 cholangitis). Retained stones were successively detected in 6 patients (6 %) and successfully retreated by a further ERC. Globally, the one‐stage procedure (with and without the guidewire) was possible in 84 of 96 patients (87 %).ConclusionsThe RVT appears to be effective and safe as it was performed at our institution, with an overall percentage of definitive success (passed guide wire and no further ERC) of 81 %. The RVT should be considered as a good option for the treatment of simultaneous gallstones and CBDS.
Risk factor analysis and prevention of postoperative pancreatic fistula after distal pancreatectomy with stapler use
Authors: Sugimoto Motokazu , Gotohda Naoto , Kato Yuichiro , Takahashi Shinichiro , Kinoshita Takahiro , Shibasaki Hidehito , Nomura Shogo , Konishi Masaru , Kaneko Hironori 
Published: February 2013

AbstractBackgroundPostoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) is a major, intractable complication after distal pancreatectomy (DP). Risk factor evaluation and prevention of this complication are important tasks for pancreatic surgeons.MethodsOne hundred and six patients who underwent DP using a stapler for pancreatic division were retrospectively investigated. The relationship between clinicopathological factors and the incidence of POPF was statistically analyzed.ResultsClinically relevant, Grade B or C POPF by International Study Group of Pancreatic Fistula criteria occurred in 52 patients (49.1 %). Age, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, body mass index, and concomitant gastrointestinal tract resection did not influence the incidence of POPF. Use of a double‐row stapler and a thick pancreatic stump were significant risk factors for POPF in multivariate analysis. Compression index was also shown to be an important factor in cases in which the pancreas was divided by a stapler.ConclusionsThe most important risk factor for POPF after DP was suggested to be the thickness of the pancreatic stump, reflecting the volume of remnant pancreas. A triple‐row stapler seemed to be superior to a double‐row stapler in preventing POPF. However, triple‐row stapler use in a thick pancreas is considered to be a future problem to be solved.
Lipoplex mediated silencing of membrane regulators (CD46, CD55 and CD59) enhances complement‐dependent anti‐tumor activity of trastuzumab and pertuzumab
Authors: Mamidi Srinivas , Cinci Marc , Hasmann Max , Fehring Volker , Kirschfink Michael 
Published: February 2013

The therapeutic potential of anticancer antibodies is limited by the resistance of tumor cells to complement‐mediated attack, primarily through the over‐expression of membrane complement regulatory proteins (mCRPs: CD46, CD55 and CD59). Trastuzumab, an anti‐ HER2 monoclonal antibody, approved for the treatment of HER2‐positive breast and gastric cancers, exerts only minor complement‐mediated cytotoxicity (CDC). Pertuzumab is a novel anti‐HER2 monoclonal antibody, which blocks HER2 dimerization with other ligand‐activated HER family members. Here, we explored the complement‐mediated anti‐tumor effects of trastuzumab and pertuzumab on HER2‐positive tumor cells of various histological origins.Delivery of chemically stabilized anti‐mCRP siRNAs using cationic lipoplexes, AtuPLEXes, to HER2‐over‐expressing BT474, SK‐BR‐3 (breast), SKOV3 (ovarian) and Calu‐3 (lung) cancer cells reduced mCRPs expression by 85–95%. Knockdown of individual complement regulators variably led to increased CDC only upon combined treatment with trastuzumab and pertuzumab. The combined down‐regulation of all the three regulators augmented CDC by 48% in BT474, 46% in SK‐BR‐3 cells, 78% in SKOV3 cells and by 30% in Calu‐3 cells and also increased complement‐induced apoptosis and caspase activity on mCRP neutralized tumor cells. In addition, antibody‐induced C3 opsonization of tumor cells was significantly enhanced after mCRP silencing and further augmented tumor cell killing by macrophages.Our findings suggest that siRNA‐induced inhibition of complement regulator expression clearly enhances complement‐ and macrophage‐mediated anti‐tumor activity of trastuzumab and pertuzumab on HER2‐positive tumor cells. Thus – if selectively targeted to the tumor – siRNA‐induced inhibition of complement regulation may serve as an innovative strategy to potentiate the efficacy of antibody‐based immunotherapy.
Consensus between genes and stones in the biogeographic and evolutionary history of Central America
Authors: Gutiérrez-García Tania Anaid , Vázquez-Domínguez Ella 
Published: February 2013

AbstractResults from genetic and geologic studies can be combined to elucidate some general patterns of the biogeographic and evolutionary history of Central America (CA) and of its biota. Based on an ample review of geologic, biogeographic and genetic studies, our aim was to examine how common genetic patterns can be linked with geologic processes. Considering information about geologic and tectonic evolution of CA, we subdivided the region into four tectonic blocks: Maya, Chortis, Chorotega and Chocó. Species exchange between North/South America and CA encompasses three events: a first migration during the Late Cretaceous–Early Paleocene, a second through a terrestrial corridor preceding the formation of the Isthmus of Panama (IP), and the third involving a major dispersion through the IP. Such events caused similar genetic differentiation patterns and left a signature on the diversification of extant taxa, which we propose as three evolutionary groups: 1) Mayan, characterized by marked genetic structure and divergence, multiple refugia and formation of cryptic species; 2) Mid-CA, defined by high differentiation at the population level and between highland and lowlands, associated with intense volcanic activity; 3) Panamian, distinguished by migration from north to south and vice versa via de IP, with markedly high species divergence and speciation.
Coherent quantum hollow beam creation in a plasma wakefield accelerator
Authors: JOVANOVIĆ D. , FEDELE R. , TANJIA F. , DE NICOLA S. , BELIĆ M. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractA theoretical investigation of the propagation of a relativistic electron (or positron) particle beam in an overdense magnetoactive plasma is carried out within a fluid plasma model, taking into account the individual quantum properties of beam particles. It is demonstrated that the collective character of the particle beam manifests mostly through the self-consistent macroscopic plasma wakefield created by the charge and the current densities of the beam. The transverse dynamics of the beam–plasma system is governed by the Schrödinger equation for a single-particle wavefunction derived under the Hartree mean field approximation, coupled with a Poisson-like equation for the wake potential. These two coupled equations are subsequently reduced to a nonlinear, non-local Schrödinger equation and solved in a strongly non-local regime. An approximate Glauber solution is found analytically in the form of a Hermite–Gauss ring soliton. Such non-stationary (‘breathing’ and ‘wiggling’) coherent structure may be parametrically unstable and the corresponding growth rates are estimated analytically.
Increased Incidence of Escherichia Coli Bacteremia Post-Christchurch Earthquake 2011: Possible Associations
Authors: Schousboe Mona , Lynds Jania , Ambrose Chris 
Published: February 2013

AbstractIntroductionEarthquakes are natural events that contribute to the transmission of infectious diseases. The aim of this research was to determine whether the observed increase in Escherichia coli (E. coli) bloodstream infections (BSI) during the period March-June 2011 was associated with the February 2011 Christchurch earthquake.MethodsDescriptive statistics and spatial distributional analysis techniques were used to quantify patients with E. coli BSI in 2009-2011.ResultsE. coli BSI acquired from non-catheter related urinary tract infection (UTI) was the predominant infection type, with the greatest increase during March-June 2011. Bacteremia incidence was higher in females than in males for 2009-2011. In 2011, the median age of patients was 75 years, and an increase in males acquiring such infections was noted. Spatial distributional analysis failed to show direct association between bacteremia cases and liquefaction-related land damage or drinking water contamination. A higher incidence of E. coli BSI post-earthquake in the eastern suburbs, which tend towards a higher level of socioeconomic deprivation, was observed.ConclusionA number of possible factors contributing to the observed increase in E. coli BSI acquired from UTI in 2011 were considered. Individuals with higher deprivation indices, males and the elderly may be particularly vulnerable to the effects of a major disaster with subsequent breakdown of infrastructure. These findings have important implications in natural disaster situations, and justify development of strategies to identify UTI and pyelonephritis risk factors and to manage E. coli bacteremia incidence rates.SchousboeM, LyndsJ, AmbroseC. Increased incidence of Escherichia Coli bacteremia post-Christchurch earthquake 2011: possible associations. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2013;28(3):1-8.
Apathy in Parkinson's Disease: More Than Just Executive Dysfunction
Authors: Martínez-Horta Saül , Pagonabarraga Javier , Fernández de Bobadilla Ramón , García-Sanchez Carmen , Kulisevsky Jaime 
Published: February 2013

AbstractApathy is a frequent syndrome in Parkinson's disease (PD) usually associated with depression, cognitive impairment (CI), and dementia. Whereas executive dysfunction seems to play a major causative role in the development of apathy in PD, recent findings pointed for the possible participation of other underlying mechanisms in the development of clinically meaningful symptoms of apathy. By means of neuropsychological testing focused over global cognitive functioning, set-shifting, decision making, and cognitive effort, we compared to a control group, a carefully selected sample of PD patients presenting apathy as the only neuropsychiatric symptom and without clinically relevant signs of cognitive impairment. In addition to the previously reported executive dysfunction, apathetic patients also exhibited significant difficulties in tasks assessing for cortical functioning, such as naming and clock drawing. Moreover, apathetic patients performed significantly better on a decision-making task, although any of these differences appeared linked to a lack of effort when performing the tasks. On the basis of our findings, we discuss the possible implication of added mechanisms rather than just executive dysfunction in the development of apathy in PD. (JINS, 2013, 19, 1–12.)
Trends in dietary intake in Switzerland, 1999 to 2009
Authors: Abreu Daisy , Cardoso Isabel , Gaspoz Jean-Michel , Guessous Idris , Marques-Vidal Pedro 
Published: February 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo assess nutrition trends of the Geneva population for the period 1999–2009.DesignBus Santé Geneva study, which conducts annual health surveys in random samples of the Geneva population. Dietary intake was assessed using a validated FFQ and trends were assessed by linear regression.SettingPopulation-based survey.SubjectsData from 9283 participants (50 % women, mean age 51·5 (sd10·8) years) were analysed.ResultsIn both genders total energy intake decreased from 1999 to 2009, by 2·9 % in men and by 6·3 % in women (both trendsP< 0·005). Vegetable protein and total carbohydrate intakes, expressed as a percentage of total energy intake, increased in women. MUFA intake increased while SFA, PUFA and alcohol intakes decreased in both genders. Intakes of Ca, Fe and carotene decreased in both genders. No changes in fibre, vitamin D and vitamin A intakes were found. Similar findings were obtained after excluding participants with extreme dietary intakes, except that the decreases in SFA, vegetable protein and carbohydrate were no longer significant in women.ConclusionsBetween 1999 and 2009, a small decrease in total energy intake was noted in the Geneva population. Although the decrease in alcohol and SFA intakes is of interest, the decrease in Ca and Fe intakes may have adverse health effects in the future.
Beam-Induced Motion of Adatoms in the Transmission Electron Microscope
Authors: Egerton R.F. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractEquations governing the elastic scattering of electrons are applied to the knock-on displacement of atoms along a substrate, yielding analytical expressions for the surface-translation energy, threshold incident energy, and displacement rate. For a surface perpendicular to the incident beam, scattering angles around 90° contribute most to the kinetic energy of surface atoms. Tilting the specimen lowers the threshold incident energy for displacement and leads to anisotropy in the atomic motion but has little effect on the directionally-averaged displacement rate. The rate of beam-induced adatom motion is predicted to exceed that of room-temperature thermal motion when the surface-diffusion energy is greater than about 0.5 eV.
Variability of winds in X-ray binaries
Authors: Trigo M. Díaz , Boirin L. , Migliari S. , Miller-Jones J. , Parmar A. , Sidoli L. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractWe discuss the variability of winds in two low-mass X-ray binaries, GX 13+1 and 4U 1630-47. XMM-Newton observations of these sources show that strong, photoionised winds with column densities well above 1022 cm−2 can be present in both neutron star and black hole LMXBs. Such winds can fade significantly due to changes in the flux or spectral hardness of the continuum. In particular, a decrease of column density and/or an increase of ionisation are measured when the flux increases or the spectrum hardens. We show how variability studies can help us to understand what triggers changes in the wind and discuss the limitations of current instruments for such studies.