bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Circulating interleukin-6 and cancer: A meta-analysis using Mendelian randomization
Authors: Tian Geng , Mi Jia , Wei Xiaodan , Zhao Dongmei , Qiao Lingyan , Yang Chunhua , Li Xianglin , Zhang Shuping , Li Xuri , Wang Bin 
Published: June 2015

AbstractInterleukin-6 (IL-6) plays a contributory role in the progression and severity of many forms of cancer; it however remains unclear whether the relevance between circulating IL-6 and cancer is causal. We therefore meta-analyzed published articles in this regard using IL-6 gene -174G/C variant as an instrument. Seventy-eight and six articles were eligible for the association of -174G/C variant with cancer and circulating IL-6, respectively. Overall analyses failed to identify any significance between -174G/C and cancer risk. In Asians, carriers of the -174CC genotype had an 1.95-fold increased cancer risk compared with the -174GG genotype carriers (P = 0.009). By cancer type, significance was only attained for liver cancer with the -174C allele conferring a reduced risk under allelic (odds ratio or OR = 0.74; P = 0.001), homozygous genotypic (OR = 0.59; P = 0.029) and dominant (OR = 0.67; P = 0.004) models. Carriers of the -174CC genotype (weighted mean difference or WMD = −4.23 pg/mL; P < 0.001) and -174C allele (WMD = −3.43 pg/mL; P < 0.001) had circulating IL-6 reduced significantly compared with the non-carriers. In further Mendelian randomization analysis, a reduction of 1 pg/mL in circulating IL-6 was significantly associated with an 12% reduced risk of liver cancer. Long-term genetically-reduced circulating IL-6 might be causally associated with a lower risk of liver cancer.
Lipid droplets as a novel cargo of tunnelling nanotubes in endothelial cells
Authors: Astanina Ksenia , Koch Marcus , Jüngst Christian , Zumbusch Andreas , Kiemer Alexandra K. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractIntercellular communication is a fundamental process in the development and functioning of multicellular organisms. Recently, an essentially new type of intercellular communication, based on thin membrane channels between cells, has been reported. These structures, termed intercellular or tunnelling nanotubes (TNTs), permit the direct exchange of various components or signals (e.g., ions, proteins, or organelles) between non-adjacent cells at distances over 100 μm. Our studies revealed the presence of tunnelling nanotubes in microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC-1). The TNTs were studied with live cell imaging, environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) and coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering spectroscopy (CARS). Tunneling nanotubes showed marked persistence: the TNTs could connect cells over long distances (up to 150 μm) for several hours. Several cellular organelles were present in TNTs, such as lysosomes and mitochondria. Moreover, we could identify lipid droplets as a novel type of cargo in the TNTs. Under angiogenic conditions (VEGF treatment) the number of lipid droplets increased significantly. Arachidonic acid application not only increased the number of lipid droplets but also tripled the extent of TNT formation. Taken together, our results provide the first demonstration of lipid droplets as a cargo of TNTs and thereby open a new field in intercellular communication research.
Synthesis of chiral polymorph A-enriched zeolite Beta with an extremely concentrated fluoride route
Authors: Tong Mingquan , Zhang Daliang , Fan Weibin , Xu Jun , Zhu Liangkui , Guo Wen , Yan Wenfu , Yu Jihong , Qiu Shilun , Wang Jianguo , Deng Feng , Xu Ruren 
Published: June 2015

AbstractChiral zeolitic materials with intrinsically chiral frameworks are highly desired because they can combine both shape selectivity and enantioselectivity. In the field of zeolite, the synthesis of chiral polymorph A of zeolite Beta or chiral polymorph A-enriched zeolite Beta is one of the biggest challenges. We demonstrate here a generalized extremely concentrated fluoride route for the synthesis of chiral polymorph A-enriched zeolite Beta in the presence of five achiral organic structure-directing agents. The polymorph A-enriched Ti-Beta shows a higher enantioselectivity for the asymmetric epoxidation of alkenes than the normal Ti-Beta.
Association between interleukin-18 gene polymorphism and Helicobacter pylori infection in the Korean population
Authors: Myung Dae-Seong , Lee Wan-Sik , Park Young-Lan , Kim Nuri , Oh Hyung-Hoon , Kim Mi-Young , Oak Chan-Young , Chung Cho-Yun , Park Hyung-Chul , Kim Jong-Sun , Cho Sung-Bum , Kweon Sun-Seog , Joo Young-Eun 
Published: June 2015

AbstractInterleukin-18 (IL-18) is a pleiotropic, pro-inflammatory cytokine that is capable of promoting the Th1 response. A predominant Th1 response induces chronic and persistent inflammatory changes in the gastric mucosa in response to Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential association between IL-18 gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to H. pylori infection in the Korean population. A total of 678 subjects who underwent a routine health check-up were enrolled. The IL-18 gene polymorphisms at positions −656, −607, −137, +113, and +127 were genotyped. H. pylori positivity was demonstrated in 456 subjects (67.3%). The allele frequencies of IL-18 gene polymorphisms at position −137 (rs187238) were different based on the status of H. pylori infection (G vs. C, adjusted OR 0.64 CI: 0.47–0.87, P = 0.005). The results indicate that the genetic variants in the IL-18 gene may be associated with susceptibility to H. pylori infection in the Korean population, suggesting that IL-18 plays a role in the pathogenesis of H. pylori-associated diseases. However, this finding requires further replication and validation.
Detection of highly conductive surface electron states in topological crystalline insulators Pb1−xSnxSe using laser terahertz radiation
Authors: Egorova S. G. , Chernichkin V. I. , Ryabova L. I. , Skipetrov E. P. , Yashina L. V. , Danilov S. N. , Ganichev S. D. , Khokhlov D. R. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractWe suggest a method for detection of highly conductive surface electron states including topological ones. The method is based on measurements of the photoelectromagnetic effect using terahertz laser pulses. In contrast to conventional transport measurements, the method is not sensitive to the bulk conductivity. The method is demonstrated on an example of topological crystalline insulators Pb1−xSnxSe. It is shown that highly conductive surface electron states are present in Pb1−xSnxSe both in the inverse and direct electron energy spectrum.
Validation of a criteria-specific long-term survival prediction model for hepatocellular carcinoma patients after liver transplantation
Authors: Teng Fei , Han Qiu-Cheng , Ding Guo-Shan , Ni Zhi-Jia , Fu Hong , Guo Wen-Yuan , Shi Xiao-Min , Gao Xiao-Gang , Ma Jun , Fu Zhi-Ren 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThe aim of this study was to validate a criteria-specific long-term survival prediction model (MHCAT) in a large cohort of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients after liver transplantation (LT) in China. Independent risk factors in MHCAT were retrospectively analysed for HCC patients recorded in the China Liver Transplant Registry. Survival predictions for each patient were calculated using MHCAT scores and the Metroticket formula separately and the prediction efficacy of MHCAT and Metroticket was compared using the area under ROC curve (c-statistic). A total of 1371 LTs for HCC were analysed in the study, with a median follow-up of 22.2 months (IQR 6.1–72.4 months). The proportions meeting the Milan, UCSF, Fudan and Hangzhou criteria were 34.4%, 39.7%, 44.2% and 51.9%, respectively. The c-statistics for MHCAT predictions of 3- and 5-year survival rates of HCC recipients were 0.712–0.727 and 0.726–0.741, respectively. Among these patients, 1298 LTs for HCC were ultimately selected for the comparison analysis for prediction efficacy. The c-statistic of MHCAT for predictions of 3-year survival with reference to the Milan, UCSF and Fudan criteria was significantly increased compared with that for Metroticket (p < 0.05). In conclusion, MHCAT can effectively predict long-term survival for HCC recipients after LT.
30 GHz bandwidth 850 nm VCSEL with sub‐100 fJ/bit energy dissipation at 25–50 Gbit/s
Authors: Haglund E. , Westbergh P. , Gustavsson J.S. , Haglund E.P. , Larsson A. , Geen M. , Joel A. 
Published: June 2015

A high‐speed and energy‐efficient oxide‐confined 850 nm vertical‐cavity surface‐emitting laser (VCSEL) for optical interconnects is presented. A record‐high modulation bandwidth of 30 GHz is reached for a 3.5 µm oxide aperture VCSEL, with 25 GHz bandwidth already at a bias current of 1.8 mA. The high bandwidth at low currents enables energy‐efficient transmission with a dissipated heat energy in the VCSEL of <100 fJ/bit at 25, 40 and 50 Gbit/s.
Easily fabricated 60 GHz WR15/MSL transition to measure apparent reflection coefficient of differentially fed patch antennas
Authors: Hamouda C. , Poussot B. , Villegas M. , Laheurte J.‐M. 
Published: June 2015

A new procedure to measure the apparent reflection coefficient of differential patch antennas at 60 GHz is described. The measurement method makes use of two WR15/microstrip‐line (MSL) transitions which are simple to realise. The experimental results are compared with simulated results. This comparison emphasises the limited effect of transition losses on measurement accuracy.
Ultra‐compact lumped element cross‐over
Authors: Arigong Bayaner , Zhou Mi , Ren Han , Shao Jin , Ding Jun , Kim Hyoungsoo , Zhang Hualiang 
Published: June 2015

A novel ultra‐compact wide‐band microwave cross‐over using lumped components is presented for the first time. The proposed cross‐over is composed by inductors and capacitors, and the explicit design equations are derived based on the even–odd mode method. The size of the proposed cross‐over is 1 × 1 cm2, and the bandwidth is 20–30%. Full‐wave electromagnetic simulations are performed and an experimental prototype is fabricated to demonstrate the novel design concept. The measurement results match well with the theoretical and numerical results.
Bulk- and layer-heterojunction phototransistors based on poly [2-methoxy-5-(2′-ethylhexyloxy-p-phenylenevinylene)] and PbS quantum dot hybrids
Authors: Song Xiaoxian , Zhang Yating , Wang Ran , Cao Mingxuan , Che Yongli , Wang Jianlong , Wang Haiyan , Jin Lufan , Dai Haitao , Ding Xin , Zhang Guizhong , Yao Jianquan 
Published: June 2015

The responsivity (R) of a thin film photodetector is proportional to the product of its photo-induced carrier density (n) and mobility (μ). However, when choosing between layer heterojunction (LH) and bulk heterojunction (BH) field-effect phototransistors (FEpTs), it is still unclear which of the two device structures is more conducive to photodetection. A comparison study is performed on the two structures based on polymer and PbS quantum dot hybrids. Both devices exhibit ambipolar behavior, with μE ≈ μH = 3.7 cm2 V−1 s−1 for BH-FEpTs and μH = 36 cm2 V−1 s−1 and μE = 52 cm2 V−1 s−1 for LH-FEpTs. Because of the improvements in μ and the channel order degree (α), the responsivity of LH-FEpTs is as high as 101 A/W, which is as much as two orders of magnitude higher than that of BH-FEpTs (10−1A/W) under the same conditions. Although the large area of the BH improves both the exciton separation degree (β) and n in the BH-FEpT, the lack of an effective transport mechanism becomes the main constraint on high device responsivity. Therefore, LH-FEpTs are better candidates for use as photo detectors, and a “three-high” principle of high α, β, and μ is found to be required for high responsivity.
At the request of the authors, this article is being retracted effective 23 February 2017.
Quadrupole distribution generated by a laser induced plasma (LIP) in air in earliest instants using pulses of 532 or 355 nm
Authors: Paulin-Fuentes J Mauricio , Sánchez-Aké C , Bredice Fausto O , Villagrán-Muniz Mayo 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
The self-generated electric and magnetic fields in laser induced plasmas (LIPs) in air during the first 40 ns are experimentally investigated using different electric, magnetic and optical techniques. To produce LIPs we used the second and third harmonics (532 and 355 nm) of a Nd:YAG nanosecond pulsed laser with a range of irradiance from

to

W

. The variation in time of the electric field was detected using the tip of a coaxial cable, and the spontaneous magnetic field (SMF) was measured using a

probe. The spatial and temporal evolution of the plasma was studied using shadowgraphy and fast photography. It was observed that produced LIPs using pulses of 532 and 355 nm, generate plasmas of double core over the laser axis, while we observed that produced LIPs by pulses of 1064 nm are composed of a single core plasma. We found that the double-core plasmas have a quadrupole distribution of the charge, consisting of two oppositely directed dipoles which in turn correspond to each plasma core. The magnetic diagnostic showed an oscillating magnetic field azimuthal to the main axis of the double-plasma.
IBiSS, a versatile and interactive tool for integrated sequence and 3D structure analysis of large macromolecular complexes
Authors: Beinsteiner Brice , Michalon Jonathan , Klaholz Bruno P. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractMotivation: In the past few years, an increasing number of crystal and cryo electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of large macromolecular complexes, such as the ribosome or the RNA polymerase, have become available from various species. These multi-subunit complexes can be difficult to analyze at the level of amino acid sequence in combination with the 3D structural organization of the complex. Therefore, novel tools for simultaneous analysis of structure and sequence information of complex assemblies are required to better understand the basis of molecular mechanisms and their functional implications.Results: Here, we present a web-based tool, Integrative Biology of Sequences and Structures (IBiSS), which is designed for interactively displaying 3D structures and selected sequences of subunits from large macromolecular complexes thus allowing simultaneous structure-sequence analysis such as conserved residues involved in catalysis or protein-protein interfaces. This tool comprises a Graphic User Interface and uses a rapid-access internal database, containing the relevant pre-aligned multiple sequences across all species available and 3D structural information. These annotations are automatically retrieved and updated from UniProt and crystallographic and cryo-EM data available in the Protein Data Bank (PDB) and Electron Microscopy Data Bank (EMDB).Availability and implementation: The database contains all currently available structures of ribosomes, RNA polymerases, nucleosomes, proteasome, photosystem I and II complexes. IBiSS is available at http://ibiss.igbmc.frContact: klaholz@igbmc.fr
Lived Experiences of “Illness Uncertainty” of Iranian Cancer Patients
Authors: Sajjadi Moosa , Rassouli Maryam , Abbaszadeh Abbas , Brant Jeannine , Majd Hamid Alavi 
Published: June 2015

Background:For cancer patients, uncertainty is a pervasive experience and a major psychological stressor that affects many aspects of their lives. Uncertainty is a multifaceted concept, and its understanding for patients depends on many factors, including factors associated with various sociocultural contexts. Unfortunately, little is known about the concept of uncertainty in Iranian society and culture.Objectives:This study aimed to clarify the concept and explain lived experiences of illness uncertainty in Iranian cancer patients.Methods:In this hermeneutic phenomenological study, 8 cancer patients participated in semistructured in-depth interviews about their experiences of uncertainty in illness. Interviews continued until data saturation was reached. All interviews were recorded, transcribed, analyzed, and interpreted using 6 stages of the van Manen phenomenological approach.Results:Seven main themes emerged from patients’ experiences of illness uncertainty of cancer. Four themes contributed to uncertainty including “Complexity of Cancer,” “Confusion About Cancer,” “Contradictory Information,” and “Unknown Future.” Two themes facilitated coping with uncertainty including “Seeking Knowledge” and “Need for Spiritual Peace.” One theme, “Knowledge Ambivalence,” revealed the struggle between wanting to know and not wanting to know, especially if bad news was delivered.Conclusion:Uncertainty experience for cancer patients in different societies is largely similar. However, some experiences (eg, ambiguity in access to medical resources) seemed unique to Iranian patients.Implications for Practice:This study provided an outlook of cancer patients’ experiences of illness uncertainty in Iran. Cancer patients’ coping ability to deal with uncertainty can be improved.
Home visits: a reflection on family contact in a specialist forensic intellectual disability service
Authors: Cheshire Lucinda , Chester Verity , Graham Alex , Grace Jackie , Alexander Regi T 
Published: June 2015

Purpose
– There is little published literature about the number of home visits provided to patients within forensic intellectual disability units, and there is no published data on variables that affect home visits. There is a need for a baseline audit that can formulate standards for future practice. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach
– This paper describes the home visit programme within a forensic intellectual disability service, and a baseline audit of the programme. The audit measured the number of home visits, any factors that adversely affect home visits, and the extent of family contact. The authors propose audit standards for evaluation of good practice in this area.

Findings
– The audit involved 63 patients over a one-year period. In total, 81 per cent of patients had some form of family contact and 54 per cent of patients at least one home visit. However, 19 per cent of patients had no contact with their family due to a variety of reasons. There were no significant differences in the number of home visits between men and women, patients on civil vs criminal sections or those treated “within area” or “out of area”. Patients in rehabilitation wards had significantly more visits than those in low or medium secure.

Originality/value
– Conventional wisdom is that reduced family contact is the direct result of patients being placed “out of area”. The results of this audit suggest that, at least in this group, the reasons may be much more nuanced and that the current definition of “out of area” has to be improved to incorporate the actual distance between the patient’s current family home and the service. Audit standards have been proposed to monitor family contact and home visits. Future work should focus on the relationship between family contact and treatment outcomes.
Improving the detection of detainees with suspected intellectual disability in police custody
Authors: McKinnon Iain , Thorp Julie , Grubin Don 
Published: June 2015

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is twofold. First to ascertain the efficacy of current police reception screening to detect detainees with intellectual disability (ID). Second to assess the validity of a short targeted screen for ID among police custody detainees.Design/methodology/approach– The study comprised three stages. First, 248 police custody detainees were assessed for a range of health morbidities, including a pragmatic clinical evaluation of ID. For those with suspected ID, the police custody screens were scrutinised for evidence that this had been detected. Second, a new police health screen, incorporating a short screen for ID, was piloted. Totally, 351 detainees were assessed in the same way as in part 1 with the new screens being scrutinised for evidence that ID had been detected where relevant. Third, the new police screen for ID was validated among a sample of 64 inpatients, some with ID and some without, from forensic inpatient services. Parts 1 and 2 were carried out in the Metropolitan Police Service, London. Part 3 took place in one NHS Trust.Findings– In parts 1 and 2, the rate of detainees with suspected ID was 2-3 per cent. The standard police screen detected 25 per cent of these detainees in part 1. When the new screen was introduced in part 2, the sensitivity for ID increased to 83 per cent. However, there was no requisite improvement in the proportion of detainees with ID receiving an Appropriate Adult. In the inpatient study, the new screen showed a good level of sensitivity (91 per cent) and reasonable specificity (63 per cent).Practical implications– It is possible to improve the detection rate of detainees with suspected ID by introducing a short ID screen into the police custody officers’ reception health screen.Originality/value– The Health Screening of People in Police Custody (HELP-PC) study is a project evaluating screening for health morbidity among police custody detainees. Other data from this study have been reported elsewhere, but this is the first time the data pertaining to ID screening has been reported in detail.
Exit the king. Enter the maid
Authors: Peterson Helen 
Published: June 2015

Purpose
– The aims of this paper are twofold: first, to explore if and how management ideals are gendered within the context of Swedish higher education management and second, to investigate if and how the gendered character of these ideals has been challenged by new managerialism.

Design/methodology/approach
– The paper draws on qualitative semi-structured interviews with 22 women in senior academic management positions (Vice Chancellors, Pro Vice Chancellors, Deans and Pro deans) in ten Swedish higher education institutions. Discourse analysis is used to explore the constructions of the management ideal in the interviews.

Findings
– The paper identifies how the interviewed women managers constructed two different management ideals: one old-fashioned and traditional masculine ideal that was superseded by a feminine ideal that they identified themselves with. The masculine ideal was presented as being replaced by the feminine ideal due to the restructuring of higher education and the reforms in line with new managerialism. However, the feminine ideal was also associated with a number of professional challenges.

Originality/value
– The research study is limited to management in the higher education sector, but the results have general implications as it adds richness to our understanding of the gendered effects of new managerialism. However, the paper builds on a small qualitative study with women only interviews. The paper is therefore to be considered as explorative. More research is needed, especially including men.