bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Three-Query Locally Decodable Codes with Higher Correctness Require Exponential Length
Authors: Gal Anna , Mills Andrew 
Published: February 2012

Locally decodable codes are error-correcting codes with the extra property that, in order to retrieve the value of a single input position, it is sufficient to read a small number of positions of the codeword. We refer to the probability of getting the correct value as the
correctness
of the decoding algorithm.

A breakthrough result by Yekhanin [2007] showed that 3-query linear locally decodable codes may have subexponential length. The construction of Yekhanin, and the three query constructions that followed, achieve correctness only up to a certain limit which is 1 − 3
δ
for nonbinary codes, where an adversary is allowed to corrupt up to
δ
fraction of the codeword. The largest correctness for a subexponential length 3-query binary code is achieved in a construction by Woodruff [2008], and it is below 1 − 3
δ
.

We show that achieving slightly larger correctness (as a function of
δ
) requires exponential codeword length for 3-query codes. Previously, there were no larger than quadratic lower bounds known for locally decodable codes with more than 2 queries, even in the case of 3-query linear codes. Our lower bounds hold for linear codes over arbitrary finite fields and for binary nonlinear codes. Considering larger number of queries, we obtain lower bounds for q-query codes for
q
> 3, under certain assumptions on the decoding algorithm that have been commonly used in previous constructions. We also prove bounds on the largest correctness achievable by these decoding algorithms, regardless of the length of the code. Our results explain the limitations on correctness in previous constructions using such decoding algorithms. In addition, our results imply trade-offs on the parameters of error-correcting data structures.
Biospecimens and Biorepositories: From Afterthought to Science
Authors: Vaught Jimmie B. , Henderson Marianne K. , Compton Carolyn C. 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
Biospecimens are recognized as critical components of biomedical research, from basic studies to clinical trials and epidemiologic investigations. Biorepositories have existed in various forms for more than 150 years, from early small collections in pathology laboratories to modern automated facilities managing millions of samples. As collaborative science has developed, it has been recognized that biospecimens must be of consistent quality. Recent years have seen a proliferation of best practices and the recognition of the field of “biospecimen science.” The future of this field will depend on the development of more evidence-based practices in both the research and clinical settings. As the field matures, educating a new generation of biospecimen/biobanking scientists will be an important need. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 21(2); 253–5. ©2012 AACR.
Gradients of the Intergenerational Transmission of Health in Developing Countries
Authors: Bhalotra Sonia , Rawlings Samantha 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThis paper investigates the sensitivity of the intergenerational transmission of health to changes in the socioeconomic and public health environment into which children are born using individual survey data on 2.24 million children born to 600,000 mothers during the period 1970 to 2000 in 38 developing countries merged by country and cohort with macroeconomic data. We find that children are more likely to bear the penalty exerted by poor maternal health if they are conceived or born in adverse socioeconomic conditions. Equivalently, shocks to the child's birth environment are more damaging of children born to women with weaker health at birth.
Does pulsatile perfusion improve outcome after cardiac surgery? a propensity-matched analysis of 1959 patients
Authors: Baraki H , Gohrbandt B , Del Bagno B , Haverich A , Boethig D , Kutschka I 
Published: February 2012

Objective: We analyzed the influence of pulsatile perfusion on recovery after coronary bypass grafting (CABG) or aortic valve replacement (AVR). Patients and Methods: Between January 2008 and December 2010, 1959 consecutive patients underwent CABG, AVR, or both. The choice for pulsatile perfusion (PP, n=220) or non-pulsatile perfusion (NPP, n=1739) was made by the surgeon. Patient propensity score to receive PP or NPP was calculated according to 15 preoperative variables. Resulting propensity scores, logistic EuroSCORE, perfusion type and surgeon were analyzed to evaluate their role for mortality, length of postoperative ICU and hospital stay (LOHS), transfusion requirements and renal function. Risk stratified non-parametric univariate analyses and propensity adjusted multivariate analyses were performed. Results: EuroSCORE and hospital mortality did not differ significantly between PP and NPP. EuroSCORE was the best predictive factor for all examined variables (p<0.001). PP was superior concerning LOHS (p=0.019) and this benefit increased with higher logistic EuroSCORE. The surgeon significantly influenced ventilation time, ICU stay and transfusion requirements. Conclusion: Pulsatile perfusion did not influence perioperative outcome parameters, renal function and mortality, but resulted in shorter hospital stay, especially in critically ill patients.
Defining the palliative care patient: A systematic review
Authors: Van Mechelen Wouter , Aertgeerts Bert , De Ceulaer Karolien , Thoonsen Bregje , Vermandere Mieke , Warmenhoven Franca , Van Rijswijk Eric , De Lepeleire Jan 
Published: February 2012

Background: The lack of a clear definition of the palliative care patient hampers the comparison of results across different studies and impedes implementation of research findings in everyday practice. Aim: The aim of this article is to propose minimum characteristics that define a palliative care patient. Design: The design involved a systematic review of medical literature searching randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in palliative care for clear descriptions of their palliative care patients. We systematically describe relevant characteristics of the study populations of 60 eligible RCTs. Data sources: The data sources used were MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and PSYCHINFO, including all non-cancer RCTs (1 January 1995–4 March 2010) and an equivalent number of the most recent cancer RCTs (1 January 2003–4 March 2010). Results: Half of the non-cancer studies were excluded because they did not relate to palliative care. We conclude that published RCTs have no clear definitions of their palliative care patients and illustrate the diversity of this patient, the lack of consensus concerning the attributes of illnesses needing palliation and the ambiguous use of the adjective ‘palliative’. Conclusions: We propose elements of the patients’ health status (e.g. a progressive, life-threatening disease with no possibility of obtaining remission or stabilisation, or modifying the course of the illness) and the care delivered to them (e.g. a holistic interdisciplinary approach that focuses on supporting the quality of the end of life) to be included in the definition of a palliative care patient. We also suggest considering the patients’ readiness to accept palliative care and a vision of palliative care shared by the patient and all caregivers involved as potentially important elements in this definition.
Negotiating the Boundary Between Paid and Unpaid Hospice Workers
Authors: Field-Richards Sarah E. , Arthur Antony 
Published: February 2012

Objective: To explore the nurse–volunteer relationship in a day hospice. Method: Underpinned by an interpretive approach, face-to-face semistructured interviews were conducted with 12 day hospice volunteers. Findings: The nature and dynamics of the relationship between nursing staff and volunteers within the day hospice were characterized by increasing formality and changes in the division of labor, which challenged smooth working relationships. Conclusions: Volunteers see their role as becoming increasingly formalized partly as a response to increasing administrative demands on hospice nurses. The willingness of volunteers to take on new roles is variable. For volunteers to feel secure and valued and working relationships to remain strong, the process of how boundaries between paid and unpaid workers are negotiated needs to be transparent.
Time to Return to Play After High Ankle Sprains in Collegiate Football Players
Authors: Miller Bruce S. , Downie Brian K. , Johnson Philip D. , Schmidt Paul W. , Nordwall Stephen J. , Kijek Theresa G. , Jacobson Jon A. , Carpenter James E. 
Published: February 2012

Background: Determining the severity of high ankle sprains in athletes and predicting the time that an athlete can return to unrestricted sport activities following this injury remain significant challenges. Purpose: The objectives of this study were (1) to determine if objective measurements of injury severity after high ankle sprains could predict the time to return to play in Division I football players and (2) to determine whether physical examination or diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound was more predictive of return to play. The hypothesis was that objective measures of injury severity of a high ankle sprain can be predictive of time to return to athletic participation in collegiate football players. Study Design: Prospective case series. Methods: Twenty consecutive Division I collegiate football players with a diagnosis of a grade I high ankle sprain (syndesmosis sprain without diastasis) were studied. Two clinical measurements of injury severity were determined: the height of the zone of injury on physical examination and the height of the zone of injury as defined by diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound examination. All athletes followed a standardized treatment program and return-to-play criteria. A regression model and Cox proportional hazards model were developed to determine time to return to unrestricted play as a function of injury severity and player position. Results: Physical examination but not ultrasound was significantly correlated with time to return to play. Regression and Cox analyses revealed that injury severity on physical examination and player position were significant predictors of time to return to unrestricted play following high ankle sprain. Conclusions: Injury severity on physical examination and player position are associated with the time to return to unrestricted athletic activity after injury. A model based on the data can be applied to help predict the time to return to unrestricted play in Division I collegiate football players following high ankle sprain.
Second malignancies after multiple myeloma: from 1960s to 2010s
Authors: Thomas Anish , Mailankody Sham , Korde Neha , Kristinsson Sigurdur Y. , Turesson Ingemar , Landgren Ola 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBased on small numbers, recent reports from 3 randomized trials have consistently demonstrated more hematologic malignancies in patients treated with lenalidomide as maintenance (vs placebo). This fact has prompted concern and highlighted the association between multiple myeloma and second malignancies. Furthermore, an excess of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) after multiple myeloma has been known for over 4 decades. Most prior studies have been restricted because of small numbers of patients, inadequate follow-up, and limitations of ascertainment of second malignancies. Although the underlying biologic mechanisms of AML/MDS after multiple myeloma are unknown, treatment-related factors are presumed to be responsible. Recently, an excess risk of AML/MDS was found among 5652 patients with IgG/IgA (but not IgM) monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance, supporting a role for disease-related factors. Furthermore, there is evidence to suggest that polymorphisms in germline genes may contribute to a person's susceptibility to subsequent cancers, whereas the potential influence of environmental and behavioral factors remains poorly understood. This review discusses current knowledge regarding second malignancies after multiple myeloma and gives future directions for efforts designed to characterize underlying biologic mechanisms, with the goal to maximize survival and minimize the risk for second malignancies for individual patients.
Fibroblast growth factor 19 expression correlates with tumor progression and poorer prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Miura Seiki , Mitsuhashi Noboru , Shimizu Hiroaki , Kimura Fumio , Yoshidome Hiroyuki , Otsuka Masayuki , Kato Atsushi , Shida Takashi , Okamura Daiki , Miyazaki Masaru 
Published: February 2012

Abstract

Background
Although fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19) can promote liver carcinogenesis in mice, its involvement in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has not been well investigated. FGF19, a member of the FGF family, has unique specificity for its receptor FGFR4. This study aimed to clarify the involvement of FGF19 in the development of HCC.

Methods
We investigated human FGF19 and FGFR4 expression in 40 hepatocellular carcinoma specimens using quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis and immunohistochemistry. Moreover, we examined the expression and the distribution of FGF19 and FGFR4 in 5 hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines (HepG2, HuH7, HLE, HLF, and JHH7) using RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. To test the role of the FGF19/FGFR4 system in tumor progression, we used recombinant FGF19 protein and small interfering RNA (siRNA) of FGF19 and FGFR4 to regulate their concentrations.

Results
We found that FGF19 was significantly overexpressed in HCCs as compared with corresponding noncancerous liver tissue (P < 0.05). Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that the tumor FGF19 mRNA expression was an independent prognostic factor for overall and disease-free survival. Moreover, we found that the FGF19 recombinant protein could increase the proliferation (P < 0.01, n = 12) and invasion (P < 0.01, n = 6) capabilities of human hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines and inhibited their apoptosis (P < 0.01, n = 12). Inversely, decreasing FGF19 and FGFR4 expression by siRNA significantly inhibited proliferation and increased apoptosis in JHH7 cells (P < 0.01, n = 12). The postoperative serum FGF19 levels in HCC patients was significantly lower than the preoperative levels (P < 0.01, n = 29).

Conclusions
FGF19 is critically involved in the development of HCCs. Targeting FGF19 inhibition is an attractive potential therapeutic strategy for HCC.
Peripheral T-lymphocytes express WNT7A and its restoration in leukemia-derived lymphoblasts inhibits cell proliferation
Authors: Ochoa-Hernández Alejandra B , Ramos-Solano Moisés , Meza-Canales Ivan D , García-Castro Beatriz , Rosales-Reynoso Mónica A , Rosales-Aviña Judith A , Barrera-Chairez Esperanza , Ortíz-Lazareno Pablo C , Hernández-Flores Georgina , Bravo-Cuellar Alejandro , Jave-Suarez Luis F , Barros-Núñez Patricio , Aguilar-Lemarroy Adriana 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBackgroundWNT7a, a member of the Wnt ligand family implicated in several developmental processes, has also been reported to be dysregulated in some types of tumors; however, its function and implication in oncogenesis is poorly understood. Moreover, the expression of this gene and the role that it plays in the biology of blood cells remains unclear. In addition to determining the expression of theWNT7Agene in blood cells, in leukemia-derived cell lines, and in samples of patients with leukemia, the aim of this study was to seek the effect of this gene in proliferation.MethodsWe analyzed peripheral blood mononuclear cells, sorted CD3 and CD19 cells, four leukemia-derived cell lines, and blood samples from 14 patients with Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), and 19 clinically healthy subjects. Reverse transcription followed by quantitative Real-time Polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis were performed to determine relativeWNT7Aexpression. Restoration of WNT7a was done employing a lentiviral system and by using a recombinant human protein. Cell proliferation was measured by addition of WST-1 to cell cultures.ResultsWNT7a is mainly produced by CD3 T-lymphocytes, its expression decreases upon activation, and it is severely reduced in leukemia-derived cell lines, as well as in the blood samples of patients with ALL when compared with healthy controls (p≤0.001). By restoringWNT7Aexpression in leukemia-derived cells, we were able to demonstrate that WNT7a inhibits cell growth. A similar effect was observed when a recombinant human WNT7a protein was used. Interestingly, restoration ofWNT7Aexpression in Jurkat cells did not activate the canonical Wnt/β-catenin pathway.ConclusionsTo our knowledge, this is the first report evidencing quantitatively decreasedWNT7Alevels in leukemia-derived cells and thatWNT7Arestoration in T-lymphocytes inhibits cell proliferation. In addition, our results also support the possible function ofWNT7Aas a tumor suppressor gene as well as a therapeutic tool.
Why is high-risk drinking more prevalent among men than women? evidence from South Korea
Authors: Chung Woojin , Lim Seungji , Lee Sunmi 
Published: February 2012

Abstract

Background
It is important to identify and quantify the factors that affect gender differences in high-risk drinking (HRD), from both an academic and a policy perspective. However, little is currently known about them. This study examines these factors and estimates the percentage contribution each makes to gender differences in HRD.

Methods
This study analyzed information on 23,587 adults obtained from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Surveys of 1998, 2001, and 2005. It found that the prevalence of HRD was about 5 times higher among men (0.37) than women (0.08). Using a decomposition approach extended from the Oaxaca-Blinder method, we decomposed the gender difference in HRD to an "overall composition effect" (contributions due to gender differences in the distribution of observed socio-economic characteristics), and an "overall HRD-tendency effect" (contributions due to gender differences in tendencies in HRD for individuals who share socio-economic characteristics).

Results
The HRD-tendency effect accounted for 96% of the gender difference in HRD in South Korea, whereas gender differences in observed socio-economic characteristics explained just 4% of the difference. Notably, the gender-specific HRD-tendency effect accounts for 90% of the gender difference in HRD.

Conclusion
We came to a finding that gender-specific HRD tendency is the greatest contributor to gender differences in HRD. Therefore, to effective reduce HRD, it will be necessary to understand gender differences in socioeconomic characteristics between men and women but also take notice of such differences in sociocultural settings as they experience. And it will be also required to prepare any gender-differentiated intervention strategy for men and women.
MS/MS library facilitated MRM quantification of native peptides prepared by denaturing ultrafiltration
Authors: Lenco Juraj , Lan Renny , Edwards Nathan , Goldman Radoslav 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
Naturally occurring native peptides provide important information about physiological states of an organism and its changes in disease conditions but protocols and methods for assessing their abundance are not well-developed. In this paper, we describe a simple procedure for the quantification of non-tryptic peptides in body fluids. The workflow includes an enrichment step followed by two-dimensional fractionation of native peptides and MS/MS data management facilitating the design and validation of LC- MRM MS assays. The added value of the workflow is demonstrated in the development of a triplex LC-MRM MS assay used for quantification of peptides potentially associated with the progression of liver disease to hepatocellular carcinoma.
Fruit and vegetable intake is associated with frequency of breakfast, lunch and evening meal: cross-sectional study of 11-, 13-, and 15-year-olds
Authors: Pedersen Trine Pagh , Meilstrup Charlotte , Holstein Bjørn E , Rasmussen Mette 
Published: February 2012

Abstract

Background
Frequency of eating breakfast, lunch and evening meal as a determinant of fruit and vegetable intake among young people is little studied. We investigated whether irregular meal consumption was associated with fruit and vegetable intake among adolescents. We used separate analyses, and special emphasis was on the potentially modifying effect of sex and age.

Methods
Data were from the Danish contribution to the international collaborative Health Behavior in School-Aged Children Study (HBSC) in 2002. We used a questionnaire-based, cross-sectional design to study schoolchildren aged 11, 13 and 15 years (n = 3913) selected from a random sample of schools in Denmark. Fruit intake and vegetable intake were measured by a food frequency questionnaire and analyses were conducted using multivariate logistic regression.

Results
Overall, statistically significant associations were found between irregular breakfast, lunch and evening meal consumption and low frequency of fruit intake and vegetable intake (breakfast: fruit OR = 1.42, vegetables OR = 1.48; lunch: fruit OR = 1.68, vegetables OR = 1.83; evening meal: vegetables OR = 1.70). No association was found for irregular evening meal consumption and low frequency of fruit intake. Analyses stratified by sex showed that the associations between irregular breakfast consumption and both fruit and vegetable intake remained statistically significant only among girls. When analyses were stratified by both sex and age, different patterns appeared. Overall, skipping meals seemed to be a less serious risk factor for low frequency of fruit and vegetable intake among younger participants compared with those who were older. This was especially evident for skipping breakfast. The same tendency was also seen for skipping lunch and evening meal, although the age pattern varied between boys and girls and between fruit and vegetable intake.

Conclusion
Our results showed that irregular breakfast, lunch and evening meal consumption among adolescents was associated with a low frequency of fruit and vegetable intake and that sex and age may play a modifying role. The different associations observed in different age and sex groups indicate the importance of analysing fruit and vegetable intake and meal types separately. The results highlight the importance of promoting regular meal consumption when trying to increase the intake of fruit and vegetables among adolescents.