bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
What are the Costs of Meeting Distributional Objectives for Climate Policy?
Authors: Parry Ian W. H. , Williams Roberton C. 
Published: December 2010

Abstract
This paper develops an analytical model to quantify the costs and distributional effects of various fiscal options for allocating the large rents created under proposed cap-and-trade programs to reduce domestic, energy-related CO2 emissions. The trade-off between cost effectiveness and distribution is striking. The welfare costs of different policies, accounting for linkages with the broader fiscal system, range from negative $6 billion/year to a positive $53 billion/year in 2020 (or from -$12 to almost $100 per ton of CO2 reductions). The least costly policy involves auctioning all allowances with revenues used to cut income taxes, while the most costly policies involve recycling revenues in lump-sum dividends or grandfathering emissions allowances. The least costly policy is regressive, however, while the dividend policy is progressive. Grandfathering permits is both costly and regressive. A distribution-neutral policy entails costs of $18 to $42 per ton.
Carotenoids and lung cancer: biochemical aspects
Authors: Salerno Costantino , Crifò Carlo , Siems Werner 
Published: December 2010

Abstract
Carotenoids are part of the human diet and a regular low-dose intake of these compounds from natural sources is normally preferred. Carotenoid supplementation in various diseases, including cancer, was described to be useful, but evidence has been obtained that high-dose supplementation of β-carotene may be unsafe, especially to smokers and asbestos-exposed workers, because of a stastically detected increased cancer risk. The negative effect might be mediated by carotenoid breakdown products having a high reactivity towards biomolecules. It has been suggested that these compounds originate from nonenzymatic cleavage of carotenoids by oxidants liberated in large amounts by neutrophils that accumulate in various inflammatory diseases and, in particular, in pulmonary disorders characterized by profound abnormalities in inflammatory pathways, such as those triggered by tobacco smoking. Carotenoid breakdown products, in turn, may affect neutrophil response in different ways that depend on the concentration that is reached by these products in the medium. In vitro studies show that nanomolar and micromolar concentrations of carotenoid derivatives stimulate superoxide production by neutrophils activated by phorbol myristate acetate (PMA), while a slight inhibition is noticed with cells activated by the chemotactic tripeptide N-formyl-Met-Leu-Phe (f-MLP). At higher concentrations, carotenoid breakdown products inhibit superoxide production in the presence of both PMA and f-MLP.
Analysis of the co-evolutions of correlations as a tool for QSAR-modeling of carcinogenicity: an unexpected good prediction based on a model that seems untrustworthy
Authors: Toropova Alla , Toropov Andrey , Diaza Rodolfo , Benfenati Emilio , Gini Guesippina 
Published: December 2010

Abstract
To validate QSAR models an external test set is increasingly used. However the definition of the compounds for the test set is still debated. We studied, co-evolutions of correlations between optimal descriptors and carcinogenicity (pTD50) for the subtraining, calibration, and test set. Weak correlations for the sub-training set are sometimes accompanied by quite good correlations for the external test set. This can be explained in terms of the probability theory and can help define a suitable test set. The simplified molecular input line entry system (SMILES) was used to represent the molecular structure. Correlation weights for calculating the optimal descriptors are related to fragments of the SMILES. The statistical quality of the model is: n=170, r2=0.6638, q2=0.6554, s=0.828, F=331 (sub-training set); n=170, r2=0.6609, r2pred=0.6520, s=0.825, F=331 (calibration set); and n=61, r2=0.7796, r2pred=0.7658, Rm2=0.7448, s=0.563, F=221 (test set). The calculations were done with CORAL software (http://www.insilico.eu/coral/).
N-hexylpyridinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide and Lewis acids — catalytic systems for Diels-Alder reaction
Authors: Bittner Bożena , Janus Ewa , Milchert Eugeniusz 
Published: December 2010

Abstract
A comparative study of the Diels-Alder reactions between cyclopentadiene (1) and dienophiles (2 a–c) in N-hexylpyridinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide in a temperature range of 20–45°C is reported. The reaction rate constants and activation energies were calculated. Moreover, the catalytic systems based on N-hexylpyridinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide and Lewis acids were tested as a reaction media to perform the Diels-Alder reaction. Yb, Y, Mg, Zn triflates and chlorides (0.005 to 0.1 mmol) were used as catalysts. The recycling of catalytic system consisted of YCl3 and ionic liquid was performed.
Regulation of thrombospondin-1 expression through AU-rich elements in the 3′UTR of the mRNA
Authors: Mcgray Asa , Gingerich Timothy , Petrik James , Lamarre Jonathan 
Published: December 2010

AbstractThrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) is a matricellular protein that participates in numerous normal and pathological tissue processes and is rapidly modulated by different stimuli. The presence of 8 highly-conserved AU rich elements (AREs) within the 3′-untranslated region (3′UTR) of the TSP-1 mRNA suggests that post-transcriptional regulation is likely to represent one mechanism by which TSP-1 gene expression is regulated. We investigated the roles of these AREs, and proteins which bind to them, in the control of TSP-1 mRNA stability. The endogenous TSP-1 mRNA half-life is approximately 2.0 hours in HEK293 cells. Luciferase reporter mRNAs containing the TSP-1 3′UTR show a similar rate of decay, suggesting that the 3′UTR influences the decay rate. Site-directed mutagenesis of individual and adjacent AREs prolonged reporter mRNA halflife to between 2.2 and 4.4 hours. Mutation of all AREs increased mRNA half life to 8.8 hours, suggesting that all AREs have some effect, but that specific AREs may have key roles in stability regulation. A labeled RNA oligonucleotide derived from the most influential ARE was utilized to purify TSP-1 AREbinding proteins. The AU-binding protein AUF1 was shown to associate with this motif. These studies reveal that AREs in the 3′UTR control TSP-1 mRNA stability and that the RNA binding protein AUF1 participates in this control. These studies suggest that ARE-dependent control of TSP-1 mRNA stability may represent an important component in the control of TSP-1 gene expression.
Association of Genetic Variation in Il28B with Hepatitis C Treatment-Induced Viral Clearance in the Chinese Han Population
Authors: Liao Xiang-Wei , Ling Yun , Li Xin-Hua , Han Yue , Zhang Shen-Ying , Gu Lei-Lei , Yu De-Ming , Yao Bi-Lian , Zhang Dong-Hua , Jin Gen-Di , Lu Zhi-Meng , Gong Qi-Ming , Zhang Xin-Xin 
Published: December 2010

BackgroundGenome-wide association studies have recently shown that the rs12979860 polymorphism in IL28B is associated with the response to chronic hepatitis C treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate whether rs12979860 could be used as a predictive marker for end-of-treatment response (ETR) or sustained virological response (SVR) in the Chinese Han population.MethodsThe rs12979860 genotype was detected in 259 individuals infected with HCV by DNA sequencing. Among them, 120 patients were administered complete pegylated interferon-α and ribavirin combination therapy and 92 patients were followed for 24 weeks after the cessation of treatment and were divided into different groups according to outcomes of treatment.ResultsThe rs12979860 genotype CC was the primary genotype (87.64%, 227/259) and genotype TT was found in only one individual within this cohort. The patients with the rs12979860 genotype CC had higher rates of ETR ( P=0.0044) and SVR ( P=0.0046) than the patients with N-CC (CT or TT). In multivariate analyses, the rs12979860 genotype CC was associated with a substantial difference in rates of achieving ETR (odds ratio [OR] 8.983, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.173–37.145; P=0.0024) and SVR (OR 24.298, 95% CI 2.27–259.90; P=0.0083).ConclusionsThis study demonstrated for the first time that the rs12979860 variation in IL28B could be a predictor of ETR and SVR in Chinese Han patients infected with HCV. The high frequency of the rs12979860 genotype CC might explain why the SVR rate is higher than that of the average global population.
Temporomandibular Joint Involvement in Children with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Authors: CANNIZZARO ELVIRA , SCHROEDER SILKE , MÜLLER LUKAS M. , KELLENBERGER CHRISTIAN J. , SAURENMANN ROTRAUD K. 
Published: December 2010

Objective.To determine the rate of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) involvement and find factors associated with TMJ arthritis in a single-center cohort of patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).Methods.Retrospective analysis of all patients with JIA visiting the rheumatology clinic between January 1, 2005, and December 31, 2006. Followup information was included until August 2008. A diagnosis of TMJ arthritis was based on clinical rheumatological and/or radiological findings.Results.After a mean followup time for JIA of 4.6 years (range 0.08–14.17), 86/223 patients (38.6%) had developed TMJ arthritis. The rate of TMJ involvement differed significantly among JIA subtypes (p = 0.0016), with 61% in extended oligoarticular, 52% in polyarticular rheumatoid factor (RF)-negative, 50% in psoriatic, 36% in systemic, 33% in polyarticular RF-positive, 33% in persistent oligoarticular, 30% in unclassified JIA, and 11% in enthesitis-related arthritis. The rate of TMJ involvement in our cohort was statistically significantly lower for patients who were HLA-B27-positive (p = 0.0002). In a multivariate analysis, the association of the following factors was confirmed: JIA subtype (p = 0.0001), a higher erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) at diagnosis (p = 0.0038), involvement of joints of the upper extremity (p = 0.011), the absence of HLA-B27 (p = 0.023), and younger age at onset of JIA (p = 0.050).Conclusion.In our cohort of children with JIA, the overall rate of TMJ involvement was 38.6%. Patients with certain JIA subtypes, a higher ESR at disease onset, involvement of upper extremity joints, and younger age at diagnosis were more likely to develop TMJ arthritis. The presence of HLA-B27 seemed to be protective.
Disability in Systemic Sclerosis — A Longitudinal Observational Study
Authors: SCHNITZER MIREILLE , HUDSON MARIE , BARON MURRAY , STEELE RUSSELL 
Published: December 2010

Objective.To assess disability in systemic sclerosis (SSc) longitudinally and to identify disease-specific determinants, after accounting for informative patient dropout.Methods.We performed a multicenter, longitudinal study of 745 patients with SSc followed in the Canadian Scleroderma Research Group registry. Disability was assessed using the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ). Longitudinal changes in disability were modeled using statistical approaches accounting for various levels of patient dropout.Results.In all the models, disability in SSc worsened over time. The magnitude of the worsening was small when patient dropout was assumed to be completely at random (increase in the HAQ of 0.022, 95% CI 0.002–0.042, per year). After accounting for different levels of informative patient dropout, the increase in the HAQ ranged from 0.039 (95% CI 0.018–0.061) per year to 0.071 (95% CI 0.048–0.094) per year. Thus, using the most conservative of these estimates, this was equivalent to an increase in the HAQ of 0.12 over 3 years. The disease correlates found to be most closely associated with disability were diffuse disease and breathing problems.Conclusion.Our study provides strong evidence that SSc causes increased disability over time, with breathing problems and disease type being the strongest predictors of disability. Statistical modeling accounting for informative patient dropout is necessary to properly assess the outcomes of patients followed longitudinally.
« Oh là là, ça c'est vraiment de l'anglais ! »
Authors: Forlot Gilles 
Published: December 2010

Cet article, construit à partir d’un travail de terrain effectué dans divers milieux francophones de la métropole anglo-canadienne de Toronto, notamment ceux de l’émigration française, s’intéresse aux multiples discours métalinguistiques évaluatifs dont les pratiques langagières sont l’objet lorsque des locuteurs sont en situation de migration. Ces discours permettent souvent de cerner les positionnements identitaires des migrants et de voir en quoi la perception d’une langue qui s’enrichit ou au contraire s’étiole est liée à la perception d’une identité « nationale » d’origine engagée dans un processus de diversification, d’acculturation et d’hybridation.
Mullerian Adenosarcoma of the Uterus with Sarcomatous Overgrowth
Authors: Singh Reecha , Shameema S. , Vijaya Koothan , Kumar Pradeep 
Published: December 2010

Background and objectives Mullerian adenosarcoma is an uncommon variant of mixed mesodermal tumour of the uterus. This is a case report of a 65 year old post-menopausal lady who presented with complaints of passing tissue fragments per vaginum for 2 days followed by spotting. On examination, a polypoid mass protruding through the cervix was seen which was biopsied. Following a preliminary histologic diagnosis of poorly differentiated sarcoma on the biopsy; the patient underwent total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oopherectomy. Method The surgical specimen was formalin fixed and paraffin embedded. Haematoxylin and eosin stained sections were studied. Result and conclusion Histopathological examination of the polypoid mass revealed a tumour comprising of an admixture of benign endometrial glandular component with overgrowth of sarcomatous stromal component and heterologous elements. This may pose a problem in diagnosis due to its rarity, and hence its distinctive morphological features merit attention as described here. In view of the rarity of this tumor, it is mandatory to do extensive histologic sampling to identify areas of sarcomatous overgrowth before arriving at a diagnosis of mullerian adenosarcoma as the clinical course and management vary.
Number of Biopsies in Diagnosing Pulmonary Nodules
Authors: Wehrschuetz M. , Wehrschuetz E. , Portugaller H.R. 
Published: December 2010

Purpose To determine the number of specimens to be obtained from pulmonary lesions to get the highest possible accuracy in histological work-up. Materials and methods A retrospective evaluation (January 1999 to April 2004) covered 260 patients with thoracic lesions who underwent computer tomography (CT)-guided core-cut biopsy in coaxial technique. All biopsies were performed utilizing a 19 gauge introducer needle and a 20 gauge core-cut biopsy needle. In all, 669 usable biopsies were taken (from 1-5 biopsies in each setting). The specimens were marked sequentially and each biopsy was worked up histologicaly. The biopsy results were correlated to histology after surgery, clinical follow-up or autopsy. The number of biopsies was determined that is necessary to achieve the highest possible accuracy in diagnosing pulmonary lesions. Results In 591 of 669 biopsies (88.3%), there were correct positive results. The overall accuracy was 87.4%. In 193 of 260 (74.2%) patients, a suspected malignancy was confirmed. In 50 of 260 (19.2%) patients, a benign lesion was correctly diagnosed. Seventeen (6.5%) patients were lost to follow-up. The first, second and third biopsies had cumulative accuracies of 63.6%, 89.2% and 91.5%, respectively ( P < 0.02). More biopsies did not show any higher impact on accuracy. Conclusion For the highest possible accuracy in diagnosing pulmonary lesions by CT-guided core-cut biopsy, at least three usable specimens are recommended to be taken.
Anti-Annexin V Antibodies: Association with Vascular Involvement and Disease Outcome in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Habeeb Reem A. , Mansour Howaida E. , Abdeldayem Aya M. , Abo-Shady Rania A. , Hassan Iman A. , Saafan Nazek K. , Aly Dalia G. 
Published: December 2010

BackgroundSystemic Sclerosis (SSc) is characterized by skin thickening, fibrosis and vascular obliteration. The onset and course are heterogeneous. Prominent features include autoimmunity, inflammation and vascular damage.Aim of StudyTo measure the level of serum Anti-Annexin V antibodies in SSc patients and to study its significance in relation to vascular damage in these patients.Patients and MethodsTwenty patients with SSc (12 with diffuse SSc and 8 with the limited form) and 10 healthy age and sex matched volunteers as controls were all subjected to routine laboratory testing and immunological profiling including antinuclear, anti-Scl-70, anticentomere, anticardiolipin antibodies and anti-annexin V antibodies titres. Vascular damage was assessed by clinical examination and assessment of the disease activity score, nailfold capillaroscopy and colour flow Doppler of the renal arteries; Doppler echocardiography was used for assessing pulmonary hypertension.ResultsAnti-annexin V antibodies were detected in 75% of patients. Comparisons between anti-annexin V in diffuse and limited subgroups showed no significance; however a statistically significant positive correlation was found between Anti-annexin V titre and the degree of vascular damage in SSc patients. Anti-annexin V increased significantly in patients with severe vascular damage in comparison with those less affected (15.3 ± 6.6 vs. 11.25 ± 3.6, P < 0.05). A significant positive correlation was found between Anti-annexin V titre and both the ACL titre (r = 0.79, P < 0.001) and the resistive index of the main renal artery (r = 0.42, P < 0.05).ConclusionAnti-annexin V antibodies were significantly present in sera of patients with SSc. Patients with more severe forms of vascular damage had higher titres of these antibodies. Anti-annexin V antibodies are a sensitive predictor of vascular damage in SSc and could serve as a useful parameter in discriminating patients with a higher risk of vascular affection from those without.
Patellar Skin Surface Temperature by Thermography Reflects Knee Osteoarthritis Severity
Authors: Denoble Anna E. , Hall Norine , Pieper Carl F. , Kraus Virginia B. 
Published: December 2010

BackgroundDigital infrared thermal imaging is a means of measuring the heat radiated from the skin surface. Our goal was to develop and assess the reproducibility of serial infrared measurements of the knee and to assess the association of knee temperature by region of interest with radiographic severity of knee Osteoarthritis (rOA).MethodsA total of 30 women (15 Cases with symptomatic knee OA and 15 age-matched Controls without knee pain or knee OA) participated in this study. Infrared imaging was performed with a Meditherm Med2000™ Pro infrared camera. The reproducibility of infrared imaging of the knee was evaluated through determination of intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) for temperature measurements from two images performed 6 months apart in Controls whose knee status was not expected to change. The average cutaneous temperature for each of five knee regions of interest was extracted using WinTes software. Knee x-rays were scored for severity of rOA based on the global Kellgren-Lawrence grading scale.ResultsThe knee infrared thermal imaging procedure used here demonstrated long-term reproducibility with high ICCs (0.50–0.72 for the various regions of interest) in Controls. Cutaneous temperature of the patella (knee cap) yielded a significant correlation with severity of knee rOA (R = 0.594, P = 0.02).ConclusionThe skin temperature of the patellar region correlated with x-ray severity of knee OA. This method of infrared knee imaging is reliable and as an objective measure of a sign of inflammation, temperature, indicates an interrelationship of inflammation and structural knee rOA damage.
QTc Interval and QT Dispersion in Patients with Thalassemia Major: Electrocardiographic (EKG) and Echocardiographic Evaluation
Authors: Garadah Taysir S. , Kassab Salah , Mahdi Najat , Abu-Taleb Ahmed , Jamsheer Anwer 
Published: December 2010

BackgroundDoppler echocardiographic studies in patients with β-Thalassemia Major (β-TM) had shown different patterns of left ventricle (LV) systolic and diastolic dysfunctions.AimThis cross-sectional study was designed to study the LV systolic and diastolic function in patients with β-TM using Pulsed Doppler (PD) Echocardiogram and assess the QTc interval and QT dispersion (QTd) on 12 leads ECG.MethodAll patients were evaluated clinically as well as by echocardiography and 12 leads ECG. The study included patients with β-TM (n = 38, age 15.7 ± 8.9 years), compared with an age-matched healthy control group (n = 38, age 15.9 ± 8.9 years).ResultsIn 38 patients with β-TM Compared with healthy control group, The QTc interval and the QTd dispersion on ECG were increased with no significant difference mode echo showed that β-TM patients have thicker LV septal wall index (0.659 ± 0.23 vs. 0.446 ± 0.219 cm/M2, P < 0.001), posterior wall index (0.659 ± 0.235 vs. 0.437 ± 0.214 cm/M2, P < 0.01), and larger LVEDD index is (3.99 ± 0.48 vs. 2.170 ± 0.57 cm/M2. P < 0.05). Pulsed Doppler showed high LV trans-mitral E wave velocity index (70.818 ± 10.139 vs. 57.532 ± 10.139, P < 0.05) and E/A ratio (1.54 vs.1.23, P < 0.01). The duration of deceleration time index (DT) and isovolumic relaxation time index (IVRT) were significantly shorter in patients with β-TM (150.234 ± 20.0.23 vs. 167.123 ± 167.123 ± 19.143 msec/M2, P < 0.01) and (60.647 ± 6.77 vs. 75.474 ± 5.83 msec/M2, P < 0.001), respectively. The tricuspid valve velocity in patients with β-TM was significantly higher than controls (2.993 ± 0.569 vs. 1.93 ± 0.471 m/sec, respectively, P < 0.01), with calculated pulmonary artery pressure of 2.4 times the control (36.0 vs. 14.8 mmHg). However, the LVEF% or fractional shortening were not significantly different.ConclusionIn this study, β-thalassemia major patients compared with controls have differences of QT dispersion and corrected QT interval that is of no statistical significance. A significantly thicker LV wall and LV diastolic filling indices are suggestive of restrictive diastolic pattern. These data indicate that LV diastolic abnormalities compromised initially in patients with β-thalassemia major.
Article Commentary: Predictive Value of Absent Septal q Wave in Patients with Significant Stenosis of Proximal Left Anterior Descending Coronary Artery
Authors: Parsa Saeed Alipour , Shahnazi Anahita , Malek Azadeh , Azargashb Eznollah , Mohammadi Manijeh , Beyranvand Mohammad-Reza 
Published: December 2010

Aims There is conflicting data about the predictive value of absent septal q wave in patients with significant stenosis of proximal Left Anterior Descending coronary artery. To clarify the exact role of this simple electrocardiographic sign we conducted this prospective descriptive study. Methods Patients who were referred for coronary angiography in Milad Hospital between December 2008 and September 2009 were chosen randomly. Standard ECG was performed and reviewed for presence or absence of septal q wave, and then the coronary angiography was done and reported by another cardiologist. Results Of 148 patients with absent septal q wave in ECG, 85 patients (57%) had significant stenosis of proximal LAD in coronary angiography. Statistical analysis showed that significant stenosis of proximal LAD could be predicted by absence of septal q wave in ECG with sensitivity of 59% and specificity of 47%. However, Kappa statistic (Kappa = 0.36) showed low agreement between them. Conclusion Absence of normal septal q wave in ECG could be a low value predictor of coronary artery disease mainly significant proximal LAD stenosis.