bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Incidence and associated risk factors of hepatocellular carcinoma in a dural hepatitis B and C virus endemic area: A surveillance study
Authors: Chang Kuo‐Chin , Lu Sheng‐Nan , Chen Pao‐Fei , Hung Chao‐Hung , Kee Kwong‐Ming , Yen Yi‐Hao , Wang Jing‐Houng 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThe purposes of this study were to determine the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in dual hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) endemic areas and to assess the associated risk factors of HCC development in the community. During April 2004 to November 2005, 4,127 residents of Tainan County, aged 40 years or older, had participated in a comprehensive health examination. Among them, residents with HBV or HCV infection; platelet count less than or equal to 150 × 109/L; and no hepatic tumor, by liver ultrasonography, were invited to this study. Alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) screening and ultrasonography for HCC surveillance were performed. Once hepatic tumor was detected, the subjects were referred to medical centers for further confirmation and treatment. A total of 1,133 residents were eligible for this study, and 413 (36.5%), including 197 men and 216 women, with a mean age of 64.5 years, were enrolled. There were 21 cases with suspected HCC. Of the 21 cases, 18 (85.7%) accepted further studies and 11 (52.4%) were confirmed to be affected with HCC. All HCCs were unifocal with a diameter less than or equal to 4 cm. In the Kaplan–Meier survival analysis, the 2‐year cumulative incidence of HCC was 4.7%. Based on the same analysis with log rank test, AFP greater than or equal to 20 ng/mL (p = 0.007), platelet count less than or equal to 100 × 109/L (p < 0.001), and liver cirrhosis (p < 0.001) were found to be the associated risk factors of HCC development. In summary, the 2‐year cumulative incidence of HCC was 4.7% among adult residents with chronic HBV or HCV infection in this dual HBV and HCV endemic area. Platelet count less than 100 × 109/L, AFP level greater than 20 ng/mL, and liver cirrhosis were the associated risk factors for HCC development.
Consumption of a plant sterol-based spread derived from rice bran oil is effective at reducing plasma lipid levels in mildly hypercholesterolaemic individuals
Authors: Eady Sarah , Wallace Alison , Willis Jinny , Scott Russell , Frampton Chris 
Published: February 2011

To establish the effectiveness of a new phytosterol-containing spread derived from rice bran oil (RBO), a randomised, double-blind, cross-over human clinical trial was conducted over 12 weeks. A total of eighty mildly hypercholesterolaemic (total blood cholesterol level ≥ 5 and ≤ 7·5 mmol/l with a serum TAG level of ≤ 4·5 mmol/l) individuals were randomised into two groups (n40). Group 1 consumed spread only daily for 4 weeks. They were randomised to consume 20 g RBO spread (RBOS), 20 g standard spread (SS) or 20 g phytosterol-enriched spread (PS). After a 4-week period, individuals changed to the next randomised treatment until all three treatments had been consumed. Group 2 consumed spread plus oil daily for 4 weeks. They consumed 20 g RBOS plus 30 ml RBO, 20 g SS plus 30 ml sunflower oil or 20 g RBOS. Blood samples were collected for the analysis of lipid parameters, and 3 d diet records were collected. Compared with SS, RBOS significantly reduced total cholesterol by 2·2 % (P = 0·045), total cholesterol:HDL by 4·1 % (P = 0·005) and LDL-cholesterol by 3·5 % (P = 0·016), but was not as effective overall as PS, which reduced total cholesterol by 4·4 % (P = 0·001), total cholesterol:HDL by 3·4 % (P = 0·014) and LDL-cholesterol by 5·6 % (P = 0·001). In group 2, the addition of RBO to the RBOS produced no differences in cholesterol levels. These results confirm that RBOS is effective in lowering serum cholesterol when consumed as part of a normal diet.
Geographical distribution of drinking-water with high iodine level and association between high iodine level in drinking-water and goitre: a Chinese national investigation
Authors: Shen Hongmei , Liu Shoujun , Sun Dianjun , Zhang Shubin , Su Xiaohui , Shen Yanfeng , Han Hepeng 
Published: February 2011

Excessive iodine intake can cause thyroid function disorders as can be caused by iodine deficiency. There are many people residing in areas with high iodine levels in drinking-water in China. The main aim of the present study was to map the geographical distribution of drinking-water with high iodine level in China and to determine the relationship between high iodine level in drinking-water and goitre prevalence. Iodine in drinking-water was measured in 1978 towns of eleven provinces in China, with a total of 28 857 water samples. We randomly selected children of 8–10 years old, examined the presence of goitre and measured their urinary iodine in 299 towns of nine provinces. Of the 1978 towns studied, 488 had iodine levels between 150 and 300 μg/l in drinking-water, and in 246 towns, the iodine level was >300 μg/l. These towns are mainly distributed along the original Yellow River flood areas, the second largest river in China. Of the 56 751 children examined, goitre prevalence was 6·3 % in the areas with drinking-water iodine levels of 150–300 μg/l and 11·0 % in the areas with drinking-water iodine >300 μg/l. Goitre prevalence increased with water and urinary iodine levels. For children with urinary iodine >1500 μg/l, goitre prevalence was 3·69 times higher than that for those with urinary iodine levels of 100–199 μg/l. The present study suggests that drinking-water with high iodine levels is distributed in eleven provinces of China. Goitre becomes more prevalent with the increase in iodine level in drinking-water. Therefore, it becomes important to prevent goitre through stopping the provision of iodised salt and providing normal drinking-water iodine through pipelines in these areas in China.
A new approach for determining rice critical nitrogen concentration
Authors: CONFALONIERI R. , DEBELLINI C. , PIRONDINI M. , POSSENTI P. , BERGAMINI L. , BARLASSINA G. , BARTOLI A. , AGOSTONI E. G. , APPIANI M. , BABAZADEH L. , BEDIN E. , BIGNOTTI A. , BOUCA M. , BULGARI R. , CANTORE A. , DEGRADI D. , FACCHINETTI D. , FIACCHINO D. , FRIALDI M. , GALUPPINI L. , GORRINI C. , GRITTI A. , GRITTI P. , LONATI S. , MARTINAZZI D. , MESSA C. , MINARDI A. , NASCIMBENE L. , OLDANI D. , PASQUALINI E. , PERAZZOLO F. , PIROVANO L. , POZZI L. , ROCCHETTI G. , ROSSI S. , ROTA L. , RUBAGA N. , RUSSO G. , SALA J. , SEREGNI S. , SESSA F. , SILVESTRI S. , SIMONCELLI P. , SORESI D. , STEMBERGER C. , TAGLIABUE P. , TETTAMANTI K. , VINCI M. , VITTADINI G. , ZANIMACCHIA M. , ZENATO O. , ZETTA A. , BREGAGLIO S. , CHIODINI M. E. , PEREGO A. , ACUTIS M. 
Published: February 2011

SUMMARYA reliable evaluation of crop nutritional status is crucial for supporting fertilization aiming at maximizing qualitative and quantitative aspects of production and reducing the environmental impact of cropping systems. Most of the available simulation models evaluate crop nutritional status according to the nitrogen (N) dilution law, which derives critical N concentration as a function of above-ground biomass. An alternative approach, developed during a project carried out with students of the Cropping Systems Masters course at the University of Milan, was tested and compared with existing models (N dilution law and approaches implemented in EPIC and DAISY models). The new model (MAZINGA) reproduces the effect of leaf self-shading in lowering plant N concentration (PNC) through an inverse of the fraction of radiation intercepted by the canopy. The models were tested using data collected in four rice (Oryza sativaL.) experiments carried out in Northern Italy under potential and N-limited conditions. MAZINGA was the most accurate in identifying the critical N concentration, and therefore in discriminating PNC of plants growing under N-limited and non-limited conditions, respectively. In addition, the present work proved the effectiveness of crop models when used as tools for supporting education.
The Global Rise of the Value-Weighted Portfolio
Authors: Bhattacharya Utpal , Galpin Neal 
Published: February 2011

AbstractWe first develop a theory-based metric to judge the popularity of value weighting in a stock market. We then use our metric to document that although value weighting is less popular in emerging markets than in developed markets, its popularity is increasing almost everywhere. Finally, as we have better data for the United States, we explore why value weighting is becoming more popular in the United States.
Dispersion relation of transverse oscillation in relativistic plasmas with non-extensive distribution
Authors: LIU SAN-QIU , CHEN XIAO-CHANG 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThe generalized dispersion equation for superluminal transverse oscillation in an unmagnetized, collisionless, isotropic and relativistic plasma with non-extensiveq-distribution is derived. The analytical dispersion relation is obtained in an ultra-relativistic regime, which is related toq-parameter and temperature. In the limitq→ 1, the result based on the relativistic Maxwellian distribution is recovered. Using the numerical method, we obtain the full dispersion curve that cannot be given by an analytic method. It is shown that the numerical solution is in good agreement with the analytical result in the long-wavelength and short-wavelength region for ultra-relativistic plasmas.
The population structure and biology of the ocean quahog,Arctica islandica, in Belfast Lough, Northern Ireland
Authors: Ridgway I.D. , Richardson C.A. , Scourse J.D. , Butler P.G. , Reynolds D.J. 
Published: February 2011

The spatial distribution, density, growth rate, longevity, mortality and recruitment patterns of the long-lived clamArctica islandicain Belfast Lough, Northern Ireland, UK are described. TheA. islandicapopulation at Belfast Lough appears to be restricted to a small area at the mouth of the Lough. Additional searches for specimens further into the Lough and into deeper waters found no evidence of a larger more widespread population and we report population densities of 4.5 individuals m−2. The ages of the clams were determined from the number of internal annual growth lines in acetate peel replicas of shell sections. The population growth curve was fitted using the Von Bertalanffy growth equation: Lt = 93.7 mm (1−e−0.03(t–1.25)). Based on catch curve analysis, the Belfast Lough population has an estimated longevity of 220 years and a natural mortality rate of 0.02. We compare growth characteristics and life history traits in this population with other analogousA. islandicapopulations. The overall growth performance and the phi-prime index were used to compare growth parameters with data from the literature and we observed no significant relationship between the growth performance indices and longevity or latitude. Analysis of the age-structure and reconstructed dates of settlement indicate that this population has experienced almost continual recruitment over the last century with a gap in successful recruitment into the population 90–100 years ago and another 140–150 years ago. The size-structure revealed a scarcity of small individuals which we believe may be an artefact of the dredge sampling process.
Eukaryotic systematics: a user's guide for cell biologists and parasitologists
Authors: WALKER GISELLE , DORRELL RICHARD G. , SCHLACHT ALEXANDER , DACKS JOEL B. 
Published: February 2011

SUMMARYSingle-celled parasites like Entamoeba, Trypanosoma, Phytophthora and Plasmodium wreak untold havoc on human habitat and health. Understanding the position of the various protistan pathogens in the larger context of eukaryotic diversity informs our study of how these parasites operate on a cellular level, as well as how they have evolved. Here, we review the literature that has brought our understanding of eukaryotic relationships from an idea of parasites as primitive cells to a crystallized view of diversity that encompasses 6 major divisions, or supergroups, of eukaryotes. We provide an updated taxonomic scheme (for 2011), based on extensive genomic, ultrastructural and phylogenetic evidence, with three differing levels of taxonomic detail for ease of referencing and accessibility (see supplementary material at Cambridge Journals On-line). Two of the most pressing issues in cellular evolution, the root of the eukaryotic tree and the evolution of photosynthesis in complex algae, are also discussed along with ideas about what the new generation of genome sequencing technologies may contribute to the field of eukaryotic systematics. We hope that, armed with this user's guide, cell biologists and parasitologists will be encouraged about taking an increasingly evolutionary point of view in the battle against parasites representing real dangers to our livelihoods and lives.
Parasite diversity as an indicator of environmental change? An example from tropical grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus) mariculture in Indonesia
Authors: PALM H. W. , KLEINERTZ S. , RÜCKERT S. 
Published: February 2011

SUMMARYFish parasites are used to monitor long-term change in finfish grouper mariculture in Indonesia. A total of 210Epinephelus fuscoguttatuswere sampled in six consecutive years between 2003/04 and 2008/09 and examined for parasites. The fish were obtained from floating net cages of a commercially run mariculture facility that opened in 2001. The fauna was species rich, consisting of ten ecto- and 18 endoparasite species. The ectoparasite diversity and composition was relatively stable, with the monogeneansPseudorhabdosynochusspp. (83–100% prevalence, Berger-Parker Index of 0·82–0·97) being the predominant taxon. Tetraphyllidean larvaeScolex pleuronectisand the nematodesTerranovasp. andRaphidascarissp. 1 were highly abundant in 2003/04–2005/06 (max. prevalenceS. pleuronectis40%,Terranovasp. 57%,Raphidascarissp. 1 100%), and drastically reduced until 2008/09. These parasites together with the prevalence ofTrichodinaspp., ecto-/endoparasite ratio and endoparasite diversity illustrate a significant change in holding conditions over the years. This can be either referred to a definite change in management methods such as feed use and fish treatment, or a possible transition of a relatively undisturbed marine environment into a more affected habitat. By visualizing all parameters within a single diagram, we demonstrate that fish parasites are useful bioindicators to monitor long-term change in Indonesian grouper mariculture. This also indicates that groupers can be used to monitor environmental change in the wild. Further taxonomic and systematic efforts in less sampled regions significantly contributes to this new application, supporting fish culture and environmental impact monitoring also in other tropical marine habitats.
A way out of the Euthyphro dilemma
Authors: ZANGWILL NICK 
Published: February 2011

AbstractI defend the view that morality depends on God against the Euthyphro dilemma by arguing that the reasons that God has for determining the moral–natural dependencies might be personal reasons that have non-moral content. I deflect the ‘arbitrary whim’ worry, but I concede that the account cannot extend to the goodness of God and His will. However, human moral–natural dependencies can be explained by God's will. So a slightly restricted version of divine commandment theory is defensible.
Researcher and informant roles in narrative interactions: Constructions of belonging and foreign-ness
Authors: De Fina Anna 
Published: February 2011

AbstractIn this article I focus on the influence of researcher/informant roles on the types of narratives that are produced and on the ways in which storytelling interactions are managed in research contexts. In particular, I show that storytelling activities and story types both reflect and shape relationships among participants based, among other factors, on their local management of situational and portable identities. I argue that one important methodological consequence of the analysis is the recognition of the fact that all data produced in interaction (including interviews) are irreducibly context-bound and that therefore an analytical separation between observer and observed is impossible. I also discuss how a treatment of the research event and of storytelling in it as a real interactional encounter can shed light on issues related to the insider-outsider status of the researcher and the Observer's Paradox (Labov 1972b). (Narrative, interviews, interactional roles, immigrants, identities).
The application of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay or an immunofluorescent assay test leads to different estimates of seroprevalence ofCoxiella burnetiiin the population
Authors: BLAAUW G. J. , NOTERMANS D. W. , SCHIMMER B. , MEEKELENKAMP J. , REIMERINK J. H. J. , TEUNIS P. , SCHNEEBERGER P. M. 
Published: February 2011

SUMMARYThe diagnosis and epidemiological studies of Q fever depend on serology. Among the main methods employed are the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and the immunofluorescent assay test (IFAT). We show that two commercial assays representing the two methods with two different cut-off titres can lead to significant differences in diagnostic and seroprevalence estimates. This in turn emphasizes the need for a standardized gold method to compare the various assays; whether this standard is ‘in-house’ or commercially obtained.
Using size-class structure to monitor growth of underdeveloped embryos in seeds of threeAristolochiaspecies: implications for seed ecology
Authors: Adams Christopher A. , Baskin Jerry M. , Baskin Carol C. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractSize-class structure was used to monitor the growth of underdeveloped embryos in two seed cohorts ofAristolochia macrophylla,A. tomentosaandA. californicaand the results are related briefly to differences in seed dormancy among and within the three species. The size-class method of presenting embryo growth data allows more insight to be gained into the embryo-level cause(s) of seed dormancy than does the cumulative growth curve. This appears to be the first report on use of size-class structure to monitor growth of underdeveloped embryos.
Granivore seed-size preferences
Authors: Radtke Troy M. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractAlthough seed-size preference by granivores is relative to the sizes of seeds offered by researchers, preferences are often inappropriately discussed and interpreted as if they are for absolute seed sizes. Granivores often prefer relatively small seeds in forests and relatively large seeds in herbaceous communities, although the absolute size of preferred seeds in each is often similar. These results are consistent with predictions of optimal foraging theory. Researchers are encouraged to take heed of optimal foraging theory and both relative and absolute seed size when interpreting seed-size preferences.
Is the function of all cardiac valves after the arterial switch operation influenced by an associated ventricular septal defect?
Authors: Gabriel J. , Scheld H.-H. , Tjan T.D.T. , Osada N. , Krasemann Thomas 
Published: February 2011

AbstractA ventricular septal defect in transposition of the great arteries is frequently closely related to the cardiac valves. The valvar function after arterial switch operation of patients with transposition of the great arteries and ventricular septal defect or intact ventricular septum was compared. We analysed the function of all cardiac valves in patients who underwent the arterial switch operations pre- and post-operatively, 1 year after the procedure and on follow-up. The study included 92 patients – 64 with transposition of the great arteries/intact ventricular septum and 28 with transposition of the great arteries/ventricular septal defect. The median age at surgery was 5.5 days in transposition of the great arteries/intact ventricular septum (0–73 days) and 7.0 days in transposition of the great arteries/ventricular septal defect (4–41 days). Follow-up was 51.7 months in transposition of the great arteries/intact ventricular septum (3.3–177.3 months) and 55 months in transposition of the great arteries/ventricular septal defect (14.6–164.7 months). Neo-aortic, neo-pulmonary, and mitral valvar function did not differ. Tricuspid regurgitation was more frequent 1 year post-operatively in transposition of the great arteries/ventricular septal defect (n = 4) than in transposition of the great arteries/intact ventricular septum. The prevalence of neo-aortic regurgitation and pulmonary stenosis increased over time, especially in patients with transposition of the great arteries/intact ventricular septum. The presence of a ventricular septal defect in patients undergoing arterial switch operation for transposition of the great arteries only has a minor bearing for the development of valvar dysfunction on the longer follow-up.
Business opportunity assessment in Slovene organic spelt processing: application of real options model
Authors: Pažek Karmen , Rozman Črtomir 
Published: February 2011

AbstractDecision making in organic farming is related to risk and uncertainty, and options must be evaluated in the decision-making process. This paper presents the methodology of an integrated deterministic simulation system (KARSIM 1.0) application for decision-making support on organic farms in northeastern Slovenia. An emphasis to modify the net present value (NPVt) criterion by incorporating the real options approach was made. Its application is shown in organic spelt (Triticum aestivum ssp. spelta McKey) production and processing using two real options approaches, the Black–Scholes and binomial models. The NPVt indicates that the decision to process spelt for animal fodder is financially unfeasible, while the real options approach differentiates the results by organic spelt grain and flour production for human nutrition. It may be concluded that the real options approach can be useful when assessing projects with uncertainty, sunk costs and irreversibility, and it can provide for examining agricultural investment decisions.
Transition from one-dimensional water to ferroelectric ice within a supramolecular architecture
Authors: Zhao Hai-Xia , Kong Xiang-Jian , Li Hui , Jin Yi-Chang , Long La-Sheng , Zeng Xiao Cheng , Huang Rong-Bin , Zheng Lan-Sun 
Published: February 2011

Ferroelectric materials are characterized by spontaneous electric polarization that can be reversed by inverting an external electric field. Owing to their unique properties, ferroelectric materials have found broad applications in microelectronics, computers, and transducers. Water molecules are dipolar and thus ferroelectric alignment of water molecules is conceivable when water freezes into special forms of ice. Although the ferroelectric ice XI has been proposed to exist on Uranus, Neptune, or Pluto, evidence of a fully proton-ordered ferroelectric ice is still elusive. To date, existence of ferroelectric ice with partial ferroelectric alignment has been demonstrated only in thin films of ice grown on platinum surfaces or within microdomains of alkali-hydroxide doped ice I. Here we report a unique structure of quasi-one-dimensional (H
2
O)

12
n

wire confined to a 3D supramolecular architecture of

H
4
CDTA,
trans
-1,2-diaminocyclohexane-
N
,
N
,
N′
,
N′
-tetraacetic acid; 4,4′-bpy, 4,4′-bipyridine). In stark contrast to the bulk, this 1D water wire not only exhibits enormous dielectric anomalies at approximately 175 and 277 K, respectively, but also undergoes a
spontaneous
transition between “1D liquid” and “1D ferroelectric ice” at approximately 277 K. Hitherto unrevealed properties of the 1D water wire will be valuable to the understanding of anomalous properties of water and synthesis of novel ferroelectric materials.