bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Problem of Passive Observation
Authors: Boumans Marcel 
Published: February 2010

Trygve Haavelmo's methodological manifesto “The Probability Approach in Econometrics” not only laid down the paradigm for the research pursued at the Cowles Commission, but also sets out a strategy for measurement outside the laboratory. His conceptualization of “passive observation” is still very useful for understanding measurements where intervention is not possible.Haavelmo's classic is very rich: it provided the framework for introducing probabilistic methods in econometrics and a profound discussion on invariance (autonomy). These subjects are well treated by various historians of econometrics. This does not, however, apply to the problem of passive observation. It is only mentioned, if it is mentioned at all, in relation to the discussion of autonomy, but that is it.This essay will give a reconstruction of his discussion of “factual” and “potential” influences, which provided Haavelmo the framework to discuss “Nature's experiments” and will allow us to discuss measurement outside the laboratory more generally.
Investigation of the potential association of vitamin D binding protein with lipoproteins
Authors: Speeckaert Marijn M , Taes Youri E , De Buyzere Marc L , Christophe Armand B , Kaufman Jean-Marc , Delanghe Joris R 
Published: February 2010

Background Vitamin D binding protein (DBP) acts as a vitamin D carrier and an actin scavenger. We have previously reported a correlation between serum DBP and lipid parameters in a cystic fibrosis population. In the present study, the relationship between serum DBP, lipoprotein fractions and vitamin D is investigated. Methods The presence of DBP in lipoprotein fractions was examined using precipitation, gel permeation chromatography and ultracentrifugation. The association between DBP and lipids was investigated in a cohort study of 211 men. Total and actin-free DBP concentrations were assessed by immunonephelometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Serum 25(OH)- and 1.25(OH)2-vitamin D3 were assayed by radioimmunoassay. Total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), triglycerides and insulin were measured using routine methods. Low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL) was calculated according to Friedewald's formula. Results DBP was found to be present in very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL). Gel permeation chromatography revealed a bimodal DBP distribution with a lipid-bound fraction besides the known free fraction. Ultracentrifugation confirmed the presence of DBP and 25(OH)-vitamin D3 in the VLDL particle. Total serum DBP concentration and the actin-bound DBP/DBP ratio correlated significantly with total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides and albumin. The 25(OH)-vitamin D3/DBP ratio correlated negatively with serum triglyceride concentration and body mass index (BMI). The actin-bound DBP complex was identified with Western blot. Conclusions The lipid-bound DBP fraction may be of greater importance than initially thought. The present findings may have clinical consequences in view of the important physiological role of DBP.
Biochemical risk factors for stone formation in a Scottish paediatric hospital population
Authors: MacDougall Lyndsey , Taheri Sepideh , Crofton Patricia 
Published: February 2010

Background Renal stones in children, although rare, may be associated with morbidity and renal damage. Scottish children have a different ethnic composition and diet compared with paediatric populations previously studied. Urinary stone promoters include calcium, oxalate and urate. Postulated inhibitors include citrate and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). We tested the hypothesis that Scottish paediatric stone-formers have higher excretion of urinary stone promoters (calcium/oxalate/urate) and/or lower excretion of stone inhibitors (citrate/GAGs) than children with isolated haematuria and controls. Methods In this case-controlled study, we measured creatinine, calcium, oxalate, urate, citrate and GAGs in random urine samples from 24 stone-formers (excluding inherited metabolic disorders), median age 10.2 (range 1.0–17.2) y; 25 patients with isolated haematuria, 6.3 (0.6–13.7) y; and 32 controls, 7.5 (0.8–14.7) y. Results Excretion of urinary promoters and inhibitors differed among stone-formers, haematuria and control groups for (median (range)): calcium (0.82 (0.02–2.19), 0.43 (0.08–2.65), 0.31 (0.04–2.12) mmol/mmol creatinine, respectively, P = 0.005), citrate (0.42 (0.13–0.72), 0.33 (0.05–0.84), 0.61 (0.11–1.75) mmol/mmol creatinine, P = 0.001), calcium:citrate ratio (1.68 (0.19–4.81), 1.30 (0.19–9.57), 0.54 (0.10–2.27) mmol/mmol, P < 0.0001) and the promoter:inhibitor ratio (calcium × oxalate)/(citrate × GAGs) (8.3 (1.0–82.5), 4.3 (1.2–69.5), 2.8 (0.3–13.2) mmol/g, P < 0.0001). Conclusions Scottish paediatric stone-formers had lower urinary citrate excretion and higher urinary calcium excretion, calcium:citrate ratio and promoter:inhibitor ratio compared with controls. Urinary calcium excretion and promoter:inhibitor ratio was also higher than children with isolated haematuria. Nevertheless, marked overlap between the stone-former and haematuria groups for promoter:inhibitor and calcium:citrate ratios suggests that some patients with isolated haematuria may be at future risk of urolithiasis.
Imprecision of tumour biomarker measurements on Roche Modular E170 platform fulfills desirable goals derived from biological variation
Authors: Dolci Alberto , Scapellato Luisa , Mozzi Roberta , Panteghini Mauro 
Published: February 2010

Background Monitoring of test imprecision is one of the most important quality indicators in clinical laboratories. Imprecision goals should be derived from biological variation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the imprecision of eight tumour biomarker assays routinely measured on the Modular E170 system. Methods Method coefficient of variations (CVs) were obtained by an appropriate Internal Quality Control programme based on the measurement every working day of a fresh–frozen human serum pool with biomarkers concentrations around the clinical cut-offs. We evaluated data collected along the whole year 2008 ( n range: 21–461); monthly CVs and their cumulative means were calculated and compared with corresponding goals. Results Biomarkers concentration means and average yearly CVs (desirable goals in parentheses) were as follows: α-fetoprotein, 9.6 μg/L, 3.9% (6.0%); CA125, 41.2 U/L, 2.8% (12.4%); CA15.3, 32.7 U/L, 3.1% (3.1%); CA19.9, 35.1 U/L, 2.8% (8.0%); CEA, 7.7 μg/L, 4.3% (6.4%); prostate-specific antigen (PSA), 4.1 μg/L, 4.3% (9.1%); CYFRA 21.1, 2.4 μg/L, 5.7% (11.3%); and ferritin, 64.5 μg/L, 4.0% (7.1%). Conclusions Our study shows that in routine laboratory practice and over a clinically and analytically relevant time-span, the imprecision of the tumour biomarker measurements on the Roche Modular E170 fulfills desirable goals. For four assays (CA125, CA19.9, PSA and CYFRA 21.1) the optimum CV can even be achieved.
Effect of transport temperature on the Scantibodies total intact parathyroid hormone immunoradiometric assay using the RIAMAT-280
Authors: Plancha-Mansanet Ma Carmen , Félix-Fontestad Jesús , Caballero-Calabuig Elisa , Reyes-Ojeda Ma Dolores , Abreu-Sánchez Pedro , Sopena-Novales Pablo , Martínez-Sanchís Begoña 
Published: February 2010

Background Inadequate temperature affects the stability of intact parathyroid hormone (i-PTH) kits. Room temperature during transport modifies i-PTH results. Method Percent bound (%B/Bmax) and concentrations (pmol/L) of standards, controls (C1, C2) and pool from eight standard curves were divided into: group I (three curves from kits kept at room temperature for more than 48 h) and group II (five curves from kits kept at 2–8°C) during transport. i-PTH was measured using Scantibodies total i-PTH assay with RIAMAT-280. Results %B/Bmax for standards, C1 and C2 were significantly higher in group I versus II ( P = 0.04). %B/Bmax for the pool were significantly lower in group I ( P = 0.001). i-PTH pool concentration in group I was 51% lower (95% confidence interval, 47–53%, P = 0.001); differences were not significant for C1 ( P = 0.25) and C2 ( P = 0.57) in both groups. Conclusion Room temperature on i-PTH kit during transport alters the standard curve, resulting in a decrease in i-PTH. Using a pool as internal quality control allows the detection of these changes not detected by kit controls.
Automated assay for determining cellular cholesterol using a random access chemistry analyser
Authors: Tada Satoshi , Kitanaka Akira , Kubota Yoshitsugu , Ito Mitsuru , Taminato Tomohiko 
Published: February 2010

Background We have previously reported an ultrasensitive fluorometric assay for measuring cellular cholesterol. Although this technique is reliable, the use of the assay has limitations due to the requirement for special equipment. It is therefore difficult to apply this assay for the routine determination of cellular cholesterol. Methods A colorimetric assay to measure cellular cholesterol was established that utilizes reagents widely used for the measurement of cholesterol in blood samples in conjunction with a random access chemistry analyser ARCHITECT c8000 that is also common in clinical laboratories. Results This colorimetric assay showed excellent linearity and recovery. The within-run coefficients of variation were less than 2.5%. The sensitivity of this method, with its detection limit of 1.29 μmol/L, was found to be superior to that of the fluorometric assay we have developed previously. In platelets obtained from patients with diabetes, both the free cholesterol and cholesterol ester content were significantly increased. Conclusions Using this technique, measurement of cellular cholesterol could be performed routinely without the requirement for special reagents and equipment.
Pathologic Findings in Novel Influenza A (H1N1) Virus (“Swine Flu”) Infection
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Sanjay , Philip Abraham T. , Stoppacher Robert 
Published: February 2010

Abstract
Although novel influenza A (H1N1) virus infection has assumed pandemic proportions, there are few reports of the pathologic findings. Herein we describe the pathologic findings of novel influenza A (H1N1) infection based on findings in 2 autopsy cases. The first patient, a 36-year-old man, had flu-like symptoms; oseltamivir (Tamiflu) therapy was started 8 days after onset of symptoms, and he died on day 15 of his illness. At autopsy, the main finding was diffuse alveolar damage with extensive fresh intra-alveolar hemorrhage. The second patient, a 46-year-old woman with alcoholism, was found unresponsive in a basement and brought to the hospital intoxicated and confused. Her condition deteriorated rapidly, and she died 4 days after admission. The main autopsy finding was acute bronchopneumonia with gram-positive cocci, intermixed with diffuse alveolar damage. The pathologic findings in these contrasting cases of novel influenza A (H1N1) infection are similar to those previously described for seasonal influenza. The main pathologic abnormality in fatal cases is diffuse alveolar damage, but it may be overshadowed by an acute bacterial bronchopneumonia.
Interaction of dissolved and colloidal material during the mixing of different pulps
Authors: Monte M. Concepcion , MacNeil Donald , Negro Carlos , Blanco Angeles 
Published: February 2010

AbstractMixtures of stickies-containing and stickies-free pulps were investigated for their deposition potential in an attempt to better understand the interactions of dissolved and colloidal material (DCM) when mixing two different pulps. The filtered pulp mixtures were tested in a deposition apparatus which measures both the dynamic fluid as well as impact deposition by an established optical scanning method. A pulp filtrate of model stickies led to deposition according to the proportion of stickies-containing pulp in the mixture. Other mixtures of pulps, however, led to deposition that differed from the predicted value. It is theorised that pulp fibres present in the mixture could adsorb the polysaccharides that would otherwise keep the colloidal system electrostatically stable. This destabilisation was most prominent at lower proportions of the stickies-free pulp suspensions used for mixing. These results show that care must be taken when mixing different pulps for paper and board production, as even a small amount of replacement pulp can lead to destabilisation of DCM and formation of deposits. Furthermore, special care must be taken when mixtures of pulps are used to validate stickies measurements.
Growth of ZnO nanofilms on wood with improved photostability
Authors: Yu Yan , Jiang Zehui , Wang Ge , Song Ye 
Published: February 2010

Abstract
A major drawback of wood in outdoor exposure is photodegradation of the surface. Nano zinc oxide (ZnO) has been reported to provide enhanced stability of wood against UV degradation. In this study, the formation of ZnO nanostructures on the surface of solid wood was achieved via a simple two-step process consisting of generation of ZnO seeds on the wood surface followed by a solution treatment to promote crystal growth. The morphology and chemical composition of the ZnO films was studied by field-emission scanning electron microscopy combined with energy dispersive X-ray and X-ray diffraction. Accelerated weathering was used to evaluate the photostability of treated wood. The morphology of ZnO nanofilm was dependent on the exposure time in the ZnO seeding solution. Greatly enhanced photostability was achieved with treated wood. UV stability was partially dependent on crystal morphology. This two-step method could probably also be employed to treat other biomaterials with rough surfaces such as bamboo.
Termite-resistant heartwood. Effect of antioxidants on termite feeding deterrence and mortality
Authors: Little Nathan S. , Schultz Tor P. , Nicholas Darrel D. 
Published: February 2010

Abstract
Biocides currently employed to prevent termite damage face environmental and toxicity concerns. We recently proposed that heartwood which is naturally resistant to termites might be due to the extractives having both toxicity and antioxidant properties and we reported that the artificial and benign antioxidant butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) had termite feeding deterrence and toxicity properties. Here, we investigate other antioxidants, both natural and synthetic, and analogs which lack antioxidant properties, on Reticulitermes flavipes Kollar. Laboratory no-choice tests according to AWPA Standard E1 were performed. Antioxidants that are benign to humans had feeding deterrence and mortality properties to R. flavipes. Conversely, the non-antioxidant analogs, with the exception of the heterocyclic flavanone which was previously shown to be active against decay fungi, had little effect on R. flavipes. We conclude that R. flavipes avoids wood which contain high levels of antioxidants, such as heartwood with phenolic extractives.
Automated measurement of vessel properties in birch and poplar wood
Authors: Chen Fang Fiona , Evans Robert 
Published: February 2010

Abstract
A method is proposed for the automated quantitative analysis of vessel characteristics in birch and poplar species. The method combines image-processing techniques with robust statistical approaches for automatically identifying vessels from digital microscopy images obtained by transmitted red light. The proposed method has been tested over a wide range of birch and poplar samples from different growth environments. Performance of the automatic vessel identification routine was assessed using results obtained by manual counting. The automated method produced fast and reliable vessel measurements and was robust to variations within and between samples. The approach has been merged into the wood property measurement system SilviScan as a core component of the hardwood analysis set for research and commercial use.
Increased circulating adiponectin levels and decreased leptin/soluble leptin receptor ratio throughout puberty in female ballet dancers: association with body composition and the delay in puberty
Authors: Donoso M A , Muñoz-Calvo M T , Barrios V , Garrido G , Hawkins F , Argente J 
Published: February 2010

IntroductionBallet dancers (BDs) have a negative energy balance related to physical training that results in alterations in body composition, sexual development, and adipokine secretion. Our aims were to study anthropometric parameters, body composition, and their relationship with adipokines throughout pubertal development.Subjects and methodsWe carried out a prospective follow-up study of 22 female Caucasian BDs (Tanner II stage) followed throughout puberty. Nutritional status was determined by measurement of height, weight, and body mass index (BMI). We calculated growth velocity, bone maturity, and body composition at Tanner stages II, III, and V by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Circulating leptin, adiponectin, and soluble leptin receptor (sObR) levels were determined.ResultsBDs presented a delay in skeletal maturation during puberty, without affectation of final height. Energy intake was deficient according to their physical exercise, and they had a delay of 1 year in the mean age of menarche. Leptin levels were decreased, whereas sObR and adiponectin levels were increased throughout puberty. The percentage of trunk fat, total fat mass, and fat of the extremities was decreased throughout the study period (P<0.01). Lean mass was increased in the lower extremities, and bone mineral density was normal.ConclusionA negative energy balance together with maintained physical exercise induced modifications in body composition in BDs. Changes in leptin and adiponectin levels appear to be more related to total fat content than to BMI. Furthermore, the onset and delayed progress of puberty may be related with an inadequate energy balance due to increased exercise.
Acromegaly per se does not increase the risk for coronary artery disease
Authors: Akutsu Hiroyoshi , Kreutzer Jürgen , Wasmeier Gerald , Ropers Dieter , Rost Christian , Möhlig Matthias , Wallaschofski Henri , Buchfelder Michael , Schöfl Christof 
Published: February 2010

ContextInformation about the risk and course of coronary artery disease (CAD) in acromegaly is limited.ObjectiveTo evaluate CAD risk in acromegalic patients at diagnosis and after successful treatment during follow-up.Subjects and methodsTwenty-five consecutive patients (age 45.1±10.6 years, 15 women) were studied at the time of diagnosis, and 19 patients were re-evaluated after 4.6±1.1 years. The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) risk score was calculated, and a cardiac computed tomography was performed for detection and quantification (Agatston score (AS)) of coronary artery calcium (CACs). Fifty age-, sex-, and CAD risk-matched subjects and CAC data from the population-based Heinz Nixdorf Recall (HNR) study served as controls.ResultsIn 21 of the 25 patients, the 10-year risk of developing CAD according to the ESC risk score was low (<10%) and high (>20%) in four patients. The AS was lower than in controls (2.6±7.9 vs 66±182;P=0.014) and less patients had a positive CAC (AS>0) (20 vs 48%,P=0.024), which in the acromegalic patients was less than expected from the HNR study. The AS did not correlate with GH excess or disease duration. In 19 acromegalic patients, who were in remission and re-evaluated after 4.6±1.1 years, the ESC risk (P=0.102) and the AS (P=0.173) did not change significantly and no symptomatic CAD event occurred.ConclusionCAD risk in newly diagnosed acromegalic patients was low and remained stable after successful treatment. CAC was lower than in controls suggesting that GH excessper sedoes not carry an additional CAD risk.
Models to predict changes in serum IGF1 and body composition in response to GH replacement therapy in GH-deficient adults
Authors: Barbosa Edna J L , Koranyi Josef , Filipsson Helena , Bengtsson Bengt-Åke , Boguszewski Cesar Luiz , Johannsson Gudmundur 
Published: February 2010

ObjectiveClinical response to GH therapy in GH-deficient (GHD) adults varies widely. Good predictors of treatment response are lacking. The aim of the study was to develop mathematical models to predict changes in serum IGF1 and body composition (BC) in response to GH therapy in GHD adults.Design and methodsOne hundred and sixty-seven GHD patients (103 men, median age 50 years) were studied before and after 12 months of GH treatment. GH dose was tailored according to serum IGF1 concentrations. Good responders (GR) and poor responders (PR) to GH therapy were defined as patients with a response >60th and <40th percentile respectively, for changes in serum IGF1 levels (adjusted for GH cumulative dose) and in BC (lean body mass (LBM) and body fat determined using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry). A logistic regression model was used to predict the probability of being a GR or PR.ResultsIn the IGF1 prediction model, men (odds ratio (OR) 5.62: 95% confidence interval 2.59–12.18) and patients with higher insulin levels (OR 1.06: 1.00–1.12) were more likely to be GR. The accuracy of the prediction model was 70%. In the BC model, men (OR 10.72: 1.36–84.18) and GHD patients with lower LBM (OR 0.82: 0.73–0.92) and greater height (OR 1.23: 1.08–1.40) at baseline were more likely to be GR. The accuracy of the prediction model was 80%.ConclusionAccurate mathematical models to predict GH responsiveness in GHD adults were developed using gender, body height, baseline LBM, and serum insulin levels as the major clinical predictors.
Limited-Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer: Current Chemoradiotherapy Treatment Paradigms
Authors: Stinchcombe Thomas E. , Gore Elizabeth M. 
Published: February 2010

Abstract
In the U.S., the prevalence of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is declining, probably reflecting the decreasing prevalence of tobacco use. However, a significant number of patients will receive a diagnosis of SCLC, and approximately 40% of patients with SCLC will have limited-stage (LS) disease, which is potentially curable with the combination of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The standard therapy for LS-SCLC is concurrent chemoradiotherapy, and the 5-year survival rate observed in clinical trials is approximately 25%. The standard chemotherapy remains cisplatin and etoposide, but carboplatin is frequently used in patients who cannot tolerate or have a contraindication to cisplatin. Substantial improvements in survival have been made through improvements in radiation therapy. Concurrent chemoradiotherapy is the preferred therapy for patients who are appropriate candidates. The optimal timing of concurrent chemoradiotherapy is during the first or second cycle, based on data from meta-analyses. The optimal radiation schedule and dose remain topics of debate, but 1.5 Gy twice daily to a total of 45 Gy and 1.8–2.0 Gy daily to a total dose of 60–70 Gy are commonly used treatments. For patients who obtain a near complete or complete response, prophylactic cranial radiation reduces the incidence of brain metastases and improves overall survival. The ongoing Radiation Therapy Oncology Group and Cancer and Leukemia Group B and the European and Canadian phase III trials will investigate different radiation treatment paradigms for patients with LS-SCLC, and completion of these trials is critical.